Fire Mobilization Authorized for the Douglas County Complex Fire

State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Douglas County Complex Fire located near Mansfield in Douglas County.  Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 15, 2012, at the request of Douglas County Fire District # 5.

The complex consist of two fires;

Road A Fire - started approximately 1:52 p.m. on July 15, 2012 and is burning in grass, sage and standing wheat 3 miles SW of Mansfield.  The cause of the fire is unknown.  The fire has grown to an estimated 2,000 acres.  There are approximately 3 residences threatened by the fire with evacuations in place.  Approximately 6 people were evacuated from the area.

McNeil Canyon Fire – started approximately 2:43 p.m. on July 15, 2012 and is burning in grass and sage 15 miles NW of Mansfield by Beebe Bridge.  The cause of the fire is unknown.  The fire is approximately 75 acres.  There are approximately 25 homes threatened with no evacuations at this time.

Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered five strike teams, and a Type 3 Incident Management Team to supplement the resources already fighting the fire.  The incident command post will be at the Mansfield High School.

The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at Camp Murray has been activated to Phase II, to coordinate state assistance for the Douglas County Complex Fire.  Personnel from the Office of the State Fire Marshal will be on scene to coordinate dispatch of resources, and other personnel will staff the State EOC.

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 incident.  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://wsp.wa.gov/fire/mobeplan/emobplan.htm

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Bill Slosson

Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal

Professional Development & Response

Preparedness Division

WSP - Fire Protection Bureau