Aug. 16, 2023
Lakewood City Manager John Caulfield issued a proclamation of emergency Wednesday night, Aug. 16, 2023. The proclamation was issued in response to the brush fire that consumed roughly 10 acres of natural area inside Lakewood’s Fort Steilacoom Park.
Issuance of the proclamation authorizes city officials to take “necessary extraordinary measures” that may be required to respond to the fire and “protect life and property.” The proclamation allows the City to access state and federal resources or other financial assistance as necessary.
The fire was reported Wednesday afternoon as a brush fire in the park. Crews from West Pierce Fire and Rescue and Lakewood Police responded. First responders worked quickly to clear the area of people. This included knocking on doors of nearby homes potentially threatened by the fire.
Firefighters from across Pierce County and Joint Base Lewis-McChord arrived to help. The state Department of Natural Resources also sent two helicopters to dip into Waughop Lake to help drop water on the fire from the sky.