Sumner Grade Fire Containment Reaches 95 Percent

BONNEY LAKE, WA — The Sumner Grade Fire is now 95 percent contained, and firefighters say the only thing left to do is just wait for rain to put out any of the remaining hot spots.

All evacuations in the Bonney Lake area have been fully lifted, and Tuesday the Washington State Department of Transportation lifted road closures on SR 410 and Myers Road, meaning all road closures due to the Sumner Grade Fire have been lifted as well.

Firefighters estimate that the fire burned around 494 acres, destroying a total of two homes, six outbuildings and one vehicle.

Now that the fire is all but fully contained, East Pierce Fire says they're handing the reigns over to East Pierce Fire & Rescue, who will continue to patrol the fire zone as a precaution.

But for the most part, firefighters say, they're basically done and simply waiting for the next bout of rain to put the final stamp on the fire.

The Sumner Grade Fire first sparked up late Sunday, September 6 near the intersection of State Routes 410 and 167. In the following week it forced several evacuations in both Bonney Lake and Sumner. The fire also spurred a massive outpouring of support from the surrounding communities across Pierce County. Sumner High students gathered literal tons of food to help feed those evacuated by the fire, and firefighters say they've been humbled by the number of community members who have reached out to share their support.

East Pierce Fire says they received so many donations, they cannot store any further gifts. Instead, they're encouraging donors to reach out to the Red Cross or other charities to help support those who lost their homes to the blaze.

Finally, now that the fire is nearly out, they are asking everyone in the area to only call 911 if they see flames immediately threatening homes or people.