Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 22 May 2019

Chelan County Fire Protection District 8 and Chelan Fire and Rescue responded to a report of an orchard burn that got out of containment around 11:58 hours today (05/22/2019).

Battalion 7 was the first unit to arrive in the area and report a working brush fire. Units from Chelan County Fire Protection District 8 and Chelan Fire and Rescue, United States Forrest Service, Department of Natural Resources and Bureau of Land Management joined the effort to quickly help contain the fire.

The fire was located up the Chelan Butte Road off Stayman Flats Road. Much of the fire was contained between two orchards, but the north end was open to traveling up the Chelan Butte.

Resources rapidly knocked down the main body of fire and stopped fire spread on the north end followed by full containment. Units on scene are now mopping up hot stops.

The leaders of the involved fire agencies had just completed a meeting at Station 81 in Entiat and were still in the area make resources more available.

At 13:16 hours fire was knocked down and crews were working to finish containment. Fire was about three acres.

Written by Karla A Mendoza, Administrative Assistant, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 19 May 2019

At 6:38 AM on 5/17/19, Chelan Fire & Rescue responded to a structure fire in the 100 block of S. Robinson Street. The homeowner called 9-1-1 and reported that smoke was filling the house and that all occupants had been evacuated.

When firefighters arrived they located an older model toaster that had malfunctioned and was the cause of the smoke. It was quickly removed from the residence and firefighters cleared the smoke from the residence and turned the property back over the homeowner. Nno further damage to the residence was reported.

Chelan Fire & Rescue would like to remind everyone that even though an appliance is not in use it can malfunction and potentially become a fire hazard. It is recommended that residents unplug small appliances when not in use as an important step in reducing the risk of a fire starting in your home.

Firefighters also discovered there were outdated and non-working smoke alarms in the residence. Fire & Rescue personnel checked all other smoke alarms and replaced those that were not working.

Smoke alarms save lives by providing early warning when a fire starts. All residents are encouraged to install, test and maintain their smoke alarms.

Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 14 May 2019

AGENDA

Chelan Fire and Rescue

Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 3:00 P.M.

232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA

Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.

Flag Salute:

Call to Order:

Approve Agenda:

Public Comment:

Consent Agenda:

• Revenue and Expenditure Report: April 2019

• Payroll: $131,886.35 April 1-30, 2019 Paid: 05-05-2019

• Vouchers for April 2019 General Account: Vouchers #18759 – 18776 for $12,730.93; Vouchers #18777 – 187892 for $32,340.56; Vouchers #18791 – 18800 for $7,269.11.

• Vouchers for April 2019 Capital Account: None

• Minutes: April 17, 2019

Fire Chief Report:

• 2019 Budget / Emergency Response Report / Facilities/Apparatus/Equipment

  • Deputy Chief Operations Report: Operations / Fire Prevention / Public Education / Career Staff

  • Assistant Chief of Volunteer Services: Volunteer Recruitment and Training / Volunteer Staff

Firefighters Association Report:

Unfinished Business:

• Ladder 71

• Rescue Boat

• LRP Presentation to the Public

New Business:

Special Event:

• 05-17-19-2019 WSFFA 96^th Conference – Wenatchee Convention Center

• 05-18-2019 WSFFA Banquet 6 p.m. – Volunteer Firefighter of the year award – Jonathan Mendoza

• 05-20-2019 WFC Conference – Kennewick / Chief Donnell and Chief Asher

• 05-23-2019 Memorial Day Parade

• 05-30-2019 CFR Town Hall Meeting – Chelan Senior Center 6-8

Board for Volunteer Firefighters

• Invoices

Commissioner Comments: No action to be taken.

Executive Session: None

Adjournment:

Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 08 April 2019

On April 4th at 2:55pm Chelan Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to a reported brush fire in the area of Chelan Ranch Road and Purtteman Gulch Road.  Arriving crews found a fully engulfed chicken coop threatening adjacent structures with fire that had spread into approximately 2 acres of grass and brush behind the residence on Whitetail Lane.  Chelan Fire & Rescue called for a second alarm with notification to CWICC due to the rapid fire spread that was driven by 10 mph winds.  A third alarm was called when the fire threatened nearby structures and the eastern fire spread had moved towards Union Valley. 

This early season fire was eventually brought under control by Chelan Fire & Rescue with mutual aid assistance from Chelan County Fire District 5 (Manson), Chelan County Fire District 8 (Entiat), Douglas County Fire District 4 (Orondo), US Forestry Service, Department of Natural Resources, and Chelan County Sheriff.  Total size for this fire was estimated at 7.5 acres with the only structure loss being the chicken coop.  Cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

Chelan Fire & Rescue would like to remind all Fire District residents that the 2019 fire season has started early and we expect a busier than normal fire season due to the low moisture snow pack and the drier than normal grass and shrubs.

Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 26 March 2019

CHELAN FIRE and RESCUE

Long Range Plan

Agenda
03/28/2019 @ 11:00 a.m.

