KELLER, Wash. — Today, firefighters and staff evacuated the Mount Tolman Center as the Swawilla Fire threatened the facility. However, there was one thing they could not take as they evacuated, the historical Smokey Bear statue and fire rating sign.
According to a post on the official Facebook page for the Colville Tribal broadcast system, the staff took steps to keep the statue safe.
The statue was wrapped in a protective material, similar to fire shelters used by crews in emergencies. The post says it will provide effective protection against radiant heat and some burning embers but it's not entirely fireproof.
Staff also cleared the area of flammable materials to further minimize the risk of fire damage to the statue.
The Swawilla Fire is burning near Keller in Okanagan & Ferry Counties. The fire has burned over 30,000 acres and is only 10% contained.
The Colville Tribes Environmental Trust Program reports the fire was sparked by a lightning strike.
