homeWelcome, sign in or click here to subscribe.login
     


 

 

News


print  email to a friend  reprints add to mydjc  

July 19, 1999

Seal pups die, important habitat destroyed in Dungeness Spit fire

SEQUIM, Wash. (AP) -- A fire this week on Dungeness Spit killed two newborn harbor seal pups and destroyed important grasses and brushland, officials say.

The 60-acre fire, believed to have been caused by humans, was contained but still smoldering in some places Thursday. The blaze may have been the most damaging to the wildlife habitat since the area was declared a federal bird sanctuary in 1915, according to Pam Sanguinetti, biological technician for the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.

Two baby harbor seal pups, unable to swim, died on the beach. Sanguinetti said they probably perished of smoke inhalation. The nests of an unknown number of pigeon guillemots, some containing young, were destroyed.

Just as serious, Sanguinetti said, is the loss of grasses and brush that provided hiding and living space for many species of birds and insects.

The Dungeness Spit is a narrow strip of land jutting out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Sequim. The flames just missed an historic lighthouse, built there in 1857.

About six firefighters remained on the scene Thursday, down from 19 at the peak of the fire.

The fire may have been caused by an illegal campfire burning out of control, said wildlife refuge manager Kevin Ryan. He said investigators suspect arson, since it followed another unusual fire there June 14.




Email or user name:
Password:
 
Forgot password? Click here.