Major wildfire erupts on Lewis-Pacific county line

The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently attacking a wildfire that erupted south of Walville along the Pacific and Lewis county line.

The fire is currently in the area of Sage Creek off of the 1400 line and has been named the Sage Creek Fire.

The fire was reported at about 11:30 a.m. Thursday at 1-2 acres and by 1:30 p.m. had quickly grown 20-30 acres.

As of 3 p.m., the fire was estimated to be about 70 acres and growing. Authorities later revised the estimated size of the fire to 43 acres. 

According to Pacific County Emergency Management Agency Director Scott McDougall, he is working closely with the DNR, Lewis County Emergency Management and Pacific County Wildfire Coordinator Tyson Wetteraurer, who is also the chief of Menlo-based Pacific County Fire District 3.

“We are ready to provide resources when they are needed,” McDougall said.

As of Thursday evening, DNR was attacking the fire primarily with air assets.

Lewis County Emergency Management issued a statement on the fire Thursday night. 

“As some of you may have heard, the Sage Creek Fire started today outside of Pe Ell near the Lewis/Pacific County border,” the department wrote. “We have been in contact with DNR, Pacific County, and other responding agencies and stakeholders. Additional resources are on the way.”

Lewis County Emergency Management provided the following notes for residents:

• There are no reported threats to structures at this time.
• Please do not fly drones near the fire. This includes water-loading locations and areas where firefighting aircraft are operating. Drones can interfere with firefighting operations and put pilots and firefighters at risk.
• Smoke will be visible in the area as the fire continues to burn.
• You will see a significant increase in fire apparatus and personnel traveling along Highway 6 and through the Pe Ell area. Please slow down, stay alert, and give emergency responders plenty of room.
• We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

“Thank you for your cooperation and support of the firefighters and emergency personnel working the Sage Creek Fire,” the department wrote. “Stay safe, Lewis County.”

The Chronicle contributed to this report.