Orcas Island Fire & Rescue responded to a reported possible wildland fire at 11:27 p.m. on Halloween night. Both Westsound’s WASP (Widland Attack Structural Protection) Engine and water tanker responded, as well as Eastsound’s WASP Engine. When firefighters arrived, they witnessed 50 foot flame lengths bending over Orcas Road, being pushed by 15-20 mile an hour east winds. The source was an approximately 30 foot around and 20 foot high slash pile that had been sitting for several years.

“A pile that size doesn’t just burst into flame in the pouring rain,”said duty officer and paramedic Jeff Larsen. “An empty five-gallon gas can was found near the pile.

Firefighters stood by for safety reasons, but due to heavy rains and the time of year, there was no danger of it spreading.

The exact cause is still under investigation.