ARLINGTON – Acting Fire Chief Tom Cooper asks residents to be especially cautious about fire because many local resources have been sent over the mountains to battle blazes in Eastern Washington.
“With resources stretched so thin, we need everyone’s help to keep the risk of wildfires in our local community to a minimum,” Cooper says on the city’s website.
He emphasized that a statewide burn ban is in effect and will be until the end of September.
Cooper said recent rain has not been enough to help tinder-dry conditions.
“Snohomish County’s fire danger is almost as bad as conditions in Eastern Washington,” he said.
Cooper went on to say that while Snohomish County fire units are on the front lines to the east, people are still safe at home. Firefighters sent east are primarily off duty using back-up apparatus and equipment
Mayor Barb Tolbert added that on Aug. 14, Arlington Fire received a request for assistance to deploy an engine and crew to the Chelan-area fires. A crew including Capt. Phil Knepper, firefighters Matt Urtz and Craig Monson headed east in a reserve fire truck. The crew provided structure protection and created defensible areas.
They worked the Chelan Complex fire for five days and then relocated to the Okanogan Complex on Aug. 19, where they are providing structure protection in the Lake Conconully area. On Aug. 22, the crew will be relieved by Capt. Dave Kraski, and firefighters Anna Trenouth and Adam Von Melville.
Tolbert also talked of the three firefighters who died battling blazes in the Methow River Valley in Twisp.
“I send prayers for the families, friends and co-workers of these brave firefighters,” Tolbert said. “These firefighters are truly heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect and serve.”
