Olympia, Washington – Fire Breaks Out in Encampment at Wheeler Avenue Southeast

Olympia, Washington (October 31, 2019)  – A fire broke out in a homeless camp on the 1400 block of Wheeler Avenue on Thursday morning. Fortunately no injuries were reported in the incident.

The fire broke out just before 6 a.m., with the blaze reported by a Tumwater firefighter who had seen the flames while driving on the Interstate 5.  When Olympia firefighters arrive do the scene they found extensive flames burnign the camp, but the fire was reported to have been extinguished quickly. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but a statement from the Assistant Fire Chief said that the fire did not appear to have been intentionally set.

About Fire

Washington counts as the 5th state most prone to wildfire from 2017 wildfire risk analysis, and ranks 8th in a 2018 study by number of fires that happened. The US Fire Administration has recorded 15 home fire fatalities this year within Washington, showing the destruction fire is capable of doing. Even within city areas, one must be wary of fires that can happen near residential areas.

If your home is near an area with risk of brush fire, there are few safety reminders to keep in mind. Homeowners are urged to complete their spring cleaning, and to create a defensible space around the home by clearing trees and brush. Additionally, the limbs of trees should be cut to at least 15 feet off the ground. Any object that send out fires should be handled with absolute care. Common objects such as lit matches and cigarette butts can also easily cause a fire within dry brush. Should fire be used in an outdoor space, one must assess the surroundings to make sure fire would not have a possibility to spread out. While the fire is burning, it is imperative that it must be attended to and ensure that the blaze does not go out of control. Finally, before leaving an area where fire was used, one must ensure that any fires must be extinguished completely. Preventing brush fires from happening is everyone’s responsibility, and careful use of fire can ensure the safety of not only one’s self, but hundreds of others.

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