by Richard Uhlhorn
IN THE NEWS:
In the early morning hours of Sunday, March 23, Chelan Fire and Rescue firefighters responded to a call that smoke was coming from the rear of the Apple Cup Café. Arriving at the scene just after 2:30 a.m., the fire crews found a fire in a storage area behind the restaurant.
The fire was reaching into the attic area a second and eventually third alarm was sent to other districts. Manson, Orondo, Wenatchee and Entiat all responded to the scene. The fire was put out, but unfortunately, the smoke and soot damage will keep the popular restaurant closed into the near future… possibly until Fall.
The quick response by Chelan Fire probably saved the entire building. Owner Ryan Peterson and his wife Erin were overwhelmed by the response of the fire department and the residents who reached out to them offering help.
MARCH 20 FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Chief’s Report:
Chief Brandon Asher told his commissioners that the district will be holding off on all major purchases until April.
The department responded to 73 calls in February with one vehicle fire on February 23 in McNeil Canyon. There were no insurance losses.
The new reporting system from River Com are finally coming in.
The District narrowed down the list of potential replacement for Carol Kibler’s job. She retired at the end of April. They offered the job to a Misty Fifield who has the past experience at the Entiat (District 8) Fire Department matches the experience needed to fill Chelan’s Administrative Assistant slot.
“We have received another public records request from Ben Laughlin,” said Asher.
Hazard Mitigation Plan:
The district will be rehashing its Hazard Mitigation Plan it put together in 2019. “It opens up major grant opportunities,” said Asher. “We will be meeting every other Thursday for the next three to four months.”
East Chelan Reservoir (TIF Area):
Asher reported that both Mayor Erin McCardle and City Administrator Wade Farris traveled to Washington D.C. to meet face to face with the area’s senators and representatives to seek financial support for the East Chelan Water and Reservoir Project.
“We are supporting their ever effort to secure financing for this project,” said Asher. He also stated that there was an upcoming meeting with Representative Schrier on March 21.
Seasonal Firefighters:
The district has been interviewing potential seasonal firefighters and has selected one local, one from Entiat and two from Wenatchee to fill the seasonal slots. “We will see how the interviews shake out,” said Asher. The seasonals firefighters will begin on April 3. Asher also said that these individuals do not have EMT status.
Generator:
Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman told the commissioners that the department decided to replace the motor in the generator that will run the department if power was compromised. “It is more beneficial to retrofit,” said Sherman.
It was also reported that Representative Michael Steele told the department staff that no funding was available from this session’s go around. Chelan Fire will continue to seek the grant opportunities.
Recruitment:
The department has six volunteer firefighters training at the Fire Academy. One former volunteer told Sherman that he was too busy to volunteer, but if push came to shove, and the department needed him, he’ll come back.
Training:
Sherman asked the commissioners if it was viable for the District to run a Wildland Fire Academy at the beginning of next year. “We are going to need a strong wildland/interface workforce,” said Sherman. He feels that if a training program was in place, it would be accepted by the region fire districts.
In other business:
Asher reported that this year’s snowpack and water content is the lowest it has been since the 90s. The PUD produced a good video at the measuring site. “We are obviously drying out.”
Commissioner Karyl Oules stated that it was nice to see all the firetrucks parked outside the building. Asher replied that they get a lot of people stopping by.
All Things Lake Chelan 