by Richard Uhlhorn
At its fire commission meeting on Wednesday, November 19, Chief Brandon Asher called three new firefighters to be sworn in and pinned. They were Chris Colbert, Houston Stodghill and Matt Franklin. After the swearing in, each called up a loved on to pin them.
The district commissioners approved the 1% budget cap that is allowed by state regulations.
Administration reported that they were diligently working on finalizing the 2026 budget. “We are very close,” stated Chief Brandon Asher.
Fire Chief’s Report:
Asher reported that the district had 83 calls in October, three residential fires and no fire loss reported. “We did get one more brush fire out by the tunnel,” said Asher. He also reported to responding to three vehicular accidents on Hwy 97.
The district has responded to 974 incidents to date with 11 mutual aide calls.
Commissioner Russ Jones asked how the district is tracking calls. Asher replied that the only way is be street address. Mark Donnell asked, “How do people know what we are doing?” Ron Simmons asked if the district has found someone who is tech savy to work through communication issues. Asher replied there are people doing different things.
He also reported that TIFs were the hot topic at the recent Fire Commissioner Conference.
Assistant Fire Chief Shawn Sherman reported that the district is figuring out how to participate in the upcoming Fire Academy. “We have 17 locals,” said Sherman. “We are hosting it and it will cost $6,300. We will use a portion of our grant money.”
Wenatchee, Manson and Orondo are involved. “We need to make sure we have proper instructors, especially for Saturday’s live practice.”
Type 3 Fire Management framework for incident management of smaller fires in Eastern Washington is beginning to take place. One hundred eighty firefighters will be trained in Type 3 management. Type 3 fire management involves the use of the incident command system to manage fire incidents of moderate complexity.
Assistant Fire Chief Report”
Shawn Sherman reported that17 will be attending the Regional Fire Academy in January. The district lost one volunteer this past month.
Unfinished Business:
There was question regarding Marine 2 moored in Manson and how it is refueled after use. Sherman reported that Manson Fire will follow their own protocol for fueling the boat.
Manson’s Deputy Chief Mike Williams is working with the Forest Service.
Commissioner Russ Jones reported that he has more work to do on TIF modeling. There is a proposed five-year review process in place.
Asher remarked that Chelan County is pretty emotional over the Regional Port of Chelan/Douglas County’s plans for a TIF in Malaga that could cost the County millions in tax revenue.
Asher also reported that next year’s 100 year celebration planning is moving forward. “We are getting amazing support from local businesses. A lot is happening and happening fast,” said Asher.
A job description has been sent out to all four agencies involved in the new SAFER Grant. “It is hard to find someone,” said Sherman.
There was a policy discussion about what is covered when on a fire. It was suggested to hire an outside consultant to address policy issues.
All Things Lake Chelan 