State Senator Brad Hawkins calls for increased air assets and swift initial attacks to combat Chelan County wildfires

WENATCHEE - As wildfires continue to ravage Chelan County, State Senator Brad Hawkins is calling for more air assets and initial attacks to address the region's long-term fire risks. In a statement released on July 24, Hawkins emphasized the importance of swift air attacks in preventing large-scale damage and preserving air quality and the summer tourism season.

"We must get to the point where we put out fires soon after they start rather than just 'managing' them once they get burning," Hawkins said. "If we can't knock down these fires quickly, they just grow and grow, threatening homes, impacting air quality, and jeopardizing our economy."

Hawkins has been working with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Hilary Franz and other legislators to increase state wildfire funding. While he is grateful for the state mobilization authorized to assist on the current Pioneer Fire near Lake Chelan, he believes more resources are needed up front in the form of aircraft, particularly from the federal government, as much of Chelan County involves federal lands.

“The state has enhanced its air resources and has increased its contract pilots, but we will need more aircraft on fires of federal jurisdiction, like the Pioneer Fire. So much of Chelan County involves federal lands, so more aircraft from the federal government to mitigate threats on their lands would be helpful,” he said.

The senator acknowledged that air resources are expensive but argued that the cost of managing fires throughout the summer and into the fall with hundreds of personnel and other assets is also significant. He suggested that having more aircraft pre-positioned in the region would help increase initial response times and support the state throughout the fire season, noting that Washington fires often compete with others in the western United States and British Columbia for air resources.

Hawkins has been in communication with various officials, including DNR's Hilary Franz, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, US Senator Patty Murray's office, and Chelan County Commissioner Tiffany Gering. He expressed gratitude for their prompt responses and good communication. Looking ahead, Hawkins proposed convening officials for a "wildfire summit" this winter to consider opportunities for the next fire season.

“I’m very grateful to all of the firefighters and support staff who helped protect north Wenatchee residents in mid-July and for the local, state, and federal personnel currently working the Pioneer Fire to support the communities of Stehekin and Manson,” he added.

"Protecting structures and communities is extremely important with active fires, which is where the current focus must be, but a full analysis is needed over the coming months," Hawkins said. "Figuring out what it will take to better attack these fires in the first few hours will be the key to keeping us safe, maintaining healthy air quality, and preserving our county's tourism opportunities."