A large brush fire in South Hill that quickly spread Wednesday afternoon is close to 100% contained after burning for hours.
According to Pierce County deputies, someone called 911 to report that a tree fell on a power line and sparked a fire near 160th Street East and 74th Avenue East.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene to battle fire.
A fire captain for Central Pierce Fire and Rescue captured video of when the fire started, which showed the fire causing several trees to explode in flames like a Roman candle, spreading quickly through trees and brush.
Capt. Darrin Shaw said that because there were not many fire hydrants in the area, fire tenders were needed to fight the flames.
Shaw also said that low humidity, strong winds and high heat combined to make the situation one of the worst scenarios for firefighters.
One firefighter even had to be taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion, officials said.
At one point, deputies had gone door to door and told nearby residents to prepare family members with special needs, mobile property, and pets or livestock for possible evacuation. However, the Level 1 evacuation order was lifted.
At around 7 p.m., crews made significant progress as the fire was 80% contained.
Nearby roadways were closed, but most reopened around 9:30 p.m. with the exception of 160th Street East between Woodland Avenue East and 78th Avenue East, and 74th Avenue East between 156th Street East and 160th Street East. Those roads will remain closed overnight so fire and power crews can continue working.
In response to the fire and dry conditions, the Pierce County fire marshal also tightened outdoor burning restrictions and told residents that charcoal briquettes or outdoor recreational fires are not allowed.