Chelan and Manson fire districts coordinate use of new fire boat to bolster lake response

CHELAN – The Chelan Fire & Rescue #7 Board of Commissioners devoted the first half hour of their June 11 monthly meeting discussing the status and deployment of a second fire boat with visiting Manson Fire Commissioners Fred Weiss, Dan Baker, Chris Willoughby, and Chief Arnold Baker. Part of the exchange involved an operational plan coordinated between the two departments. 

Chelan recently acquired a second fire boat from another department to augment B71 currently in service. It is being retrofitted with the pump from B71 and will serve as the department’s primary firefighting boat. 

“Boat 72 as it is being designated is equipped with a pump and turret, so it is about ready to go in the water,” said Chelan Fire Commissioner Russ Jones.

Another possibility is how the fire district’s water resources may support land-based fire services.

“We may someday increase the pump size so trucks would be filled quickly from a ‘floating hydrant’,” said Jones. “But that is down the road.” 

It is estimated a new larger pump would cost in the range of $30,000.

“That would probably be something we would seek grant funding for,” Jones said.

Getting operators certified to operate the craft is another requirement.

“Myself and another volunteer will provide training to Manson personnel who want to be able to operate B72,” said Jones. “The boat will be operated by both Chelan and Manson folks but obviously the Manson folks should be able to get there faster.”

“Overall, I think both districts see B72 as an asset that will help us provide service at low cost,” Jones said.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media