The Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public until further notice, after a brush and grass fire consumed approximately 140 acres near Washougal.
The cause of the fire on Friday is under investigation by the Department of Natural Resources. Camas-Washougal Deputy Fire Marshal Randy Miller said it appears the fire started on the shoulder of state Route 14, which likely points to the careless discarding of a burning or smoldering object by a passing vehicle.
He has heard of other recent fires caused by cigarette butts, in nearby areas.
“The wind fans the flames,” Miller said. “Cigarette butts should not be flicked out the window.”
Crews from the Camas-Washougal Fire Department, East County Fire and Rescue, Skamania Fire District 4 and the Vancouver Fire Department, were dispatched to the refuge entrance at 4:58 p.m. The DNR also responded. In all, there were more than 30 firefighters and 15 fire apparatus assisting in the extinguishment of the fire.
C-W Chief Nick Swinhart said the fire, which quickly spread due to strong easterly winds and the dry conditions, was brought under control around midnight.