Ephrata-- Fire District 13 responded to a mutual aid request from Grant County Fire District 7 (Lakeview) for assistance with a large wind driven wildland fire reported on Sunday at about 9 AM.  Other agencies from around the area also assisted as the "Willow Lakes Fire" grew rapidly from the 15 to 20 mph winds.  The fire grew to about 3,600 acres and the state mobilization process was initiated to call on crews from around the state to help fight the fire.  In addition a firefighting airplane and a Department of Natural Resources Helitack Cobra Helicopter were called in to assist.  One house and several outbuildings were damaged in the fire and crews are still working to gain containment on the fire.

Fire District 13 has also provided two type 6 engines to a call for a state mobilization for resources to help fight the stubborn Badger Mountain Fire north of East Wenatchee.  The two fire engines from District 13 responded to this Douglass County fire on Wednesday July 9th and are still helping in the attempt to contain the 14,000 fire.  The steep terrain and high winds have hampered the efforts.  A red flag warning has been issued again today (7-14-08) for high winds in the Columbia Basin.

Residents may wonder how District 13 continues to protect our district at home while we assist with fires around the state.  A well structured mutual aid agreement with neighboring fire districts as well as not over committing to many resources to other fires means the district will be covered for fire responses at home.  "We are in a unique time right now at district 13 where we have more firefighters than trucks," said Chief Shane Heston about the committed volunteers at District 13.  Those volunteers are also close to finishing the construction of a new 6x6 wildland firefighting vehicle that will assist with such fires.  A second 6x6 firefighting vehicle is also under construction. 

For information on the Willow Lakes fire go to: http://www.krem.com/topstories/stories/krem2_071308_moseslakefire.51662ef4.html

For information on all fires burning in Washington and around the US visit the following websites: www.inciweb.org, www.nifc.gov and www.nwccweb.us

Photos of the Willow Lakes Fire (photos courtesy of Alain Black)