Local fire crews step up to help Chelan

CHELAN - South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue (SPOFR) crews were involved in a near tragic burn over incident while assigned to the Chelan Hills Fire on July 4.

SPOFR was notified of need for a state authorized mobilization at approximately 6:45 a.m. on July 4, and mobilized three brush engines and two water tenders, all to separate strike teams.

At approximately 3 p.m., unprecedented fire behavior overran multiple strike teams and units working on Division Alpha of the Chelan Hills Fire. Several state and local fire department resources were lost, including a SPOFR brush engine and Stevens County 11 engine.

“This kind of burn over does not happen often in this state,” SPOFR Chief Shane Stocking said in a press release. “Early in this wildfire season, we are seeing multiple examples of extreme fire behavior in the wildland- urban-interface.

SPOFR is beyond proud of our members for making decisions to save their lives in the face of catastrophic fire events, as is the leadership at Stevens County District 11.”

Though the investigation remains ongoing, SPOFR confirmed two firefighter/EMTs were transported by ambulance and admitted for injuries following the incident. Both have since been released and are in care of SPOFR chaplains and leadership. Stevens County District 11 also had a member treated and released.

“Make no mistake, these brave firefighters made decisions to flee for their lives and should be commended for their decision making and actions,” Stocking said.

A full investigation into the fire is in effect via State and Federal oversight.

SPOFR was busy at home too over the Fourth of July weekend with brush fires, structure fires, traffic accidents, and medical calls. A major incident in the afternoon on the 4th resulted in three severely injured patients which were initially transported by ground, two later flown out by LifeFlight. A separate incident culminated with SPOFR firefighters and paramedics successfully obtaining ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) on a cardiac arrest victim around Sacheen Lake.