The Chumstick Wildfire Stewardship Coalition and Chelan County Fire District #3 (CCFD#3) are implementing a Water Tank Placement Project for water access to aid firefighting in remote areas of the Chumstick drainage.
The Chumstick Wildfire Stewardship Coalition and CCFD#3 have been working consistently for many years to educate homeowners and conduct fuel reduction projects throughout the Chumstick drainage. However, one major problem has stayed at the forefront – water supply for fire protection purposes.
The Coalition is now working with CCFD#3 to place water tanks on private property in areas of the Chumstick where water is inaccessible, thereby saving precious time for fire engine turnaround. With these remote tanks in place, fire trucks can refill their tanks quicker and closer to the fire, rather than making the trip to Lake Wenatchee or a local river. Remote locations such as Eagle Creek, Merry Canyon and the Little Chumstick are currently being reviewed for water tank placement.
The Chumstick drainage area has more than 600 homes and is considered one of the most wildland fire threatened valleys in Washington State. It has not seen significant fire activity for more than 100 years and fuel loads are considered heavy and contiguous throughout the drainage.
John Callahan, Chair of the Chumstick Wildfire Stewardship Coalition, says, “Getting water available to CCFD#3 in these remote locations is critical to saving homes and assisting the fire department in their firefighting efforts. We need to act now to plan and implement placement of these containers in strategic locations.”
The placement of these tanks will result in quicker fire suppression, decreased potential fire loss during both wildland and structure fire operations, and, most importantly, increased community safety and protection.
We ask for your support of this important cause by donating today or contact us for more information or how to get involved at [email protected]
Two, 5,000-gallon Water Tanks
Water Tank Installation at Tierra Learning Center, 2022
Photos provided courtesy of Andrew Holms
More information to come.
More information to come.