Lakewood, a serene community, has been thrust into a critical situation as a rapidly expanding brush fire originating from Fort Steilacoom Park poses a grave threat to its residents and surrounding areas. Urgent evacuation orders have been issued, with firefighting crews working tirelessly to combat the escalating blaze and ensure the safety of the community.
The fire, initially ignited near Waughop Lake, has swiftly advanced towards neighboring neighborhoods, triggering swift action from local authorities. The Lakewood Police Department and West Pierce Fire & Rescue are at the forefront of evacuation efforts, prioritizing the well-being of residents living within a five-mile radius as the situation unfolds.
Approximately 40 homes lie directly in the fire’s path, prompting firefighting units to escalate their response to a three-alarm level. The alarming speed of the blaze’s progression has prompted authorities to issue immediate evacuation orders, underscoring the gravity of the unfolding crisis.
- Evacuation zones encompass specific areas
- Eastern segment of 98th Street, extending from Farwest Drive
- The zone between 98th Street and 99th Street
- Stretch between Farwest Drive and Fort Steilacoom Park, east of Farwest Drive
- The region between Farwest Drive and Fort Steilacoom Park
- The northern section of 101st Street (Lake Louise Drive)
100th avenue - Due to residents’ prompt adherence to evacuation directives, no injuries have been reported thus far.
While firefighting teams persist in their ground efforts, the root cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities are diligently working to pinpoint the origin and factors contributing to its rapid spread.
To bolster firefighting capabilities, the Department of Natural Resources has been enlisted to provide essential support alongside West Pierce Fire & Rescue. Their expertise and resources are anticipated to play a pivotal role in mitigating the fire’s impact.
Although evacuation orders are presently voluntary, residents residing close to Fort Steilacoom Park are strongly urged to evacuate without delay. The collaborative response exhibited by firefighting agencies underscores their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the Lakewood community.
In a bid to provide real-time updates on the situation, local news outlet KIRO 7 has deployed a dedicated team to Lakewood, diligently reporting on the fire’s trajectory, evacuation efforts, and the collective response orchestrated to manage this unfolding crisis.
