Submitted by San Juan Island Fire and Rescue.

Beginning 10 p.m. July 31, San Juan Fire battled a stubborn and dangerous fire at the west cove at South Beach.

The fire embedded into the decades-deep log debris, requiring fancy footwork and tens of thousands of gallons of water.

Somebody thought it a good idea to build a fire and leave it when no fires are allowed and in a location surrounded by receptive fuels. Most wildfires we respond to are human-caused. Please be careful and follow the burn rules. The cause of this fire is an ongoing investigation.

SJIF&R crews worked until Olympic National Park fire crews arrived to take command.