Union Bay Natural Area

August 18, 2009

[This is a general description as reported by Fire Prevention & Safety Specialist, Darren Branum,
UW EH&S].

A Fire in the Union Bay Natural Area

At approximately 6 p.m. on July 29, 2009, a small brush fire started in the brush area behind the UW Center for Urban Horticulture. The fire was small to start when it was first reported. The fire was approximately 3 x 5 meters in size. By the time the fire was reported, Seattle Fire Department responded and arrived, the fire grew to 2 – 3 acres in size. A majority of the fire burned inside a gravel path that circles the area. At the time of the fire, the temperature in Seattle was over 102 degrees F., relative humidity was at 19%, winds were out of the west at 6 mph, and visibility was at 10 miles.

Access to the fire area was difficult for the Seattle Fire Department. A 6' wide gravel foot path was the only access in and out of the area. The Seattle Fire Department drove their engines and other units as needed into the area. A hose wagon was dispatched to lay a large diameter hose into the area. It was estimated that the wagon laid out about a one-quarter mile of hose. The fire was knocked down in about an hour. The gravel path that circles the area acted as a fire stop in most places. There was only (one) area where the fire jumped the path and continued to burn.

A Seattle Fire Department fighter received treatment for heat exhaustion at the scene and was released. No further injuries were reported.

The fire damage report was for approximately $1,500 in trees and PVC pipes.

The probable cause of this fire is considered suspicious due to the remains of fireworks that were found at the scene.