Call to order:
Flag Salute:
Staffing:
Apparatus:
Funding:
Adjournment:

Written by Faye Barker, Administrative Assistant, Chelan Fire & Rescue

Published: 20 March 2019

Chelan Fire and Rescue (CFR) held its Annual Awards Banquet Saturday night (03/16/2019) at Campbell’s Resort on Lake Chelan to honor those members that went the extra mile in 2018. Of the 101 members of Chelan Fire and Rescue, over 80 members and guests attended the function along with special guests, retired Fire Commissioner’s Rick Nedrow and Bob Gervais.

CFR members logged in 8,467 hours of training in 2018.  Thirteen volunteer members logged 50 to 99 hours, 10 members logged 100 to 149 hours, 4 members logged 150 to 199 hours, 5 members logged over 200 with the highest training hours going to FF/EMT Jon Mendoza who logged in 301 hours of training.

CFR responded to 984 emergency 9-1-1 incidents. Total response by members was 2,854 (3,152 hours). The highest response by a volunteer went to to FF/EMT Jon Mendoza who responded to 193 emergency incidents.

Chelan Fire District 7 Volunteer Firefighter’s Association President Dan Crandall recognized Windermere Real Estate Lake Chelan for their on-going support and fund raising in the amount of $7,595.20. FF Judy Johnson was recognized for her serviced as the Associations’ Treasure from 2014 through 2018.

Special Wildfire Certificates of Recognition were presented to 37 members of CFR that responded to one or more of the 53 working wildland fires in 2018. Eight of the wildires were 2^nd alarm, ten were 3^rd alarm fires and seven State Mobilization responses.

Life Saving Certificates

Administrative Office Manager Carol Kibler was recognized with a Life Saving Certificate after performing the Heimlich maneuver on a choking victim during a vacation in Mexico.

Life Saving Certificates were presented for a Cardiac Arrest victim’s save and recovery to Deputy Fire Chief Mark Donnell, Lt/EMT Shawn Sherman, Lt/EMT Eric Sanderson, FF/EMT Joe Cox, FF/EMT Steven Saugen, FF/EMT Tyee Zacher, FF Judy Johnson and FF James Parks.

Life Saving Certificates were presented for a drowning victim that went into cardiac arrest and was revived to Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Asher, FF/EMT Adam Jones, FF/EMT Troy Keene, FF/EMT Taylor Rains, FF/EMT Joe Cox, SS/EMT Sam Belsky and FF Austin Yancey.

2018 Helping Hands Award went to United States Forest Service and Department of Natural Recourses for their on-going partnership in wildland fire fighting. Tom Allen Construction was also recognized for his company’s support of CFR through in kind services.

Recruit Firefighter of the year 2018 went to FF Sam Belsky.

Station Officers Choice went to FF Steve Garvich-Station 71 (City of Chelan), FF Greg Garvin-Station 72 (Chelan Falls) , FF Jimmy Littlefield-Station 73 (Union Valley) and FF James Belch Station-75 (South Lakeshore).

Support Service Member of the year 2018 went to SS/DO Robert Takagi.

Career Firefighter of the year 2018 was awarded to FF/EMT Taylor Rains.

Volunteer Firefighter of the year 2018 was awarded to FF/EMT Jon Mendoza.

Administrator of the Year 2018 went to Administrative Assistant Faye Barker as she rounds out a 30 year career and gets ready to retire at the end of March 2019.

Career Fire Officer of the year 2018 went to Lt/EMT Evan Woods of C-Shift, Station 71 (City of Chelan).

Volunteer Fire Officer of the year 2018 went to Lt. James Parks, Station 72 (Chelan Falls).

Chief’s Award 2018 went to two Volunteer Fire Officers that have distinguished themselves over the years in how they have ran their stations, motivated their volunteers and ensured a consistent response from their stations, not only to their first due area, but in support of the rest of the district also. Lt. Johnny Synder Station 73 (Union Valley), Lt Hal Jones, Station 75 (South Lakeshore)

Fire Commissioner’s Award 2018 went to Administrative Assistant Faye Barker for a distinguished 30 year career in the Fire Service.

The prestigious Chief’s Company 2018 went to Lt. James Parks, FF/EMT Jon Mendoza, FF/EMT Sammy Rains, FF Sam Belsky, FF Hunter Newmiller and FF Austin Yancey. This group is hand selected by the Chief Officer’s for their merit and skills during emergency operations.

Written by Fire Commissioner Russ Jones

Published: 09 March 2019

Fire Commissioner Russ Jones (Chairperson of the Board of Fire Commissioners) announced that Fire Chief Timothy W. Lemon of Chelan Fire and Rescue has stated his intent to retire 12/31/2019. Chief Lemon has spent the last 10 years, of a 40 year career serving as the Fire Chief of Chelan Fire and Rescue.  

