Southwest Washington Incident Management, Makah Indian Tribe, Washington Department of Natural Resources, and Bureau of Indian Affairs are working in a coordinated effort on the Neah Bay 200 Line Fire. Over one hundred personnel are working on the fire, which include several brush engines, water tenders, firefighters, and other resources.

Southwest Washington Incident Management, Makah Indian Tribe, Washington Department of Natural Resources, and Bureau of Indian Affairs are working in a coordinated effort on the Neah Bay 200 Line Fire. Over one hundred personnel are working on the fire, which include several brush engines, water tenders, firefighters, and other resources.

The fire is Southeast of Neah Bay on the Makah Reservation in an area that was logged a few years ago. The Neah Bay Volunteer Fire Department carried out initial attack, then they were assisted by The Department of Natural Resources. The Incident Commander, Greg Kelly, said, “The local fire department did an incredible job containing the fire and the Makah Tribe have been gracious hosts by providing support and even food for personnel when we first arrived.”

The Makah Indian Tribe’s Emergency Operation Center has deactivated after several days, and personnel have gone back to their normal duties. Tribal members are still working closely with fire personnel from the various agencies. Fire personnel are thankful for the all the support at the high school, but due to the activity around camp, we ask that the public avoid the school grounds.

The primary objectives of the Incident Management Team are the safety of responders and the public, containing the fire within the existing footprint, and to protect values at risk in cost effective manors. Firefighters are working day and night to keep the fire in the current footprint and working to secure the perimeter. The fire is currently 80% contained and crews are eliminating hot spots on the perimeter.