Calls to 911 increasing Friday in South King County because of smoke smell

With wildland fires in Eastern Washington, a large urban fire in Shelton and increased winds, South King County residents are calling 911 to report the smell of fire.

Just after noon. Friday, Valley Communications Center in Kent had seen an increase in calls for smoke investigations with no visual sign of smoke or fire, just the smell, according to a King County Fire Chiefs Association media release.

Most of King County is under a Red Flag Warning until 4 p.m. Saturday as conditions continue with above warmer temperatures and little rain in sight. “This is continuing the risk of a possible urban wildland fire in the region,” said Dave Nelson, spokesman for the King County Fire Chiefs Association. “We have seen fires along the roadway and a larger fire in Bellevue on Tuesday. We haven’t been this dry in decades.

“People should also remember that throwing of lit objects from a car is illegal. Many brush fires along the freeways are cause by humans.”

It also is important to have a plan in place if you had to evacuation your home due to an urban wildfire.

Determine your family’s ability to respond.

• Are roads leading to your property clearly marked?

• Are roads wide enough to allow firefighting equipment to get through?

• Is your home number visible from the roadside?

Evacuation may be the only way to protect your family in an urban wildfire. Know where to go and what to bring with you. You should plan several escape routes in case roads are blocked by fire.

To learn how you can protect your home and community go to: www.firewise.org.

 

Contact Kent Reporter Courts, government reporter Steve Hunter at shunter@kentreporter.com or 253-872-6600, ext. 5052.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.