News Release

American Camp Wildfire

News Release Date: July 15, 2018

Contact: Brandon Cadwell, 360-378-2240 x2229

Friday Harbor, WA – On Sunday, July 15^th, 2018, a historic weapons artillery demonstration caused a wildland fire at American Camp within San Juan Island National Historical Park.  National Park Service personnel called 911, and San Juan Fire District #3 responded. The fire spread rapidly in dry grass fuels with hot, dry, somewhat windy conditions. The fire moved into a tree line, torched a few trees, and burnt through brushy areas. The fire Incident Commander initially ordered a Washington Department of National Resources helicopter for support but canceled once they were able to knock the fire down. The approximately three acre fire was contained within an hour of the initial report. Elexis Fredy, park superintendent, has suspended all live firing demonstrations until a review is completed on the operations, and mitigation measures are in place to avoid future ignitions.