Small wildland blaze hints at season ahead

JOYCE — A wildland fire charred about half an acre of brushy woods near Joyce on Thursday, leaving fire officials there leery of the upcoming fire season.

The fire was contained within two hours, but firefighters were expected to work well into the evening putting out hot spots.

No structures were damaged and no one was injured in the fire, but an abandoned car was charred.

Firefighters from Clallam County Fire District No. 4 were called to 208 Markuson Road shortly after 2 p.m., and additional help from Fire District No. 2 was requested soon after.

A total of 18 firefighters from both districts fought flames and scattered across nearly 80 yards in a shallow gully.

A fire crew from the state Department of Natural Resources assisted in the final mop-up.

District No. 4 Fire Chief Jim Johnson said the remote location — about one-fourth mile down a steep and narrow private driveway — made it difficult to bring equipment and resources to the location.

“Every bit of water here has to be trucked in,” he said.

“The nearest hydrant is about 1 ½ miles away.”

The cause of the fire was still under investigation, he said.

Although a damp spring has left the landscape still looking green and lush, the recent seasonal dry spell hides the potential for fire.

The fire danger across much of the North Olympic Peninsula is rated as “moderate,” with the annual summer burn ban in effect.

“The cautionary tale is to have people to please be careful,” Johnson said.

“A fire can get out of hand really fast.

“We have a tremendous amount of fuel around here and it can become really dangerous.”

More in News

From left, Mercedes Sunshine Shimko and Hudson Soelter.
Club grows local scholarships

The Port Angeles Garden Club awarded five area students… Continue reading

Ian Mason of Edgewood, an employee of Titan Earthworks, hammers a brick paver into place at the corner of First and Oak streets in downtown Port Angeles on Wednesday as part of a project to replace and repair sidewalks and curbs across the city. Included are the installation of improved wheelchair ramps, replacement of overgrown trees and numerous street corner repairs. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Sidewalk repairs

Ian Mason of Edgewood, an employee of Titan Earthworks, hammers a brick… Continue reading

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe members gather by the Elwha River to hold a ceremony in support of a petition to protect forests in the Elwha River Watershed. (John Gussman)
Groups advocate for timber cancellation

Water, environment center of concerns

Jefferson hears possible floodplains changes

New development standards, compliance and enforcement in updated code

Crews to trim tree limbs in Blyn

Maintenance workers from the state Department of Transportation will be… Continue reading

EYE ON BUSINESS: This week’s meetings

Meetings on Wednesdays at the student-run… Continue reading

Election security measures in place

Fire suppressant just one example

Ruby Speer, 3, of Port Angeles receives a treat from KaraLee Monroe of Kindred Collective as part of Thursday’s Halloween festivities in downtown Port Angeles. Hundreds of youngsters and adults made their way door-to-door in search of candy and other treasures. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Trick or treat in Port Angeles

Ruby Speer, 3, of Port Angeles receives a treat from KaraLee Monroe… Continue reading

Karen Huber, sister of Nash Huber, the owner of Nash’s Organic Produce, stands by large crates that hold various seeds that Nash sells to farmers. She said she’s mitigated alleged violations and concerns from property owner, Washington Land Trust, but the longtime farmer faces eviction from the property if he doesn’t comply with ending his lease agreement that goes through 2032. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Washington Farmland Trust could evict Dungeness farmer

Nash Huber helped preserve Delta Farm in 1999

Amy Seidewand chair making. (Lacey Carnahan)
Port Townsend Woodworkers Show ready for the weekend

Event dedicated to memory of woodworking pillar

Two ghosts dangle from a tree in the breeze in the 200 block of West 10th street in Port Angeles. Halloween events are scheduled today throughout the North Olympic Peninsula. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Ghostly visions

Two ghosts dangle from a tree in the breeze in the 200… Continue reading