Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD

Published: 19 July 2020

Joyous Van Meter, Chelan-Douglas Health District: 1045 total cases, 627 for Chelan county, 259 cases in last 14 days. Hospitalizations are also up, 23 total Covid patients in county hospitals. Continuing education and outreach to the community emphasis on mask wearing. Question regarding asymptomatic patients and exposure, exposure of 5-9 days. Question regarding spike in positive cases likely due to prevalence and re-opening.

Ray Eickmeyer, LCCH EMS: Hospital is using its surge beds now, getting busier with patient admission. Hoping to implement more in-home monitoring of patients with Wanda Healthcare and the Community Paramedicine Program starting in August.

Debbie Conwell, Manson Chamber of Commerce: Knows that some business owners received warnings about outside concerts. Stated some businesses had higher than normal July 4th weekend business volumes.

Jim Colbert, Chelan Fruit: Reported no positive cases in workforce with 7-10 days of cherry packing season left.

Chief Mark Donnell, CF&R (Chelan): All personnel are healthy, PPE levels are at adequate levels.

Updates from Members not Present:

Kari Grover-Weir, USFS:
Please share this update from the Chelan and Entiat RDs:
• One of our Engine crews (4 firefighters) on assignment in Arizona has tested positive for COVID-19. One of the crew members reported a loss of taste, so they all got tested.  Currently, the whole crew is in isolation in AZ, for the 10 days of isolation after a positive test before they travel home. All of the crew members are currently asymptomatic including the one that first reported a loss of taste.  The engine crew has been doing daily screenings and none of them ever registered a fever or had any other significant symptoms.  Some symptoms could have been missed due to allergies and acclimating to a higher elevation and hotter climate while performing firefighter duties.  The health department in Arizona is in contact with the Chelan-Douglas health district here.  It is difficult to determine if the crew was exposed in WA, on their route to AZ or in AZ.  They have been very careful.
• We continue to monitor our employees, and test when needed.  We have not yet had any positive COVID cases locally, but have had several employees tested.
• Following our national guidance and as COVID cases continue to rise, we will not be opening our offices to visitors yet.  However, we are still available M-F by phone 509-682-4900 to answer questions or arrange for the purchase of permits and passes.
• No wildfires on National Forest land in the last two weeks, but our crews worked on the Road 11 fire in Mansfield and the Sunset Fire in Wenatchee, as well as other fires when assistance was needed.
• We are updating our fire information list and will be doing more virtual fire information if/when we have local wildfires. this will be a frequent (likely daily) email with the fire information report that you typically see posted around town during fire season.  If you would like to be on the contact/email list for fire information this summer, please send Kari an email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Most of you are probably already on our list, but go ahead and send Kari an email to be sure.  We are asking for folks to post and share the fire information when you receive it.
• Recreation use on the national forest continues to be way more than normal.  Our employees are saying “it’s like 4th of July every weekend”.  Lots of garbage being left both in campgrounds and out in the woods, some places worse than others.   Some abandoned campfires as well.
• Campfire restrictions are considered every week based on forest conditions and will likely be put in place soon.
• We still have a mask-donned Smokey in front of the Chelan Ranger Station to encourage mask wearing, though we keep having to replace the mask as it gets removed – hopefully someone just needs a mask! : )
• Thanks to each of you for all the work you are doing for our community. Please reach out to Kari if you have any questions regarding the Forest Service.

Conference Call ended at 1325

Written by Carol A Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, CFR

Published: 13 July 2020

AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 3:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA

The CFR Board of Commissioners will conduct the meeting via Google Hangout. The public is welcome to listen to the open public meeting by calling #351-888-7591 no access code is needed.

Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.

Flag Salute:
Regular Meeting Call to Order:
Approve Agenda:
Public Comment: Public comments will be accepted at this meeting. If you wish to comment during the public comment please email Chief Mark Donnell at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 509-682-4476. Chelan Fire & Rescue will require a written statement for the record of all public comments made.
Consent Agenda:
• Revenue and Expenditure Report: June 2020
• Payroll: June 1 -30, 2020 for $130,718.51
• General Account Vouchers: #746459 – 746530 for $40,045.04
• Capital Account Vouchers: #17112 – 17117 for $77,435.30
• Bond Account Voucher: #19016 for $15,200 (interest pymt)
• Minutes: June 17, 2020
Fire Chief Report:
• 2020 Budget & Financial Report
• Emergency Response Report / Operations / Community Risk Reduction
Assistant Chief Report:
• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
• Long Range Planning (Meeting to be scheduled for July)
• City of Chelan Fire Protection Services Contract
• Station 75 Short Plat
• 2019 Annexations (Revised Resolution and Legal Descriptions)
New Business:
• 2020-09 Resolution for Surplus Apparatus – 1992 Seagrave (E-74) and 2011 Ford (B-72)
Special Events:
Board for Volunteer Firefighters:
Public Comment:
Commissioner Comments:
Executive Session:
Adjournment:

Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD

Published: 05 July 2020

Rich Magnussen, Chelan-Douglas Regional EOC: PPE levels at sufficient levels requiring larger storage facility. N-95 masks are still difficult to obtain.

