Fire District #3 Evaluation

Chelan County Fire Protection District #3 is pleased to announce a Fire Protection Classification change for District residents and businesses from a Protection Class 8 to a Protection Class 6.  Starting in May of 2011, Fire District #3 asked for an evaluation of the District’s fire protection capabilities within the District’s own boundaries (excludes the City of Leavenworth).  Please see the attached map .

The following reclassification is a result of this evaluation.  Properties located within 5 miles of a responding fire station that have a standard hydrant water system within 1000 feet will receive a classification of 6.  Properties within 5 miles of a station that do not have hydrant-access shall receive a classification of a PC 8A.  Properties located beyond 5 miles of a responding station shall be a PC 9A.

The evaluation process takes several weeks to complete and includes an on-site evaluation/inspection from the Survey & Rating Bureau.  The District must prove (through documentation) the capabilities of the organization.  The evaluation process includes the following categories:

• Water Supply
• Fire Department Capabilities
• Fire Service Communication
• Fire Safety Control
• Additional Deficiencies

There are 3 possible benefits this evaluation could have on your Homeowners Insurance.  First, Homeowner Insurance Rates could be lowered.  Second, more insurance companies should be willing to quote private property policies making it more competitive.  Lastly, areas receiving the 6 classification could see some assistance with building or sub-division requirements.  The new rating goes into effect December 1, 2011.

On behalf of the Fire District #3 Commissioners I’d like to especially thank the career and volunteer staff of Chelan County Fire District #3.  Without their efforts, the district could not have achieved this lofty goal.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at (509) 548-7711.

Yours in fire safety,

Kelly O’Brien

Fire Chief

Chelan County Fire District #3

Want to know more about volunteer activities and other items of interest? A “Volunteer News” news-article category is now active on the Chelan County Fire District 3 website. Stay tuned!

In 1992 the Chelan County Fire District #3 Volunteer Firefighters Association started a volunteer sleeper program. Two volunteer EMT’s staffed a duty shift at the main station from 6 pm to 6 am seven days a week. After moving into our new facilities in 2000 the district started a resident/sleeper program which we still operate today.

Currently we have 6 volunteer sleepers and 3 resident firefighters. Those 9 personnel cover at least one 12 hour shift 7 days a week all year long. The service this provides our constituents is equal to having a full paid fire department while keeping the tax rate equal to that of a volunteer organization.

Resident firefighters must sign and complete an agreement with the district which includes duties, cleaning requirements and training mandates. Sleepers must meet certain training requirements but the duties compared to a resident are relatively light.

This program improves our fire district services in the following ways:

• Reduces reaction time on incidents
• Increases experience level of personnel
• Recruiting and retention tool for volunteers
• Station I staffed during non-business hours
• Ensures minimum response level on all incidents
• Lower operating costs compared to career department

An argument can be made that the resident/sleeper program saves our district tax payers and city residents conservatively more than $240,000 a year just in personnel costs alone. That is a great service our personnel are providing.

Duty Officer:

In 1995 after the City of Leavenworth’s new insurance rating the District was deficient in the area of command personnel. To remedy the problem we purchased a surplus duty vehicle and senior officers started rotating duty on a weekly duty rotation with junior officers taking some weekends only.

Currently we use a different system. All senior officers rotate duty on a weekly basis. During that week the duty officer is required to be within district boundaries, respond to fire and complex emergency incidents. We will also respond out of district boundaries to assist mutual aid districts, USFS and DNR.

If a command officer is going to take vacation during his or her rotation then it is up to that individual to find a replacement by either trading shifts with another officer or by using a select few volunteers with command experience who are approved by the chief. It is also common to use command duty as training for junior officers allowing them to either ride along or by having senior officer remain in district to monitor the emergency calls. Firefighter Folden as well as other before him as been used in that mode to get more command experience.

The advantages of having duty officer rotation:

• Command personnel on duty in absence of higher authority
• Increase in experience
• Senior officer responsible in district at all times.
• Guaranteed response level
• Safety

Both of these operational programs have been running within the district for over 15 years. It is a credit to all who support these programs that we can maintain and enhance them over the years to keep our level of service to the public at such a high level.

Kelly O’Brien
Fire Chief

March 26, 2010 District #3 was notified by the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company that we’d be receiving a grant for roughly $24,000.00. Firemen’s Fund parent organization is Allianz. CCFD#3 personnel would like to thank the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company for its commitment to community safety.

The money will purchase and upgrade the District’s “Jaws of Life” equipment as well as to upgrade the departments personal protective equipment such as turnout gear. This is essential equipment that will keep our firefighters and citizens safe. With the number of visitors Leavenworth receives annually the “jaws of life” are crucial to providing high quality emergency medical service to the upper valley.

Further information will be forthcoming. If you are interested in learning more about the grant visit www.firemansfund.com/heritage.

Kelly O’Brien
Fire Chief
CCFD#3

CCFD3's New CAFS Pumper

On April 9, 2008, the Fire Commissioners approved Chief Kelly O’Brien’s recommendation to request bids for purchase of a new fire engine. The engine specifications included CAFS (Compressed Air Foam System), along with a 1250 gpm pump and a 5-person chassis.

Another view of the CAFS pumper.

On May 14 the board approved a bid by Cascade Fire and Equipment of Yakima, Washington. The Fire District took delivery of the new apparatus on November 11, 2008. The unit is now in service protecting Leavenworth and Fire District 3 out of the Main Station at 228 Chumstick Road.

At the Peshastin Fire

Fire completely consumed one home, and the next-door Peshastin United Church of Christ was damaged. No one was injured. The church damage was minor, but the residence was a total loss.

