Commissioner proposes limits on federal authority at fires

THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — The immigration arrests of two firefighters working a wildfire in Mason County have prompted a Thurston County commissioner to propose an ordinance limiting the authority of federal agents during emergency responses.

“We don’t—we don’t like cops coming onto our fires,” said Commissioner Wayne Fournier, an Aberdeen firefighter. “You’ve got to let us do our job. That’s it.”

Last week, the U.S. Border Patrol arrested two firefighters on the Bear Gulch Fire, burning near Lake Cushman.

The fire began in early July and is 10% contained, according to fire information officers.

Fournier called the arrests unacceptable, adding, “Emergency scenes are already hazardous. Jurisdictional overreach only adds confusion, causes delays, and increases risk to life and property.”