Firefighters from East Jefferson Fire Rescue put out tree fire near Kah Tai Lagoon

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Firefighters from East Jefferson Fire Rescue were called to Kah Tai Lagoon in Port Townsend Sunday afternoon after a passerby saw smoke and called 911.

Units arrived at the scened at 1:12 p.m. Sept. 6 and found a small tree burning near the lagoon.

Emergency responders discovered a small smoldering fire in a crotch of a tree where two limbs joined the trunk.

Firefighters doused the tree with water and the fire was extinguished, officials with East Jefferson Fire Rescue reported.

A large tree limb was also removed by a chainsaw to allow better access to where the fire is believed to have started so firefighters could make sure the fire was completely extinguished.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

Assistant Fire Chief Brian Trace said it was fortunate someone saw smoke and called 911 so the fire could be quickly extinguished before it spread beyond the single tree.

“Now that we are in the height of fire season, it is important that everyone be conscious of the dangers of inadvertently causing a wildfire," Trace added.

"Make sure cigarettes and the like are completely out and pay special attention to not flick ashes. Please also remember that fires are not permitted in our fire district during a burn ban except for recreational fires, in outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills and barbecue pits. If you do have a recreational fire, please do not leave it unattended, keep it small enough embers do not float away, and and make sure it is completely out when done,” Trace said.