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State Fire Mobilization Authorized for the Road Nine Fire

August 11, 2024

Douglas 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 Road Nine Fire located in Douglas County, near the town of Coulee City. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on August 10, 2024, at 11:45 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Tyler Caille, Douglas County Fire District 5.

The Road Nine Fire started on August 10, 2024, at approximately 7:07 p.m. This fire is estimated at 1,500 acres and growing. It is burning in sage and grass and is threatening homes, crops, and historic buildings. Level 2 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance for the Road Nine Fire. Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered two strike teams to help aid in containment efforts. State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are 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:  http://www.wsp.wa.gov/all-risk-mobilization/.

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Release sent by Deputy State Fire Marshal Damon Roberson