South Hill Brush Fire Mostly Contained, Though Smoke May Linger

PUYALLUP, WA — A brush fire burning in South Hill is largely under control, though firefighters say they will remain on scene for some time longer putting out hot spots and making sure it doesn't flare up again.

As of their latest estimate, the fire is more than 75 percent contained. It burned over 30 acres, and damaged two nearby sheds, but no homes. One firefighter responding to the blaze had to be treated for heat exhaustion, and no other injuries have been reported.

Though the fire is no longer a threat to the community, firefighters say it will likely continue ti kick up smoke for the next day or so.

Emergency responders first reported the fire just before 1 p.m. Wednesday. According to 911 callers, a tree fell and struck a power line along 160th St E near 74th Ave E. The falling line then sparked the wildfire.

The fire spread quickly, even crossing over 160th St E, and at around 2 p.m. the Pierce County Sheriff's Department ordered a level 1 evacuation for the nearby neighborhood.

A level 1 evacuation does not mean residents need to leave their homes just yet, but it does mean they need to prepare to leave at a moment's notice if the situation worsens.

Fortunately, firefighters managed to keep the blaze away from homes, and the evacuation was lifted at around 4:30 p.m. Roads in the area surrounding the blaze remained closed through the evening and into Thursday morning, but have since been reopened.

Though the South Hill brush fire is now largely a non-issue, it is a reminder that the current danger for wildfires is high. Local leaders have issued a Red Flag Warning starting Thursday morning, which they say is necessary as the high heat and ongoing drought have primed the region for more fires.