Brush fire ignites in South Tacoma at site of old airport
UPDATE 9 p.m.: Tacoma police said approximately 50 fled the encampment where the fire started and 30 were detained and questioned by police. Tacoma fire personnel say the fire burned 24 acres. There were no injuries.
UPDATE 4:30 p.m.: Tacoma Fire confirms the fire originated in an encampment. A News Tribune photographer on scene reports three burned tents, chairs, a barbecue and other items.
A vehicle was burned. Small explosions, possibly from fuel containers, are hampering firefighting efforts.
Tacoma Police said people were fleeing the site when emergency crews arrived. Several were detained for questioning, police spokeswoman Wendy Haddow said.
Original story:
Tacoma fire crews have just arrived at a brush fire in the 4800 block of Burlington Way in South Tacoma.
“Crews are making access into the area and preparing to attack the fire,” Tacoma Fire tweeted just before 3:30 p.m.
The area is roughly in line with South 45th Street and is the site of the now abandoned South Tacoma Airport. The runway ran parallel and to the west of the present day Sounder rail tracks.
Debris, including tires, is apparently on fire, said fire spokesman Joe Meinecke. The material is adding thick smoke to the fire. Trees are fully involved as well.
A possible encampment is also involved.
The airport was closed around 1975, according to an historical airport website.
Sounder commuter rail service was interrupted while the fire was burning, Sound Transit said.
This story was originally published September 10, 2020 at 3:50 PM.
