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Another West Seattle beach driftwood fire

Thanks to the texters who sent photos and reports of another beach driftwood fire, this time early this morning on the north beach at Lincoln Park;

The first photo was from someone who said SFD had been called; the second, from someone who wrote, “Another log burning in Lincoln Park, just south of Lowman. We put sand on it, though it’s still smoking slightly. Someone is clearly setting these and just wondering if SFD is looking into it before it causes too much damage.” We’re not seeing any police call logged for today’s fire; we asked SFD about their response, just before 6 am, but they tell us only that their firefighters “extinguished a tree stump that was smoldering.” Previously we’ve reported on fires at Lowman Beach and at Weather Watch Park.

17 Replies to "Another West Seattle beach driftwood fire"

  • Gretchen August 17, 2024 (12:42 pm)

    This log was still burning at 9:30am this morning…

    • onion August 17, 2024 (2:06 pm)

      There seems to be a homeless guy living near the north end of Lincoln Park. I saw him twice this week camped on the bench by the north trail from the bluff to the beach, with his shopping cart of belongings spread out. The most recent sighting was about 90 minutes ago. Perhaps its unfair to connect him to these beach fires. But even if he did not set these fires, he would be a logical person to talk to.

      • Kt August 17, 2024 (4:20 pm)

        Likely drunk teenagers set the fire

      • Juno August 17, 2024 (6:10 pm)

        I thought that too, he’s been there for a while now.  I go to the park several times a day and have seen him there every time at the north end, taking both the benches.  He doesn’t seem to be bothering anyone. If someone is starting fires, that’s so dangerous to the park. Maybe he has seen people doing it or is himself setting them.   

      • Pinto August 17, 2024 (6:27 pm)

        I think it is fair to suspect such a person, but there is no proof. It could also be teenagers.

      • D-Mom August 18, 2024 (9:41 am)

        Let’s not point fingers at him just yet. My friend was just walking over to see him last night, but he wasn’t there. He is a very smart, well-read guy that hates being homeless. He’s not the type. I have seen others there lighting fires in grills. This could also be teenagers or young adults messing around. Let’s all stay vigilant. I had to call 911 last summer around this time for a fire at the base of a tree in Fauntleroy Woods. My neighbors said that was the third fire in the woods in places where it didn’t make sense (ie-look like a campfire). I appreciate neighbors protecting our parks. 

        • Rick August 18, 2024 (1:27 pm)

          If this is who I’m thinking of he is smart and well read. He’s even given me books. Just doesn’t sound like him. Best wishes to all.

  • Marcus August 17, 2024 (1:34 pm)

    Bunch of sick people. Call it like it is.  Really!!!!

  • J August 17, 2024 (1:49 pm)

    The high tide at 5:30 this afternoon may just solve the problem if somebody hasn’t  gotten a bucket and put it out by then.

  • AJ August 17, 2024 (2:39 pm)

    Sparks can easily jump and catch Lincoln Park on fire…    Sad someone finds this fun.

    • filmflam August 17, 2024 (4:27 pm)

      Seriously, such a low IQ act or form of entertainment.

  • Denise August 17, 2024 (5:01 pm)

    I think this is the same driftwood I noticed about a week ago. It was a beautiful one, and it was freshly burnt, I could still smell it. Looks like someone came back and burned it again. It’s fairly close to an overhanging maple tree, which concerned me. Also that man that is living on those benches has been having screaming fits, one yesterday and one a week or so ago. Screaming the fword and other obscenities at the top of his lungs. 

  • Bob August 17, 2024 (5:23 pm)

    He didn’t start the fires. A: the fires started happening before he showed up. B: He doesn’t leave the beach much cause all of his gear is there. I don’t think he means any harm. But he has been there for around 2 weeks now. He doesn’t show much interest in trying to better his situation. He just lays there depressed all day. Hopefully he gets some initiative and moves on or at least out of sight from the trails.

    • Denise August 17, 2024 (6:27 pm)

      We don’t know who started the fires. But the man living on the benches has been there more like a month. I walk past there most everyday. And his screaming fits sound downright threatening, at least to me and probably to others as well

  • TMT August 17, 2024 (7:49 pm)

    Both benches on the upper north end of the park are clear now, the man has moved on….yay! 

  • Rob August 17, 2024 (9:12 pm)

    I’m sure it’s out now

  • anonyme August 18, 2024 (5:51 am)

    I have complained to Parks about people building large structures out of driftwood on Lincoln Park beaches, and they told me they weren’t interested.  Not only are the structures dangerous, but they disturb the ecosystem of the beach.  Driftwood fires were inevitable given the lack of concern or oversight by Parks when it comes to the destruction of our parks, beaches, and natural areas.

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