Three days after a wildfire was first reported northwest of Eldon, and two days after Brinnon Fire Station 41 became host to the Western Washington Incident Management Team's efforts to extinguish the fire in the forest, the Command Center for battling the Maple Fire was relocated to Shelton Aug. 8.

Brinnon Fire Chief Tim Manly explained the Command Center's camp and crews had simply grown too large for the Brinnon Fire Department to accommodate, with more than 130 firefighters at the last count before their departure, but he also emphasized their joint operations went fairly smoothly.

“It didn't go too badly at all,” Manly said Aug. 10, two days after the U.S. Forest Service and Incident Command had moved the Command Center and camp crews to Shelton. “Our systems are designed to work together exactly in this way. The Command Center came in with their own kitchens and showers, and we were able to provide them with internet access.”

By the time the Command Center left, the Maple Fire had grown to cover more than 450 acres, and had turned into a long-term operation, which was precisely why Brinnon could no longer serve as its site.

“They just ran out of space to sleep,” Manly said. “We could accommodate their showers and kitchens, no problem, but we had no more room for their tents. If it was just going to be another two weeks, that would be fine. They already knew where to put their tents. But for a more extended stay, which is what they came to believe this would be, they needed a larger space.”

Manly is grateful to his local internet provider for handling their increased online communication workload with no problems, and noted the Command Center would cover any expenses they incurred as a result of their stay.

“After they left, it took us about eight hours to replace all of our equipment back where it belongs,” Manly said. “But even when we clean the carpet afterward, they still pick up the tab, so that small fire departments like ours aren't impacted financially.”

Because of this smooth partnership, Manly reported the Brinnon Fire Department was able to continue to serve the citizens of Brinnon without any decline in the quality of that service.

Likewise, Manly extended his thanks to the people of Brinnon for showing such “obvious” support while the Command Center was in town.

“Whether it was the restaurants or the stores or the gas stations, everyone was great,” Manly said. “We even had folks bringing in food and toiletries, and we told them we were perfectly fine on those fronts, although the cookies were still very much appreciated. It was a humbling experience.”

Manly expressed his pride in all of his firefighters, emergency medical technicians and support staff.

“We stand by to do it again if need be,” Manly said.

In the meantime, those interested in following the progress of the Maple Fire may visit the “Maple Fire 2018” page on Facebook.