MOUNTLAKE TERRACE
Fire crews struggled to control a fire that engulfed the small island in the middle of Lake Ballinger July 29.
A helicopter dumped water on the island, sending plumes of smoke south toward Edmonds and Shoreline, Snohomish County Fire District 1 spokeswoman Leslie Hynes said.
The three-acre island, about 300 by 100 feet, is a peat bog. The fire traveled underground and ignited trees and brush. Damage was isolated to the ground and foliage. No structures are located on the island, which is owned by the city of Mountlake Terrace.
Fire crews first were called to the island about 5 a.m. Wednesday, Hynes said. They had to return later that morning, when the fire began smoldering, and again at about 6:30 p.m. This time, flames were torching trees 25 feet tall.
“Fires travel underground in the peat, making them difficult to predict and extinguish completely,” she said.
Firefighters used floating pumps to fight the flames earlier in the day, Hynes said. The fire was so big this time that officials decided to call for a helicopter. As fire fighting operations continue, departments from rural Snohomish County with wildland fire fighting experience are providing assistance.
Fires can smolder in the peat for long periods of time.
“In the past they had fires out there that smoldered on and off for weeks,” Hynes said. “Our major concern has been the smoke and the impact it’s having on the community. We are definitely making progress,” said Hynes. “Firefighters have just a few hot spots to mop up.”
The fire was sparked by an illegal fire at a make-shift camp site.
As crews continue work on the island, boaters and swimmers are cautioned to stay away. “It’s a dangerous place to be, even for firefighters in protective gear,” Hynes said. One firefighter has been injured while fighting the fire. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center, where he was treated and released.
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