Joyous Van Meter, Chelan-Douglas Health District: Positive cases up with 26 new cases in Chelan County as of yesterday, July 1st. Barry Kling has retired as Administrator. Prevalence study will begin next week with invitations sent out to community members. Starting waste water testing that may identify positive case increases before actual testing does. Started masking surveys in Wenatchee/East Wenatchee (June 23rd 36-43% participation, with increase to 75%). Continuing to work with agricultural businesses regarding infection control for worker groups. Preliminary positive numbers are increasing, hospitalizations trending up but lag behind case counts.

Kari Grover-Wier, USFS: No new cases within work groups. Expect higher recreational use of parks and facilities this weekend, fire crews will be on duty this weekend. Working with Health Dept on testing of employees when they return from assignments.

Debbie Conwell, Manson Chamber of Commerce: Have set up free mask distribution for community members, setting up social distancing/parking for July 4th Fireworks show. Discussed air show and various events/activities for 4th of July weekend.

Jim Colbert, Chelan Fruit: Passed peak of cherry harvest (60%), no positive cases since early May with higher level of acceptance from workers.

Wade Farris, City of Chelan: RV park is open and full, self-contained RVs only, no tents. Mayor continues to push for wearing of masks. More outdoor seating in downtown area. Barricades

Chief Mark Donnell, CF&R (Chelan): All personnel are healthy, PPE levels are at adequate levels.

Updates from Members not Present:

Roundtable:

Conference Call ended at 1332

Written by Brandon Asher, CFR

Published: 26 June 2020

At noon on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Chelan Fire and Rescue will be doing a test activation of its community siren.

After floating the idea of creating community awareness going into a predicted bad fire season, we were met with overwhelming support from the community of reactivating the siren.

The siren will only activate when Chelan Fire and Rescue is on 2^nd alarm or greater wildland or structure fires. In these situations, we have requested all available manpower and equipment from all 5 of our stations.

This will serve notice to the community to be prepared for a larger wildland fire that could potentially be threatening the safety of our citizens and visitors. It also serves notice that there could be a delay in other responses due to having to break a truck away from the current emergency.

There will not be a weekly test of the siren as we understand that it is loud and people may wonder what it is for.

After this Wednesday, if the siren goes off, take a quick look at your surroundings and look for smoke.

Every effort will be made to update our social media pages and other media partners with as accurately and timely of information as the emergency allows.

See our previous story: Chelan Fire and Rescue contemplating extending siren uses

Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD

Published: 12 June 2020

Kent Sisson, Chelan-Douglas Regional EOC: Chelan-Douglas Counties have been approved to move into Phase 1.5, 50K masks from Hanes have arrived and are being distributed today. More requests for PPE coming into the EOC, CARES money covers business community needs for PPE. Waiting for new tier designations for PPE allocations, being worked on at the state level. With PPE supply chains opening up, counties will be moving away from the PPE allocation business. Regional EOC will continue to be in operation as we move into wildfire season.

Joyous Van Meter, Chelan-Douglas Health District: 452 positive cases in Chelan-Douglas county, with positive to 36/100,000. Details for reopening are posted on the website and being pushed out to the public. Ray Dobbs stated that Mike Steele has been able to get approval for retail business to have up to 50% occupancy during this reopening phase. Talked about antibody testing and statistical basis for accuracy.

Laura Schmidt, Columbia Valley Community Health: Reported that the positives in the agricultural community (packing sheds and migrant worker transient housing), there have been no community related positive cases since April 10th. Telehealth and appointment services are up and running

Kari Grover-Weir, USFS: Campgrounds are scheduled for opening in next two days. No positive tests for employees. Summer staffing is up and running. Outlook for 2020 fire season is not looking good.

Debbie Conwell, Manson Chamber of Commerce: Lot of good information to assist with business reopening through Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. Manson Fireworks is set for July 4th at 10:15 with emphasis on viewing from cars, boats, and residences. Guidelines for business reopening can be found at: https://washingtonretail.org/initiatives/covid-19-coronavirus/covid-19-reopening/

Barry DePaoli, Chelan School District: Great virtual graduation ceremony with social distancing photo shoot and parade for graduates. Viewership of over 2,000 watched the ceremony for 110 (out of 115) graduates. Currently reviewing operational guidelines for school opening within three different scenarios, planning on opening school with face to face instruction. School will be closing down June 19th with food service being taken over by Thrive Chelan on Fridays only. Talked about issues and challenges with distance learning model.

