On Tuesday, Aug. 14, two fire engines left San Juan Island to assist nearly 1,000 firefighters from around the state of Washington to battle the “Taylor Bridge” wildland fire near Cle Elum.

When they left San Juan Island, the fire was rapidly growing, threatening multiple homes and power lines, and was completely uncontained.

Since their arrival, Lieutenant Tad Lean and firefighters Michael Henderson, Matthew Dobbs and Joseph Foriska have been working the night shift, helping to keep the fire from jumping containment lines and looking for spot fires.

As of Monday morning, the fire has grown to more than 23,000 acres but is now nearly 50 percent contained. San Juan Island Fire Rescue participated in the Statewide Fire Mobilization System, coordinated by the state fire marshal. The system reimburses participating agencies for their costs.