Key Peninsula, WA – Smoke billowed over the Purdy Bridge Friday morning after a cooking fire broke out beneath the structure, causing significant traffic backups and prompting a response from the Key Peninsula Fire Department. Officials said the fire was quickly brought under control and no injuries were reported.
Incident Overview
The Key Peninsula Fire Department confirmed that the fire occurred underneath the Purdy Bridge, sending visible smoke into the air and alarming motorists traveling through the area. The department posted an update on social media at 9:07 a.m., stating that the fire was under control but traffic was moving slowly due to congestion.
A follow-up post at 9:14 a.m. confirmed that the fire had been fully extinguished.
“This was a cooking fire that got out of control,” the department wrote in a public update.
Fire Response and Traffic Impact
Fire crews remained on scene after the flames were extinguished to conduct mop-up operations and ensure there was no risk of rekindling. Anne Nesbit, a spokesperson for the Key Peninsula Fire Department, said in a text message around 9:35 a.m. that personnel were still completing cleanup efforts at that time.
“Traffic is better,” Nesbit wrote. “Units have cleared.”
Despite the improved conditions, the incident caused significant traffic backups during the morning commute as emergency crews worked below the bridge and smoke reduced visibility for drivers.
Bridge Condition and Safety Assessment
Concerns were raised about potential damage to the Purdy Bridge due to the fire and smoke. Nesbit said an initial assessment showed no signs of spalling, a condition where concrete breaks off in fragments due to heat exposure.
She added that there appeared to be “just staining from the smoke”, indicating that the structure did not sustain serious damage. Officials did not report any immediate safety concerns related to the bridge’s integrity.
Investigation Status
As of Friday morning, fire officials had not released further details about how the cooking fire started or whether anyone may face citations. Nesbit said she could not immediately provide information regarding the cause or confirm whether anyone was injured.
Fire officials typically review incidents like this to determine whether additional safety measures are needed in areas where people may gather or cook beneath bridges or overpasses.
Public Safety Context
Fire departments regularly warn that open flames or cooking equipment used in unauthorized areas can quickly become dangerous, especially near infrastructure such as bridges, roadways, and utility corridors. Fires beneath bridges pose risks not only to those involved but also to motorists and the structural components of transportation infrastructure.
Authorities encourage the public to follow fire safety guidelines, avoid cooking in restricted areas, and immediately report smoke or flames to emergency services.
Conclusion
The cooking fire beneath the Purdy Bridge caused temporary traffic disruptions and raised safety concerns Friday morning, but officials said the situation was resolved quickly with no injuries and no structural damage reported. Fire crews completed cleanup operations and traffic conditions gradually returned to normal.
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