Submitted by Orcas Island Fire and Rescue.

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue responded to reports of a wildfire in Moran State Park on Saturday, June 15 at 4:18 pm.

Crews on scene identified a fire half a mile up Cold Springs trail. It was approximately 100 feet by x 100 feet in size, and was called in by several eye witnesses.

“The fire was very difficult to fight by hand with trees and snags down and lots of heavy underbrush,” said battalion Chief Patrick Shepler. “The biggest help in locating the fire came from cyclists on the trail who had eyes directly on the fire.”

OIFR called in the Department of the Natural Resources, which dispatched helicopter #338. It helped bring the fire under control, utilizing water from Cascade Lake.

Two hikers above the fire were able to make their way past it to safety and escaped without injuries.

San Juan County Fire Marshal RJ Meyers reminds San Juan County residents about the danger of wildfire.

“Due to the lack of rain this winter in conjunction with unusually high temperatures in late May and June, fire risk is a lot higher in San Juan County this year, and I encourage residents of the county to use extreme caution with campfires and other burning materials,” he said.

At this time all permitted burning is closed, however, recreational campfires will remain open until further notice. Recreational campfires are defined as a 2-foot by 2-foot fires consisting only of clean, dry wood.