CHELAN – Fire and Rescue crews set a record in July for a category that all hands would rather see trending in the opposite direction: record emergency response. Chief Brandon Asher reported 154 July calls, up from the 10-year July average of 132.
“We are far above last year’s call volume for August,” Asher also noted. “We are definitely on an upward trend…and more fire calls.”
“We lucked out…absolutely zero wind and the coolest part of the evening,” said Asher “We were able to keep it up on that bench without it getting pushed over the edge where our crews would have had a lot more difficulty getting to it. They were super aggressive on that fire.”
“At that time, the state was very, very strapped. There were 18 different strike teams being put together by the state that were either on the big fires in Oregon or Washington,” said Asher. “We work hard to get people qualified, so we have qualified strike team leaders now and two more who almost signed off.”
While the RV was a total loss, Asher said the rapid response saved the three-car garage and summer playhouse contents.
“We requested aircraft, dozers, and everything we could as fast as we could,” said Asher. “A lot of hard work kept that fire to a couple hundred acres.”
Asher said the department strives for two-minute turnouts and nine-minute responses. The average response to the brush/grass fires was six minutes.
“We can do better, but a lot of those were mutual aid calls,” said Asher. “Those are not a full response from our fire district unless it is Entiat or Manson.”
Commissioner Karyl Oules spoke for many when she complimented the department for the
“I have people who get hold of me and ask, ‘How can we thank you?’” said Oules. “What would be important that I can tell these people that would show their appreciation for what you are doing ‘cause you’re kickin’ a…”
Oules cited the August 20 response to the Stayman Flats fire as “a prime example of what’s been happening all year,” said Oules. “It’s impressive, very impressive. I thank you, and I know the public does.”
“I agree,” said Commissioner Russ Jones. “The community is feeling pretty good about our fire department right now, and yesterday was just another example of a great show. Hitting them fast and hitting them hard is paying off.”
“Just remember these times,” said Asher. “And support us when we need it.”
Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media
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