Helping others put out the fires…

Every so often, our fire department helps out in other parts of the state that have more fire activity than we do…here’s a report from Fire Chief Steve Marler from last week:

SAN JUAN FIREFIGHTERS DEPLOYED TO ASSIST IN WILDLAND FIRES

This morning, Friday August 21st the San Juan Island Fire Department dispatched three firefighters, a command car and a wildland fire engine to assist firefighters attempting to contain numerous wildland fires near Ephrata in Grant County, Washington. The fires were apparently sparked by an overnight lightning storm.

Lieutenant Jason Wood and Lieutenant Michael Henderson responded in “Brush 312”, one of the San Juan Island Fire Department’s specialized wildland firefighting vehicles. Captain Noel Monin has been assigned as a “Strike Team Leader.” In addition to the San Juan Island crew, he will be in command of two fire engines from Whatcom County, one from North Whidbey Island, an engine from Mt. Vernon, and a water tender from Sedro-Woolley.

The deployment is coordinated through the State Fire Marshal and could last up to 14 days, depending upon fire behavior.

San Juan Island Fire Department personnel are often asked to participate in wildland fires statewide. Local firefighters have earned a good reputation off-island for being well-trained and well-equipped. Each re quest for off-island assistance is evaluated to ensure local needs are not impacted. However, every effort is made to fill a request, because it is very likely that the day will come when San Juan Island will need help from mainland fire departments.

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