Local News

Local firefighter injured in Grass Valley Fire

Aug 13, 2018

Okanogan County Fire District #8 firefighter Brett Read, 38, was injured while fighting the Grass Valley Fire in Douglas County on Saturday, August 11th. Read and another firefighter were attempting to leave their work area when the fire behavior unexpectedly intensified. Read became separated from the engine he was working on and suffered burns during the incident. The second firefighter on Read’s engine was not injured.

Read was transported to Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee, Washington, and later airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. He was admitted to the burn unit and is currently listed in satisfactory condition. Okanogan County Fire District #8 Chief Ed Townsend said Read has been a volunteer firefighter with the district for 7 years. Read resides in the Omak area with his wife and three children.

The Grass Valley fire started at approximately 11:30 am on Saturday, August 11, near the intersection of Highways 17 and 172, about 12 miles east of Mansfield, Washington. The fire is approximately 74,000 acres and is 10% contained. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.