Fire burns over 180 acres in Grant County

WILSON CREEK — State fire assistance has been activated under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan to support local firefighters in containing the Road R Fire in Grant County, near Wilson Creek.

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization on Thursday, July 18, at 7:00 p.m., following a request from Fire Chief Scott Mortimer of Grant County Fire District 12.

The Road R Fire started on Thursday, July 18, at approximately 3:00 p.m. and has burned an estimated 180 acres.

Reports say it is burning through sagebrush and threatening crops, power lines and homes.

No evacuations have been ordered at this time, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray has been activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance for the Road R Fire.

Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have requested air resources and six wildland engines.

Personnel from the State Fire Marshal’s Office are working remotely to manage the dispatch of resources.

Under the State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan, the Fire Protection Bureau oversees the initial dispatch and ongoing administrative management of resources and personnel throughout the mobilization.

This plan facilitates the rapid notification, assembly, and deployment of fire service personnel, equipment, and other resources from across the state when local jurisdictions are overwhelmed by fires, disasters, or other events.