Pierce County Fire Crews Face Record-High Temps, Few Resources

BONNEY LAKE, WA — Fire crews reported a relatively quiet night in Pierce County, as some residents have been allowed back in their homes while others await word on whether record-high temperature forecasts are cause for concern.

Crews worked through the night Wednesday into Thursday to maintain containment on the Sumner Grade Fire, which remains at 20 percent with an estimated 800 acres burned in the Bonney Lake and Sumner area.

Resources to fight the fire are extremely low, according to the East Pierce Fire department.

"We struggle to obtain the proper equipment and resources for this fire," the department wrote on Twitter Thursday morning. "We are making do with what we have."

Related: Poor Air Quality From Fires Could Hit 'Unhealthy' Levels Friday

The department said it hopes to have an aerial map of the burn area to share on Thursday to help fire crews and community members get a more accurate perspective of what they are working with.

Donations for those who have been affected by the fire can be made through the Red Cross.

As of 7 a.m., there have been no changes to the evacuation zone or level, according to Bonney Lake Police. The evacuation area remains at Level 3, which means "go now." Residents who border the evacuation are advised to have their things ready to go in the event the fire spreads and they need to evacuate. Police advise residents who are a half mile from the evacuation area border to consider themselves at a Level 2. SR410 remains closed between Sumner (166th Ave) and Bonney Lake (Veterans Memorial).

Thursday morning, the Department of Transportation advised the SR 410 is likely to remain closed into next week, due to trees and power lines in the road, as well as softball-sized rocks that are falling in the area.

Overnight, fire crews responded to a brush fire in the field behind the Target at the 192000 block of Old Buckley Highway East. Home were evacuated in the three-block radius and all businesses on either side of 192nd Ave E. were evacuated.

Elsewhere, firefighters continue to monitor the fire in Graham that decimated several homes earlier in the week. As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, the Level 3 evacuation order for residents will be lifted.

"Firefighters have worked tirelessly to get our community back into their homes," Graham Fire & Rescue posted on Twitter. "Please use extreme caution while you are driving in the area as firefighters will be working."

Wednesday afternoon, Graham Fire & Rescue investigators determined the Graham fire was started by a tree falling on power lines late Monday. In total, they said the fire destroyed five homes and ten outbuildings.

Residents with questions can contact the Pierce County Department of Emergency Management at (253) 798-1571. Residents can also sign up for text alerts by texting PCALERT to 888777.

Those who have been evacuated and need shelter can call the Red Cross at (571)595-7723.

Thursday afternoon, Washington State Police arrested a person for lighting grass in the area of State Routes 512 and 7. After a short foot chase, police said they had one person in custody.

C. Davis Texas BBQ's food truck was at Sumner High School on Thursday to feed those affected by the fires and first responders for free. Students at Sumner High also prepared meals to help support evacuees.

School has been canceled for the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District for the rest of the week due to the fires.

"As we continue to face the unfortunate impacts of multiple fires in our area with associated evacuations, power outages and no internet access, we also face the subsequent reality of not being able to – equitably – begin school in a distance learning format," the school district said in an announcement on its website.

Related: School Canceled This Week For Sumner-Bonney Lake Due To Fires

Beyond evacuations, other lingering issues remain. The National Weather Service in Seattle announced record-high temperatures over the interior of the state Thursday.

"Critical fire weather conditions continue," the NWS Seattle said on Twitter. "Be safe out there!"

The Central Pierce Fire & Rescue department on Thursday advised residents to check on family members and neighbors due to the extreme weather conditions. During record temperatures, residents are advised to find air conditioning, avoid strenuous activities, wear light clothing, drink plenty of fluids and never leave an child, adult or animal alone inside a vehicle.

Related:

• School Canceled This Week For Sumner-Bonney Lake Due To Fires
• Western Washington Forecast: 'Hot, Dry, and Smoky'
• Washington Air Quality Forecast: Smoke Lingers For Another Day
• Poor Air Quality From Fires Could Hit 'Unhealthy' Levels Friday
• State Route 410 To Remain Closed Through Next Week Due To Fires

These wildfires are still active and conditions are expected to change. Patch will update this page when they do.