Our new Yellow 750 gallon truck will arrive on the barge Thursday June 9th, set up and ready to pump water, compliments of our good friends from CCFD#5, and Chief Arnold Baker. Arnold and crew spent the winter repairing, refitting, up grading and stocking the rig especially for service here in Stehekin. Except for the barge fee and future maintenance costs that we will now assume, the cost to the district has been zero.

2nd Quarter Fire District meeting will be held at the Community hall on June 13 at 6:30 pm.

Pack test and a Fire Refresher class will happen on June 14th, for Red Carded volunteers.

June 20 6:30 - 8:30 fuel reduction work party at Don Pitts house. This session will largely establish at least minimum amounts of fuel reduction near to Don's house and shop. The work includes the usual stacking of brush and limbs, and should make it possible for Don to maintain the area more easily in the future. Garden rakes, gas string trimmers, small chain saws for dicing branches are welcome. Work gloves, eye and hearing protection are recommended.

June 27th 6:30-8:30 Fuel Reduction work party at Wendy Garfoot's home. As above, working to establish owner maintainable areas of reduced fuels. We had a good start last year and need to expand on that work somewhat.

CCFD#10 carries liability insurance that protects land owners in case a volunteer is injured while working on their land. And of course that volunteer,should they sustain injuries while performing community service, is also covered for medical expenses. ( no injuries to date).

Contact Bob Nielsen to coordinate for fuel reduction work on your property. Large tree removal projects are best done using local private contractors. Tree climbing work may also be arranged for separately if the work could endanger crowds of people and an active herd of kids. Some limbing, stick stacking, brush cutting,and debris raking are the usual scope of work.

The picture of Rainbow Bridge shows the area near where the July 27th 2010 fire started. Some areas of the loop trail are grey, cooked and lifeless. Other areas showed spotty fire and do have some ferns and glacier lilies making a first comeback. That fire, and the news today from eastern Arizona should inspire us to be ready for our season coming up. The Rainbow Bridge fire came on so quickly that no real defense was established in a timely manner. Because the winds were calm, Stehekin downwind from the fire was spared. The local fire brigade ran into many "parts and pieces" challenges while trying to set up pumps. I saw other locals struggling with the same issues. I give myself, as Fire Chief, a C minus grade during that fire, but resolve to do better this year. My message remains " Protect Yourself". Don't expect the fire brigade, with three trucks and 5-6 volunteers ( average age over 50) to come save your house. There is no shortage of resolve and good intent to help out, amongst the volunteers. But also no illusions about what we can do in the face of what could come.
I hope people ask for help getting things done during work parties. I also hope everyone rakes under their porch ( light aerobic exercise), sets up sprinklers on roofs and near sheds ( cool fun on hot days), and contracts for major fuel reductions near structures ( cheaper than home owners insurance). Screening over roof vents, preparing fire resistant covers for propane bottles or wood sheds, and establishing a flammable storage locker away from structures are also important home chores.

Here's to hoping we don't make the News this summer!

cheers, CCFD#10 Fire Chief, Bob Nielsen