What went right: How first responders quickly tackled a Lakewood brushfire that foreced evacuations
LAKEWOOD, Wash. - Dry, hot conditions made it easy for a brush fire to take off in Lakewood on Wednesday, forcing evacuations of several neighborhoods. Crews were able to get the upper hand, saving homes and lives in the process.
Police went door-to-door to evacuate residents as the fire tore through Fort Steilacoom Park while firefighters attacked the flames from both the ground and the air.
"That was the first time in my career I’ve called for a helicopter, but it was instrumental for us," said Scott Kelly, the West Pierce Fire & Rescue assistant chief.
The Washington Department of Natural Resources just expanded its fleet a year ago, buying the helicopter in from Olympia.
Evacuations lifted as crews contain Lakewood brush fire
Crews were battling a three-alarm brush fire that flared up in Lakewood Wednesday afternoon.
Kelly said his crew recognized the size and threat right away and began calling for help.
"So they’re cutting lines and turning over the soil to make sure that fire is completely out, especially in those areas that border those neighborhoods – that’s our first priority," Kelly said.
On the mind of many firefighters was one that occurred in Lakewood earlier this month, where two people were killed when a brush fire raged through a mobile home park. Multiple homes were completely destroyed.