Updated: Evacuation orders lifted in Fort Steilacoom Park area
A brush fire at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood Wednesday afternoon prompted evacuation notices in the city. The fire burned near Waughop Lake and Pierce College, which also evacuated.
Firefighters went door-to-door to alert residents, according to Pierce County. The evacuation orders later were lifted. No injuries were immediately reported.
West Pierce Fire & Rescue upgraded the response to a 3-alarm fire and the state Department of Natural Resources assisted in the fire fight. Two helicopters drew water from Lake Waughop and Lake Louise.
The first alarm was sounded at 12:51 p.m., according to West Pierce.
Thomas Middle School opened for evacuees where the American Red Cross was assisting.
Evacuee Scott McFarlane, 43, said a police officer advised him to evacuate.
“We smelled the smoke, went to look outside and saw some ash falling,” he said. “And that’s when the fire trucks started showing up at that point, too.”
McFarlane, his family and four cats evacuated.
Tacoma Power de-energized power lines to help with firefighting efforts. About 3,000 customers were affected.
This story was originally published August 16, 2023 at 2:21 PM.
