PORT ANGELES — Fire crews across Clallam County were stretched thin over the holiday weekend, responding to numerous fire-related incidents amid dry, windy conditions and widespread use of fireworks.
The most significant incident occurred early Sunday morning, when a large fire broke out in the metal recycling section of the Port Angeles Transfer Station. At 5:21 a.m., Port Angeles Fire Department (PAFD) units responded to reports of smoke in the area of West 18th Street. Multiple callers quickly confirmed a large column of black smoke rising from the landfill.
Crews arrived to find a fire engulfing a 200-by-25-foot area filled with discarded appliances and scrap metal. Flames reached approximately 50 feet in height. Additional engines and personnel from Clallam County Fire Districts 2 and 3 joined the response, along with heavy equipment operators from the City Landfill, who helped sift through debris. Firefighters spent over five hours on scene and used an estimated 60,000 gallons of water to extinguish the blaze. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains undetermined .
Meanwhile, Clallam County Fire District 3 (CCFD3) logged an intense 48-hour period from Friday morning through Sunday morning, responding to 65 total incidents. These included:
- 8 wildland fires (6 directly linked to fireworks, 2 still under investigation)
- 2 structure fires
- 1 traffic crash
- 4 smoke investigations and burn complaints
- 50 emergency medical calls
Fire Chief Justin Grider emphasized the role of mutual aid partners, including the Port Angeles Fire Department, Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue, East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in managing the surge in demand. He said thanks to their joint efforts—and strong public participation in fire safety—there were no reported injuries to people or pets during the weekend incidents .
Officials are urging continued caution as the region moves deeper into wildfire season. Fire restrictions remain in effect.