The wildfire burning north of Shelton (known as the Powerline 2 Fire) is 70% contained. That was the word from officials during a public meeting on the blaze Saturday night at the Mason County PUD No. 3 building. Deputy Incident Commander Bob Albee:
Incident Commander Dave Lafave explained why the fire grew as it did.
Lafave went on to recognize all the firefighters who responded and initially contained the blaze that started about 2:30 PM Thursday.
Lafave told the 80 or so people who attended the meeting that is has been a long summer, the fire season is NOT over and more fires are likely.
Officials also asked residents to help by being careful with any flame, report fires immediately, and stay away from the fire scene. Residents can also make there homes fire wise by checking out www.firewise.org.
There are currently 201 total personnel working the Powerline 2 Fire with four 20-person crews, 35 engines, one dozer, two water tenders and two available helicopters. Again, the fire is 229 acres in size and 70% contained. Cause is still under investigation.
Mason County has declared a health emergency because of the smoke from the Powerline 2 Fire. Masks are available at Mason General Hospital and at the County’s Department of Health and Human Services. Smoke from the fire will lessen each day as fire activity reduces.