Chelan County Fire District 3
Leavenworth, Washington
Chelan County Fire District 3 News
10-25-07. Chelan County Fire District 3 resources deploy to Southern California wildfires.
Brush 33 getting ready for a 24-hour
shift on the Harris Fire.
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.
8-22-07. Volunteers
pursue full-time
firefighter careers.
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 (shown at center, above), 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 (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.
5-24-07. Live fire training with the Fire Blaster Trailer.
This photo was taken during our live fire training conducted this week using the Fire Blaster Trailer provided by the Washington State Fire Fighters' Association. The Association purchased the trailer with money from various fundraisers and provides use of the trailer throughout the state for live fire training.
3-9-07. Exhaust system is installed and operational.
Here's a picture of the newly installed exhaust system that was mentioned on 2-10-07.
2-10-07. New exhaust extraction system to be installed soon.
In December, 2006, we received a Federal Grant to install exhaust extraction equipment in our main station apparatus bays. We've awarded a bid for the installation to Weidner Fire and expect work to begin in March. This equipment will eliminate diesel fumes completely from the bays, adjoining offices and living quarters.
This system will greatly improve the environmental quality of the fire station for our firefighters and community users
11-4-06. New CCFD3 website.
The Chelan County Fire District 3 website is now in service!
Visit this site for up-to-date fire protection information in and around the Leavenworth area. Our online home is still being put together. Your patience is appreciated as we continue to add articles and information.
