Brush fire may have been sparked by someone

Monday's brush fire on Madison Avenue south of south of Torvanger Road was likely started by someone, a Bainbridge Island Fire Department official said.

By Richard D. Oxley • July 16, 2013 3:12 pm
A Bainbridge Island firefighter sprays foam on the remains of a fire that was discovered in the woods near Madison Avenue Monday.
A Bainbridge Island firefighter sprays foam on the remains of a fire that was discovered in the woods near Madison Avenue Monday.

Monday’s brush fire on Madison Avenue south of south of Torvanger Road was likely started by someone, a Bainbridge Island Fire Department official said.

“It appears that the fire was caused by humans, although no direct source of ignition could be found,” said Fire Marshal Luke Carpenter.

The fire burned an area approximately 20 by 30 feet and was located about 400 feet off Madison Avenue, about a quarter mile south of Torvanger Road.

Thirteen firefighters were called in to extinguish the fire, including a unit with the Navy Region Northwest. Crews dug a line in the soil around the fire and doused the embers with water.

Carpenter said the fire likely started a few days before it was discovered.

“The fire had probably been smoldering for several days and [Monday’s] heat and wind caused it to flare up,” Carpenter said.