Last week, more than 50 volunteers were dispatched to Chelan County to assist in reducing the threat and impact of wildfires in the region.
Team Rubicon, a disaster response nonprofit organization headquartered in California, has deployed these volunteers, known as "greyshirts," for a 10-day operation, as stated in a news release issued by Team Rubicon.
Bill Blair, incident command for Team Rubicon says their "sawyers and crews venture out with chainsaws and determination to clear brush, dead trees, and other fuel sources that contribute to fires," He went on to say that by making people and their properties safer, they consider their mission accomplished.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has recognized Chelan County as the top priority area in the state for wildfire fuel mitigation efforts, according to the news release.
This collaborative operation involves the active participation of the Cascadia Conservation District, American Red Cross, Wenatchee Valley Fire District, Lake Wenatchee Fire & Rescue, and Wenatchee River Institute.
Team Rubicon's swift response coincides with local entities issuing warnings about an anticipated "above normal" fire season, prompting proactive measures to safeguard the community and its surroundings.
