Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886
Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886
Cause of the fire remains unknown
The McEwan Fire is seen in this aerial photo taken on July 4.
The McEwan Fire that ignited July 4 near East McEwan Prairie Road is still burning, but has been moved to "patrol status" by the state Department of Natural Resources as of Monday, according to Central Mason Fire & EMS.
According to the CMFE Facebook page, DNR will continue to monitor the fire to ensure the fire remains inactive and within its footprint. People might continue to see fire crews coming and going from the fire area during that time.
It will remain in patrol status until a "season-ending event" occurs in the late fall or early winter. According to CMFE Executive Secretary Norma Brock, a season-ending event is defined as rain in sufficient quantity, both amount and duration, to eliminate fire danger.
"Central Mason has jurisdiction over improved properties in our area (improvements such as buildings, homes, improved yards, agricultural). DNR has jurisdiction over unimproved lands (vegetation, brush)," Brock told the Journal in an email. "When we have mutual threats to both improved and unimproved lands, we collaborate our efforts through a mutual agreement and work together to protect the threats. The McEwan Fire was threatening both improved and unimproved lands to both Central Mason and DNR collaborated efforts to stop the fire and protect further damages. Most of the land is unimproved with falls under DNR's jurisdiction. Since our citizens have a high interest in this event, we remain engaged and aware of the progress on the McEwan Fire."
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Brock told the Journal that DNR is the lead agency in the investigation of a cause.
"Investigations such as these can take weeks or even months to complete. Currently, the fire remains under investigation," Brock wrote.
CMFE will not assist in the monitoring or patrol but will be responding to 911 calls regarding the area. Crews will be available if DNR needs assistance.
Brock said CMFE and DNR are proud of the response to the McEwan Fire.
"This was a fast-moving fire on a hot and dry summer day with winds blowing from the northeast. Crews worked together to slow and eventually stop the fire ultimately avoiding damage, loss, or injury," Brock wrote. "Central Mason and the local DNR unit, South Puget, have been building a strong working relationship for the last 20 years as wildfire has become more prevalent in our area. Wildfire response is a complex system of agencies cooperating to develop shared objectives for a positive outcome for the public."
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