Massive fire near Curlew a lower priority for resources

MALO, Wash. – A fire that started Monday near Curlew has bloomed into a 31-square-mile blaze.

“This is a very big, a very complex and a very dangerous fire,” Incident Commander Mike Ciraulo said.

Although no homes have burned, 20 are seriously threatened and Ferry County has declared a state of emergency.

The Stickpin fire highlights some of the issues Washington and federal fire authorities face this season. As fires burn across the state, resources like air support and bulldozers are being distributed based partially on perceived threat.

“Until you start burning a bunch of houses down, you aren’t going to be a higher priority,” said Dean Lange, the operation section chief.

On Saturday at the Malo Grange, fire officials frankly discussed the magnitude of the fire. About 100 people attended the meeting.

Mostly, residents were appreciative. However, some questioned why it took so long to respond to the fire.

“There are priorities. Homes are first, but it’s frustrating to watch the bureaucracy of things,” Josh Olsen said. “It could be my house in a week.”

Olsen’s home is about 6 miles from the northeastern edge of the fire.

The fire started Monday and was fanned by Friday’s high winds.

“We’re very, very lucky we did not burn down a bunch of stuff last night,” Lange said.

Rainstorms and cooler weather Saturday slowed the burn, giving firefighters a chance to map and plan their attack.

“It’s just taking a little nap,” Ciraulo said. “It’s just waiting for warmer weather.”

As of Saturday, 150 personnel were on scene from the Forest Service, Washington Department of Natural Resources and local fire districts. Ciraulo expects upward of 1,000 people to eventually work the fire. He told residents that the fire wouldn’t truly be out until it snows.

“The entire West is burning,” he said. “We’re just trying to get every firefighter we can out here.”