State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Sumner Grade Fire located in Pierce County, near Bonney Lake. The Sumner Grade Fire is burning in timber and brush. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on September 8, 2020, at 9:30 am at the request of Deputy Fire Chief Jon Parkinson, East Pierce Fire and Rescue.

The Sumner Grade Fire started on September 8, 2020, at approximately 12:10 am. This fire is estimated at 50 acres and growing. It is threatening structures, power lines, and roadways. The fire cause is currently under investigation. Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered one strike team and aircraft.

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray will remain activated to Level 1 to help coordinate state assistance for the Sumner Grade Fire.

Under the State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan, the Fire Protection Bureau coordinates the initial dispatch and continued administrative oversight of resources and personnel for the duration of the mobilization. The Mobilization Plan is implemented to provide a process to quickly notify, assemble and deploy fire service personnel, equipment and other resources from around the state when fires, disasters or other events exceed the capacity of local jurisdictions. More information about the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan is available at: http://www.wsp.wa.gov/all-risk-mobilization/.

The above is a press release from the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Auburn Examiner has not independently verified its contents.