UPDATE: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has just clarified reports surrounding the arrests of two individuals at the Bear Gulch fire on the Olympic Peninsula, asserting that no firefighters were detained. This urgent update follows widespread outrage among Washington lawmakers and national media coverage earlier this week.
On Wednesday, media outlets including the Seattle Times reported that Border Patrol agents had arrested two people involved in combating the wildfire, leading to significant public backlash. However, DHS officials are now stating that those apprehended were not firefighters but rather workers in a support role, specifically engaged in cutting logs for firewood.
In a statement released on Thursday, Border Patrol confirmed that the arrests were of two individuals who were in the country illegally, asserting that these actions did not disrupt firefighting operations. They emphasized that at no point were any active firefighters questioned or detained, ensuring that the firefighting response remained uninterrupted throughout the incident.
On Friday, a senior DHS official reiterated this point, stating, “The two illegal aliens apprehended were NOT firefighters.” This clarification aims to counter claims made by various media sources suggesting otherwise. The official added that the crews questioned were part of the approximately 400 personnel deployed to fight Washington state’s largest active blaze, but were not actively engaged in battling the fire at the time of the incident.
The events unfolded as two private contractor crews were waiting for their division supervisor while engaged in support activities. As federal agents arrived, they demanded identification from crew members for a period of three hours. This led to significant public concern and misinterpretations of the situation, prompting swift responses from local officials and community members.
DHS’s statements aim to quell misinformation, with officials calling out the “mainstream media” for spreading “fake news” regarding the enforcement actions taken. The agency has emphasized that the firefighting response was not compromised, and local communities were not endangered during the operations.
As this situation develops, it remains crucial for the public to stay informed about the realities on the ground. The firefighting efforts continue without interruption, with all personnel actively engaged in their critical roles to combat the ongoing Bear Gulch fire.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation as authorities continue to monitor the fire and its impact on the community.
