(photos by Tony Bradley, added 3:10 pm)
Thanks to Tony Bradley for calling with an update – the “4 Red” etc. callout on the 911 log right now to SW Holly/12th SW (map) is a brush fire north of Riverview Playfield, and it’s tough work for firefighters because conditions are so dry (and if the forecast holds true, not getting any better). 3:01 PM UPDATE: Just talked with Dana Vander Houwen at SFD – she says the fire, which is out now, covered a 200′ x 200′ area and the extra crews were called in for some hard-to-reach spots. Investigators are still trying to find out how it started. Tony has sent us photos and more info as well.

Tony’s additional info to come. ADDED 3:55 PM: Here’s that info and two more photos – read on (also, a 5:08 pm update from SFD):

Tony has emergency-response experience. His firsthand report from the scene:

The brush fire started at the very north end of Riverview Playfield located at 12th Ave SW and SW Holly Street around 1:15 pm this afternoon.

Engine 11, the first-in company, found smoke coming from down an embankment at the north end of the park in an area with heavy brush and trees.

Though they aggressively attacked the fire, the fire continued to spread and a second engine was requested, bringing engine 37 and Battalion 7 to the scene.

The two companies made quick work of the fire, having it knocked down in about 15 minutes. However, they spent another hour checking for hot spots.

Upon arriving, Battalion Chief Phil Jose requested another engine (Engine 36) and a ladder company (Ladder 11) for crew rotation due to the hot weather.

Some firefighting foam was used to help knock down the fire (the white foam seen in some of the pictures).

Here’s another photo from Tony, who says that’s Battalion Chief Jose in the vest:

Tony adds that Seattle City Light had been asked to evaluate several power lines over the fire scene, and pronounced them to be in good condition:

He also says a witness reported seeing “four juveniles” run from the fire area shortly after it started – no description, though, and there is no official word so far on what sparked the fire – we’ll keep checking with SFD. 5:08 PM UPDATE: Just got another callback from Dana Vander Houwen at SFD. She says investigators have not been able to determine the cause of the fire, which has now been upgraded to 300′ x 300′ of charred land. She says it’s an important reminder that everything is so dry right now, be extra careful of any possible fire risk.