by Richard Uhlhorn
Mike Williams, Chelan District No. 5 new Deputy Fire Chief, Mike Williams introduced himself at the Chelan Fire and Rescue commissioners meeting on October 15. He comes to the Valley with over 30 years in fire and told the commissioners and administration that he wants to start building cooperation between the two districts.
Chief’s Report:
Chelan Fire responded to 101 calls in September. “We had a busy month,” said Chief Brandon Asher. This included a good effective workforce with no losses recorded.
The District provided a strike team for a two-week stint on the Lower Sugarloaf Fire.
Safer Grant:
Chelan Fire & Rescue has been awarded a $1.43 million dollar Regional Safer Grant to help strengthen the volunteer firefighter recruitment program and retention of volunteers.
Chelan 7 is the host agency but is in partnership with Chelan County Fire District No. 5, Chelan County District No. 8, and Douglas County Fire District No 4. This grant will fund a Recruitment and Retention Coordinator who will serve all four agencies and cover the full costs for 25 new volunteer firefighters in each of the four year period. The funds include structural and wildland fire PPE, uniforms, physical examinations, books and training.
“This is a game changer for our region,” said Asher. “Volunteer firefighters are a critical piece to protecting our communities.”
Fire Commissioner Mark Donnell remarked that the grant is about building sustainability. “By working together as a region, we are making sure that our fire districts are ready to respond today, tomorrow and for years to come.”
This is a Federal FEMA Grant and when called an answering machine noted that no one was available to answer in person because the Government is shut down. “I know we will get it,” said Asher, but the four agencies will have to wait until the government is back in business.
Insurance issues:
Home insurance rates have skyrocketed over the past few years because of the devastating wildfires that have wiped out entire communities. Asher said one home owner he knows has had his insurance rise from $7,000 to $24,000 a year which isn’t really sustainable.
The Insurance Commission Board has made a change in the distance from a fire station to a home from five miles to seven miles. This will tentatively take effect next April. “Hopefully people will be able to get insurance at a better rate,” said Asher.
Asher reported that his strike crew had no cell service up the Entiat Valley, but stated that the Forest Service and other agencies all had Starlink connections.
Assistant Chief’s Report:
Chief Shawn Sherman reported that he is processing 10 new applications for volunteer status. “They have to have a special academy for these 10 individuals,” said Sherman. “It’s the largest group for academy training ever. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
Sherman also reported that the district has lost on volunteer who is moving out of the area.
House Fire:
It is being reported that the house fire across from the Elementary School on Woodin Avenue was an arson related issue. The ATF is still investigating the fire according to Chelan County Sheriff Sgt. Rob Huddleston.
Marine 72:
Sherman reported that the District is waiting for Chief Arnold Baker to sign off on the use of the craft.
Donnell said he isn’t happy. “I know it’s outside of staff control, but that agreement was supposed to be implemented before the boat went into the water. It is currently moored in Manson. “I don’t want them to turn a key until we have that agreement. Commissioner Ron Simmons added, “We weren’t going to put the boat in the water until we had an agreement. It’s a liability issue.”
TIF report:
Commissioner Russ Jones reported that the TIF should not harm the District because of an increase in value of the areas properties. However, he reiterated that the City was imposing a new tax. “It is taxation without representation,” Jones said.
Chief Asher stated that all the counties are now paying attention to TIF issues, primarily because of the TIF lawsuit between Chelan County and the Port of Chelan-Douglas Count over a Port designated in the Malaga area.
“It’s something we may look back on in 10 years and look at it differently than now,” said Jones.
In other business:
The district is in the planning stages for its 100 year anniversary in 2026. “It’s moving forward and there are a lot of good things in play.”
The security camera issue has been moved to 2026.
It was also reported that RiverCom is aware of District 7’s concerns over not having enough dispatchers. “They are still short on dispatchers, Asher stated.
The commissioners had a short discussion on whether or not to sell Station 75.
Jones wants to have a discussion on illegal burns and how the district is going to deal with them. Simmons added, “We don’t want the responsibility for burning.” It’s a law enforcement issue. Simmons want the district to go after the resorts for all of their false alarms.
All Things Lake Chelan 