UPDATE | Crews are still fighting Highway 18 brush fire

As of Monday evening, the fire was 60 percent contained.

By Sarah Brenden • August 21, 2018 1:57 pm
This map shows the area where the brush fire was burning near the Southeast 256th Street exit on state Route 18. Map courtesy of Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority
This map shows the area where the brush fire was burning near the Southeast 256th Street exit on state Route 18. Map courtesy of Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority

More than 24 hours now since the brush fire near state Route 18 began and fire crews estimate the fire is 60 percent contained.

Firefighters from around the region were on hand to help yesterday as “hand crews,” according to a release from the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority.

Hand crews is a term for those who are trained specifically to fight brush and forest fires, the release added.

As of Monday evening, the hand crews were scheduled to return Tuesday to continue fighting the fire.

“Command staff are hoping that one more full day of firefighting will fully extinguish this brush fire,” the release said.

Captain Kyle Ohashi, public information officer for the fire authority, said crews are hoping to have the fire fully extinguished by 7 p.m. today, Aug. 21.

Fire crews are asking those driving on Highway 18 to drive carefully near the burn scene and be aware that winds may blow smoke across the highway, limiting visibility.