Grass fire burns Swinomish field Saturday

Looking through Gilkey Square at 3:20 p.m. Saturday, it seemed a boat was on fire. Tourists and locals gathering at the boardwalk railing saw a brush – more properly, a grass – fire just west of the west side Swinomish Channel shoreline.

Fire District 13 duty officers submitted this summary:

“Battalion 13 and Brush 1314 (were) dispatched to a 30 foot by 30 foot brush fire on Front Street. Batt 13 arrived on scene to find Swinomish PD and civilians trying to contain the fire. B13 gave short report and made Front Street command.

“By the time the report was given the wind had shifted from going east to the wind spreading it rapidly to the north. Fire started at 30 x 30 when arrived.

“Wind shifted the fire to about 100 x 50 with 9 ft flames. At this time command asked to tone out Tender 1326 and DNR (Department of Natural Resources). 1314 arrived on scene (and) had them do a progressive hose lay toward the left flank.

“After getting an initial knock down on the left flank we used the booster line on the right flank. 1326 arrived on scene and command had them hook up to 1314 for replenishing their water supply. Fire was knocked down within 20 min(ute)s and overhaul started. DNR showed up and took over overhaul. D13 clear and available.”