Mayor Bob Goedde, Mayor, City of Chelan: Don Morse is in the process of opening the RV park only, no campsites at this time. Anticipate opening on Monday, June 15th. Discussed work by HDCA in setting up more outdoor seating for restaurants. Recommended wearing a mask for all local members, still highlighting mask design contest.

Wade Farris, City of Chelan: No additional

Chief Mike Asher, CCFD #8 (Entiat): All personnel are healthy, PPE supplies are at adequate levels.

Chief Mark Donnell, CF&R (Chelan): All personnel are healthy, continuing to maintain training with current social distancing guidelines. PPE levels are at adequate levels.

Roundtable: Nothing added.

Conference Call ended at 1354

Written by Carol A Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, CFR

Published: 11 June 2020

AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at 3:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA

The CFR Board of Commissioners will conduct the meeting via google hangout. The public is welcome to listen to the open public meeting by calling #351-888-7591 no access code is needed.

Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.

Flag Salute:
Regular Meeting Call to Order:
Approve Agenda:
Public Comment: Public comments will be accepted at this meeting. If you wish to comment during the public comment please email Chief Mark Donnell at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 509-682-4476. Chelan Fire & Rescue will require a written statement for the record of all public comments made.
Consent Agenda:
• Revenue and Expenditure Report: May 2020
• Payroll: May 1-31 Paid 06-05-2020 $116,192.96
• Vouchers: General Account #746459- 746510 $25,264.06
• Vouchers: Capital Account #17112 -17117 $77,435.30
• Minutes: May 20, 2020
Fire Chief Report:
• 2020 Budget & Financial Report
• Emergency Response Report / Operations / Community Risk Reduction
Assistant Chief Report:
• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
• Long Range Planning (Meeting to be scheduled for July)
• City of Chelan Fire Protection Services Contract
• Station 75 Short Plat
• Annexations
New Business:
Special Events:
Board for Volunteer Firefighters:
Public Comment:
Commissioner Comments:
Executive Session:
Adjournment:

Written by Brandon Asher, CCFD

Published: 09 June 2020

On 6-8-20 at 8:14 PM Chelan Fire and Rescue responded to a structure fire with a report of flames from the roof of a home at 351 Fields Pt. Landing.

A second alarm was called which brought assistance from Entiat and Manson fire departments.

First arriving crews reported a large home going through a remodel that was fully involved and had already almost burned to the ground. Strong down lake winds had pushed the fire into the nearby brush threatening one home. Crews were able to quickly contain the brush fire and then put out what was left of the home.

Due to the high winds and no sheetrock in place the fire quickly spread throughout the whole structure.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Written by Mark R. Donnell, Fire Chief, CCFD

Published: 04 June 2020

At 4:03 AM on 6-2-2020, crews from Chelan Fire & Rescue were dispatched to a reported commercial fire alarm activation at 302 E. Woodin Ave. 

Manager on site reported light smoke inside the occupancy and fire crews immediately upgraded the call to a commercial fire. 

Flames and heavy smoke were reported on the roof and fire crews initiated fire attack with aerial (ladder truck) master stream. 

Crews attempted to enter the building but pulled back due to partial collapse of the ceiling and moved into defensive fire operations. 

A third alarm was called bringing additional resources from LCCH EMS, Manson, Orondo, and Entiat to assist with fire suppression operations.  A total of 33 fire personnel and 14 apparatus were used to bring the fire under control at 5:31 AM with no reported injuries. 

Cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Written by Bob Plumb, Fire Marshal, Chelan County

Published: 29 May 2020

Resolution 2020-54 was passed by the Chelan County Commissioners that the designation of the Fire Hazard Level will be Moderate beginning on Monday June 1, 2020.

Beginning on Monday June 1, 2020, open burning will be closed. This includes natural vegetation and yard debris.

Attended recreational campfires are allowed at private residences, hosted campgrounds and at dispersed camping sites in approved “campfire areas”. Have a shovel and water readily available on site to suppress the fire.

“Campfire area” is an outdoor fire-burning area for recreational fires where natural wood materials other than rubbish can be burned. The campfire area must have all combustible material removed down to mineral soil and shall have a containment area of either rock, metal, concrete or any other noncombustible material and shall not be more than thirty-six inches in diameter and twenty-four inches high. All combustible material one and one-half feet surrounding the campfire area shall be removed. Fuel for the recreational residential campfire shall not extend above the edge of the campfire containment area.

No Household trash or garbage shall be burned outdoors at residences at any time.

Burn barrels are illegal and are not permitted.