Commissioner Jones expressed his sincere appreciation for Chief Lemon’s experience, expertise, dedication and the professionalism that he brought to Chelan Fire and Rescue. “When you look around the department and community you can see the positive impacts that Chief Lemon has made.” said Jones. Improved response times, better trained and educated personnel, increased the number, type and safety of our fire apparatus, built two new fire stations in the outlying areas, improved WSRB fire classification throughout the district and has had a positive impact on all of the fire departments in Chelan Douglas County through his role as the President of the Chelan Douglas County Fire Chief and Commissioners Association for three years.

Chief Lemon has developed a strong professional and dedicated combination fire department that is appreciated by the community and recognized by the fire service community throughout the state. Under the direction of Chief Lemon, the department has earned numerous State Management of Excellence Awards, and has had CFR personnel recognized at the state level for their achievements. The District has brought in over $2.6 million dollars in grant funds under Chief Lemon’s direction.” I hope we will be able to find someone with his qualities, know-how and willingness to go the extra mile.” said Jones.

The department will start the process to find Chief Lemon’s successor later this year.

Written by Faye Barker, CFR

Published: 28 February 2019

When you set your clocks forward for Daylight Saving Time, which is March 11 this year, it is a good time to review the safety checklist.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke AlarmsSmoke alarms save lives – if they are powered by a fresh battery. You should test them every month to make sure they work & replace the battery at least once a year according to the NFPA. If the alarm makes a “chirping” sound, replace it immediately.

Smoke alarms should be located in every bedroom & in the common areas on each floor of a home. Mount them at least 10 feet from the stove to reduce false alarms, less than 12 inches from the ceiling & away from windows, doors & ducts.

Did you know smoke alarms can be interconnected wirelessly? That means, when one sounds, they all sound. A Consumer Product Safety Commission survey found this is the best way to notify everyone in a home if there is a fire.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon Monoxide DetectorsCarbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas and it can kill you. Anything in the home that burns fuel can potentially become a source of carbon monoxide. CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each bedroom and on every level of the home. The safety tips for CO detectors mirror those of smoke alarms: change the batteries, test them and interconnect them, if possible. Also, make sure vents for your gas appliances (fireplace, dryer, stove and furnace) are free and clear of snow or debris.

Family Emergency Plan

Family Emergency PlanThe National Safety Council recommends every family have an emergency plan in place in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. Spring is a great time to review that plan with family members to make sure they know what to do.

Have a home and car emergency kit. The Federal Emergency Management Agency says an emergency kit should include one gallon per day of water for each person, at least a three-day supply of food, flashlight and batteries, first aid kit, filter mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape, and medicines.

The emergency plan also should include:

• A communications plan to outline how your family members will contact one another if they are not in the same place and where you should meet if it’s safe to go outside.
• A shelter-in-place plan if outside air is contaminated; FEMA recommends sealing windows, doors and air vents with plastic sheeting
• A getaway plan including various routes and destinations in different directions.

Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 19 February 2019

AGENDA

Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 3:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA

Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.
Flag Salute:
Call to Order:
Approve Agenda:
Public Comment:
Consent Agenda:
* Revenue and Expenditure Report: December 2018 and January 2019
* Payroll: $124,605.18 January 1-31, 2019 Paid: 02-05-2019
* Vouchers for January 2019 General Account: Vouchers #18575 – 18596 for $18,846.97; Vouchers #18597 – 18612 for $21,964.57; Vouchers #18624 – 18634 for $7,337.36.
* Vouchers for January 2019 Capital Account: Vouchers #17088 - 17089 for $5,405.71; Vouchers #17090 for $5,500.00.
* Minutes: January 9 and 30, 2019.
Fire Chief Report:
* 2019 Budget / Emergency Response Report / Facilities/Apparatus/Equipment
◦ Deputy Chief Operations Report: Operations / Fire Prevention / Public Education / Career Staff
◦ Assistance Chief of Volunteer Services: Volunteer Recruitment and Training / Volunteer Staff
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
* Ladder 71 replacement apparatus
* AFG - SCBA
* Rescue Boat
* Hiring Process – Administrative Assistant
New Business:
* Resolution 2019-00 Surplus Fire Apparatus.
* DNR Phase II Grant
* Lake Chelan Emergency Services Submit 03/07/2019, 0900hr to 1100hr.
Special Event:
* 03/16/2019, 1800hr – 2018 awards Banquet, Campbell’s Resort.
* 03/29/2019, 1800hr – Faye Baker’s Retirement Party, Senior Center
Board for Volunteer Firefighters
* Invoices & Accident Report
Commissioner Comments: No action to be taken.
Executive Session:
RCW 42.30.110(1)(g). To evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the performance of a public employee.
RCW 42.30.110(1)(c) to consider the minimum price at which real estate will be offered for sale or lease when public knowledge regarding such consideration would cause a likelihood of increased or decreased price.
Adjournment: