by Richard Uhlhorn
Fire and Fire Commission
It has been a summer of living with wildfire. Chelan Fire and Rescue has been exceedingly busy putting out fire starts, fires and helping on the Pioneer Fire with its boat and a wildland truck on State mobilization to Stehekin.
At its commission meeting on Wednesday, September 18, Assistant Chief Shaun Sherman shared a CBS video from California where a Chelan Fire and Rescue crew including Chief Brandon Asher are on scene with a wildland rig to help with the ongoing fire issue in California.
State mobilization has helped fill the department’s coffers. Chief Asher remarked several weeks ago that Chelan Fire and Rescue has made $200,000+ on various state mobilizations, particularly on the Pioneer Fire.
Both Tim Sullivan and Russ Jones were busy running the Fire and Rescue boat on the Pioneer Fire. Sullivan said that most of his time was spent training and certifying members of the department. Sherman reported to the commission that a lot of people were certified to operate the boat.
“The department has recorded a huge amount of overtime, but it was all on state mob,” said Sheman.
Administrative Report:
Sherman reported that the department is seeking to hire a Fire Risk Coordinator through grant funding.
He also reported that the department is still in the process of upgrading its Wildfire Protection Plan.
Sherman said Entiat was scrapping its ladder truck. “We are looking into purchasing it and using the parts for repair on our ladder truck if necessary. It’s scrap value is $4,000 and if we offered $500 over that we could restore it.”
Sherman also reported that the department is looking at purchasing a side-by-side and that there is a pre-built unit with everything on it the department needs for $39,000. A trailer is also available for an additional $4,000.
Commissioner Russ Jones stated that these units are useful for quick access to fire starts and accidents. Sherman replied that they have become more and more versatile. “We would use it all the time.” Commissioner Mark Donnell said they should put a requisition for one in the 2025 budget, but Commissioner Karyl Oules said she would hate to see the one available disappear. Sherman said that there was money in the current budget.
Donnell stated that these machines can roll over pretty easily. Jones asked Sherman how wide the unit was. Sherman replied 53 inches. “Both the Forest Service and DNR are using their platforms constantly. They are just another tool.”
Ryan Petersen has asked the fire department to burn the old Apple Cup building down as a training exercise.
All Things Lake Chelan 