Beach wildfire strikes Pacific Beach State Park

A fire swept through the beach grass at Pacific Beach State Park on Saturday, destroying about two acres, after a campfire on the beach spread.

Grays Harbor Fire District 8, with assistance from the Quinault Nation Fire Management, extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported and no property was destroyed, but the fire marks the start of a season where the threat of wildfires in the dune grass reaches its most dangerous.

Some of the rules for beach fires set out by GHFD8:

All fires must be set 100 feet from the dunes, beach grass and vegetation

Fires should be no more than 3 feet high and 3 feet wide

Fires should not be left unattended under any circumstances

Fires should be completely extinguished before leaving

Fireworks should be aimed at the water

Trash or firework debris should not be burned in the fire

Beachgoers should be aware of the wind and where the sparks will fly

Beach grass is extremely dry and prone to fire, even after rainfall. Fire can spread easily with the wind and destroy the environment and structures, such as homes

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or michael.lockett@thedailyworld.com.