Forest Fire

From Chief Kelly O’Brien

Every spring I get asked by numerous members of our community what kind of fire season I think we’ll have this year. I for one have never been good at being able to predict the coming season. However, I always make sure to mention the one fact I do know and that is we will have a fire season!

Spring cleanup is upon us now, and I’d like to take this opportunity to suggest the following recommendations you can use to help prepare your home and property to survive a wildfire:

• Create a 100 ft. green belt around your home, barns and storage sheds
• Keep trees pruned up off the ground and remove underbrush
• Landscape with fire resistant plants
• Move woodpiles away from your home
• Keep roofs clean from needles, leaves and pine co
  nes
• Ensure driveways are safe and capable of being used by large fire district equipment

A Residence in a Green Belt

The six items listed above could mean the difference in saving your home in the event of a forest fire. Safety of our members is always going to be my first priority in any emergency situation. We won’t unnecessarily risk lives to protect homes and property that can’t be saved. District #3 personnel will help you assess your property and make recommendations on action you can take. Literature is also available at the station upon request.

One final recommendation I must make is to have a safe place where you and your family, especially children can go in the event of a fire. Parents of children who are often home alone should ensure the kids know what action to take if a fire inside or outside the home were to occur. Your property can be replaced– your children cannot.

Please contact Fire District #3 if you have any questions regarding protecting your home against wildfire. Contact information can be obtained from this website.

Kelly O’Brien
Fire Chief

Brush 33 on the Harris Fire.

Chelan County Fire District 3 resources deploy to Southern California wildfires.

On October 25th, Brush 33 and three department members joined a Chelan County Strike Team of Engines deployed to the Southern California wildfires. Assistant Chief Gil Eggleston, Firefighter Zack Horner and Firefighter Matt Rise accepted the fourteen-day assignment as part of the Chelan County group which included Districts 1, 8 and 9. By the time the Strike Team crossed back into Chelan County twelve days later, we had put over 3000 miles and many hours into the assignment.

Our first stop was at Chino Staging where we joined several dozen engines awaiting assignment. Orders came in the morning to respond to the Harris Fire in San Diego County. This fire was credited with six fatalities and over 1000 homes destroyed in a 100,000 acre area. The Strike Team was only assigned to this fire for three days, but made it to the U.S.- Mexico border before being reassigned farther north.

The Team was then assigned to standby and run calls with the San Bernardino County Fire Department Stations 2 and 75. Brush 33 was assigned to Station 75 and spent three days working with the San Bernardino County firefighters staffing that station. We were in very capable company and could not have been treated better anywhere. We assisted these firefighters through a Red Flag period of Santa Ana winds and were released back to yet another staging area.

With the winds diminishing and the threat of new fire lessened we were released for the long road home. During our deployment we saw firefighters and apparatus from across the country, as far away as Maine. I’m sure it was a high point in many firefighters’ career to be able to participate in such a massive effort. Our own Brush 33 held up well to the test and now has the bragging rights to fighting fire from Canada to Mexico.

Go here for more Southern California wildfire images.

Outdoor burning starts October 1 in Chelan County Fire District 3, outside the City of Leavenworth Urban Growth Area.

Remember, there’s no burning inside the Urban Growth Area. Go here for more information about the Urban Growth Area.

Demolition Debris

What’s Legal to Burn?

You can only burn natural vegetation in the county. Natural vegetation includes grass, tree clippings, leaves, and weeds.

What Fire Size is Allowed Without a Permit?

Your fire area can be no larger than 3ft. X 3ft. You’ll need a Burn Permit from the County County Fire Marshal’s Office if you have larger piles up to 10ft. X 10ft., or engage in land clearing. Piles larger than 10ft. X 10ft. require a Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources or a Washington State Dept. of Ecology permit.

Illegal Construction Debris

What’s Illegal to Burn?

You may not burn non-vegetation items, which includes (but’s not limited to):

• Cardboard
• Tires
• Pesticide Containers
• Construction debris
• Asphalt
• Plastic
• Treated Lumber
• Dead animals
• Petroleum Products
• Paper
• Paint
• Metals
• Household Garbage

Household Garbage

You can be cited by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Wash. St. Dept. of Ecology, or Wash. St. Dept. of Natural Resources if you decide to burn these or similar items. Fines can be as much as $10,000.

Illegal Burn Barrel

Illegal Burn Barrels

All burn barrels are against the law in Washington State.

Remember- Your fire must be attended at all times, and you must have water and a shovel at the burn site. Violators will be subject to a fine.

Have a good, clean fall burning season!

-Chelan County Fire District 3

Jordan Folden

This spring two CCFD3 volunteers successfully completed the extensive State of Washington Firefighter 1 program in their pursuit of a Fire Service career.

Jordan Folden, a two-year veteran volunteer and member of the CCFD3 Residence Program, graduated from Bates Technical Institute on June 14 with a State Firefighter 1 Certificate. Jordan also received the “Most Improved Firefighter” award presented by his classmates. This was the result of an intensive ten-week program that taught the many skills required of structural firefighters in today’s world. Jordan continues to be an active member in our department, as well as the Residence Program, while pursuing a position as a career firefighter.

Kurtis Larsen

Kurtis Larsen (shown at left, with Asst. Chief Gil Eggleston on the right) is a three-year veteran volunteer firefighter who has been pursuing a degree in Fire Science at Everett over the past year. As a part of that program he has completed a fourteen-week course that also meets the strict State Firefighter 1 requirements. Kurtis graduated from the Firefighter 1 program on July 2nd and will continue his studies toward the Fire Science Degree this fall. Kurtis is still an active member in our department when his schedule allows, and will also pursue a career in firefighting.

We are very proud of the accomplishments of our two firefighters, and they maintain a tradition within our department of providing strong trained volunteers that have moved into career firefighting positions across the state.