RES-2022-189 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

6.3 lnceasing Wildfire Response throughout Kittitas County The multiple agencies responsible for fire suppression have developed an excellent network of interagency support and cooperation. Generally, suppression resources have been able to respond to wildland fire occurrences with adequate resources using this system. However, some concern is expressed over the ability of this system to sustain itself in the face of climate change and the current trend of decreasing volunteer capacity, aging firefighters, and decreasing budgets. ln addition to fire suppression resources available within the fire protection districts, seasonal wildland firefighters are available through USFS, DNR, and BLM. These resources are trained and equipped to fight wildland fire only; unlike the fire protection district resources, they are not trained or equipped to fight a structure fire. The USFS, DNR, and BLM also offer access to national incident and area command teams and resources, when required. 6.4 Emergency Prepa red ness/Evacu ati o n Emergency evacuation procedures are the responsibility of the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. During a wildfire, the lncident Commander (in coordination and with the approval of the agencies having jurisdiction) will recommend evacuation. Routes and locations of shelters/centers depend on fire location and numbers of affected individuals, and so must be made on a case-by-case basis at the time of the incident. Kittitas County has an Evacuation Plan. The Closest Forces Concept When an unwanted wildland fire (wildfire) is discovered in Kittitas County, a fire response crew from a local fire response jurisdiction, a USFS ranger district, BLM and/or DNR fire unit may respond, depending on its location. Local Dispatch KITTCOM and the Northwest lnteragency Coordination Center use the "closest forces" concept in wildland fire dispatch. This allows for the closest suppression resource to be sent, regardless of boundaries or jurisdictional responsibilities. This arrangement is particularly helpful at either end of the federally recognized fire season (typically mid-June through mid-September). When wildfires start early, as they did in 2000 (the first wildfire occurred on March 15), federal fire crews are not yet employed so it is the community-based firefighter who is often first on scene. Through pre-established mutual aid agreements, fire suppression resources in Kittitas County are authorized to leave their jurisdictional boundaries to aid a requesting agency partner. ln addition, Washington statute allows these resources to assist throughout the state when needed/possible. Mutual aid agreements are also used between most Kittitas County agencies sharing boundaries. These agreements are triggered by verbal request, typically at the time of first dispatch. Community Wildfire Protection Plan 53 September 2018