There is potentially thousands of acres of forest land treatment and other
wildfire protections planned. Controlled burns and the creation of shaded forest-fuel breaks. It's part of a cooperative plan between Chelan County, the U.S Forest Service, Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), fire districts, Chelan PUD and private property owners.
Chelan County Natural Resources Director Mike Kaputa shared with the Chelan County Commissioners on Tuesday the expected availability of federal and state grants for use in preparation of the upcoming wildfire season.
"There's additional funding in here for some of the water tanks," said Kaputa, prompting an inquiry from Commissioner Shon Smith.
"Can permanent placement be accomplished quickly?," asked Smith.
"I would like to see that," responded Kaputa. "One of the challenges we have with federal monies, there's a federal process. It may be at least next year, 2026, until we see something on the ground. I don't see anything being constructed, maybe, an outside shot, we get one or two in, at the end of this year."
Kaputa noted that there’s also funds for working on the Camp 12 Road for emergency access during a wildfire event.
The DNR website reports, "Initial wildfire attack efforts strive to put fires our quickly; our goal is to see that nine out of every ten fires on DNR-protected lands are out before they ever exceed 10 acres."
"DNR provides pre-season training and equipment to hundreds of men and women with cooperating agencies each year. This includes members of the Washington National Guard, local fire districts, equipment operators, and our own crews. Training together ensures a safe and effective wildfire response.
DNR works to provide local fire districts with training and equipment in advance of fire season. Having the ability to quickly suppress wildfires means being better able to protect natural resources, public safety and property. It also means there’s less chance that the fire will grow and expand.
DNR participates with the Northwest Coordination Center to manage interagency resources."
The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office is joining safety professionals across the nation to promote the awareness of Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Week, through Jan. 26.
This annual weeklong event is dedicated to raising awareness within the fire service about the vital role of CRR and how fire departments, regardless of type or location, can implement proven strategies to improve safety in their communities.
CRR Week highlights one of the key intervention strategies known as the "Five E’s": Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Emergency Response, and Economic Incentives. For 2025, the focus is concentrated on Economic Incentives. CRR provides opportunity for economic advantages by lowering costs associated with emergency response, insurance premiums, infrastructure repairs, and health care.
"Communities can effectively identify and prioritize local risks, followed by strategic investments in emergency response and prevention measures," Deputy State Fire Marshal Courtney Chambers reported.
Data submitted to the SFMO from fire agencies in Washington State shows there were more than 920,900 fire incidents reported in 2023, resulting in 67 civilian fire fatalities and an estimated 890 million in property damage. CRR Week serves as an opportunity for fire service professionals to deepen their understanding of statewide data and work together to build safer environments for all.
The SFMO is committed to protecting the residents of Washington State and their property in collaboration with the fire service and other public safety professionals through CRR efforts.
Obtain more information on Community Risk Reduction Week here.
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