From Fire Chief Don Waller: I wanted to provide some highlights of what District 6 volunteer firefighters have been doing during the Carlton Complex Fire. As you know, lightning strikes kicked off four small wildland fires on Monday, July 14. We responded to reports of smoke, and began removing fuel sources from structures that were at risk. The Department of Natural Resources sent a team Tuesday, July 15 and District 6 requested state mobilization assistance that afternoon. This crucial step helped us access equipment and firefighters from other agencies in the state. Wednesday, July 16, Governor Inslee declared a state of emergency. The four small fires had merged into the biggest wildland fire in state history. Our role was to provide point protection for structures wherever it was needed. That means we get to a property and move the fire around to keep it away from buildings as it burns through an area. Then, we jump into our vehicles and head to the next house or structure and do that again. Thursday, July 17 brought a new threat, this time to the Town of Twisp. We requested three strike teams for a total of 15 fire engines, and set them up at strategic locations around town. We had a fire protection plan in place, and were ready to use it if needed. Fortunately, it never came to that. President Obama declared a state of emergency on July 23 to help local and state agencies access supplies and disaster relief. This fire has involved over 3,000 firefighters and 189 miles of fire line with an expected containment date of August 15. We continue to respond to where the need is greatest. There have been property losses, but we’ve saved lives and homes, as well. I want to thank our 25 volunteer firefighters from District 6 who continue to fight this fire with everything they’ve got. I couldn’t be more proud of their hard work and dedication to saving lives and property often at the expense of sleep, food and their families. On behalf of District 6, I also would like to thank the U.S. Forest Service and the Methow Valley Ranger District for their responsiveness. People and agencies have told me that our volunteer firefighters are some of the best that they have seen. This is partly because of training, but also because of strength of character. Our volunteers are some of the most generous, caring and hardworking people in the Methow. Thank you for your service.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 17:20:48 +0000
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