Three-alarm grass fire threatens homes in East Wenatchee; firefighters remind of fireworks ban

Super scooper wildfire aircraft supports firefighters at the scene of a grass fire outside of East Wenatchee June 25. Photo courtesy: Wenatchee World.

Another stark reminder of the threat of the threat of wildfire and why fireworks are prohibited. Residents in East Wenatchee were placed on high alert for a time being Wednesday when a three-alarm sage grass fire ignited on the hillside at the end of 10th Street NE. All area firefighters and water dropping aircraft were deployed.

Wenatchee Valley Fire Chief Brian Brett said the person who first reported the fire said they witnessed someone throw a firework out of a pickup. 

Evacuation notices were lifted when fire crews gained the upper hand on the fire Wednesday night, after having burned an estimated 65 acres.

The recipe for fire in our area, its effects on us, forest health and what you can do to prevent and prepare for a wildland fire was discussed at a wildfire symposium on Wednesday at Wenatchee Valley College..

"When you call 911 we want to get to you within four to seven minutes so that we can save lives, minimize property damage and (for) insurance purposes," said Wenatchee Valley Fire Chief Brian Brett. "We staff fire stations from a risk-benefit-cost feedback we got from the community on our insurance premiums are going to go to here if we don't have this (referring to firefighter staffing levels that impact insurance premiums)."

Chief Brett said it’s a team effort, or what the industry calls mutual aid, that allows for a quick and early attack on any fire start, "To beat it to submission, and that is what we try to do as fast as we can."

"Our goal is not manage these incidents, our goal is to put 'em out and be done in one operational period," the Chief said. "That's how we roll."

Local fire agencies and law enforcement are calling on residents and visitors to respect fireworks bans in Chelan and Douglas counties this Independence Day to avoid sparking wildfires in already high-risk conditions.

“We were stretched to capacity last Fourth of July,” said Deputy Chief Kurt Blanchard of the Wenatchee Valley Fire Department. “We went from one call to the next, and then fireworks ignited the Balsam Root Fire, causing evacuations and a long night for first responders who were already taxed and exhausted. I do not want a repeat of last year. It was a rough night.”

Fireworks are banned throughout Chelan County, both inside city limits and in unincorporated areas. In Douglas County, personal fireworks are only allowed in Rock Island and only during limited hours. Despite the restrictions, fire officials say many visitors bring fireworks purchased on the west side of the state or on tribal lands, unaware that they remain illegal in the region.

“People visiting don’t understand our arid climate and just how susceptible we are to fire,” said Manson Fire Chief Arnold Baker. “A single spark can create a fast-moving wildfire and destroy property and endanger lives. If you’ve already bought fireworks, save them for New Year’s Eve.”

Steve Foley, deputy chief of operations at Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue, said, “Unfortunately, that also means our community is surrounded by wildfire fuels. It is especially dry and volatile this year. For everyone’s safety, we need people to respect the fireworks and campfire restrictions in our area. Please come enjoy our area but leave the fireworks at home.”