Chelan County wildfire under control as burn ban takes effect

Outdoor burning is prohibited in Chelan County. The restriction began Sunday, June 1, and will remain in place until the end of September.

"Your yard debris needs to be piled up, recycled, hauled to the dump," said Chelan Fire District 7 Commissioner Ron Simmons. "With the weather and the changes in the wind, we don't need to be chasing fires up hillsides after somebody's debris pile got away."

"We had seven brush fire responses in the month of April," noted Chelan Fire Chief Brandon Asher.

Asher said to continue ongoing firefighting preparedness, Chelan Fire and Rescue received a $25,000 grant for wildland (fire) protective equipment.

An application has been made for a $100,000 grant for a rescue vehicle, command rig and a Washington State Community Development Block Grant to fund the cost of the seasonal firefighter program for the next five years. The agency is also looking to apply for a federal grant to pay for a Volunteer (Firefighter) Retention Coordinator.

"With that grant their PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) gets paid for, their uniforms get paid for, the cost of the training," said Chief Asher of the potential benefit to outfitting volunteer firefighters. "It's a big benefit to us and our taxpayers."

Local firefighters remind homeowners that creating ‘defensible space’ between your property and forest fuels is critical in keeping a fire at bay.

If you’re interested in knowing more firefighters will pay a complimentary visit to your home or property.

"We're happy to come out and do a home assessment to see if your house is ready for an approaching wildfire," said the Chief.

Chelan Fire and Rescue provides fire safety and prevention tips here.

Fire advisories have been lifted in the area of the Second Creek wildfire that has consumed about 81 acres, eight miles north of Leavenworth.

150 firefighters remained on the fire lines over the weekend. Effort was placed on clearing the southern side of the fire. No specific cause has been determined for the fire that began on Memorial Day.