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State Fire Mobilization Authorized for the Rest Haven Fire

July 2, 2023

Yakima County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Rest Haven Fire located in Yakima County, near the town of Selah.  Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 2, 2023, at 3:45 p.m. at the request of Deputy Fire Chief Mickey Gillie, Yakima County Fire District 2.

The Rest Haven Fire started on July 2, 2023, at approximately 1:35 p.m.  This fire is estimated at 400 acres and growing.  It is burning in brush, grass, and old growth and is threatening homes, Pacific Power trunk lines, and 911 communication towers.  Levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.  The fire cause is currently under investigation.

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray remains activated at Level 3 to help coordinate state assistance for the Rest Haven Fire.  Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered air resources only at this time.  State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel will be working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.

Under the State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan, the Fire Protection Bureau coordinates the initial dispatch and continued administrative oversight of resources and personnel for the duration of the mobilization.  The Mobilization Plan is implemented to provide a process to quickly notify, assemble and deploy fire service personnel, equipment and other resources from around the state when fires, disasters or other events exceed the capacity of local jurisdictions.  More information about the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan is available at:  https://wsp.wa.gov/all-risk-mobilization/.

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