More air assets and initial attacks are key to improving fire response

Sen. Brad Hawkins, R-12

Much attention and resources have been directed in recent weeks to Wenatchee’s Balsam Root Fire in early July and the Pioneer Fire currently burning near Lake Chelan. These fires are just two of the many our state will endure during this unusually long fire season.

Growing up in Wenatchee, wildland fires were once only an occasional summer issue. Now they are a common occurrence. This disappointing trend involves many factors, including land management practices, climate conditions, and fire suppression tactics as well as population growth and the unfortunate increases in human-caused fires. Despite the causes, the initial attack over the first several hours is the most influential to fire suppression.

In that regard, our region is grateful for the swift response to Wenatchee’s Balsam Root Fire. It is another example of a superb job by our local and state firefighters to protect Wenatchee area homes. Unfortunately, information is mixed about the initial attack of the Pioneer Fire near Lake Chelan with firsthand accounts from people in the air and on the lake differing from federal agency leaders. 

Regardless of the disputed accounts, we must get to the point where our government can put out fires soon after they start rather than just “managing” them as they burn. If we can’t knock down these fires quickly, they just grow and grow and the collateral damage accumulates. A swift attack is key to keeping us safe, preserving air quality, preventing large-scale damage, and sustaining tourism. 

The state has enhanced its air resources and has increased its contract pilots, but our region needs more federal aircraft, especially on fires of federal jurisdiction. I have worked closely with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Hilary Franz and our area’s legislators to increase state wildfire funding. I’m grateful to her for how she has transformed the agency.

But with federal lands representing vast amounts of Chelan County, more federal aircraft is needed to mitigate threats. Air resources are very expensive, of course, but so is “managing” a fire into the fall with hundreds of personnel and other assets deployed. I would not be surprised if the Pioneer Fire costs eventually exceed $100 million.

Washington fires often compete with others in the western United States and British Columbia for air resources. Having more federal air resources pre-positioned in the region would improve the initial response and help ensure that our region has resources in times of need.

In addition to Commissioner Franz, I’ve been in communications with Congresswoman Kim Schrier, US Senator Patty Murray’s office, Chelan County Commissioner Tiffany Gering, and others. I’m grateful for their prompt responses and good communication. If we can make it through these next several weeks, it would be helpful to convene officials for a “wildfire summit” this winter to consider improvements for next fire season.

Beyond responding to active fires, reducing our wildfire risks involves strategically improving our landscapes, removing small diameter trees, clearing underbrush, creating Firewise neighborhoods, prescribing fire, and other proactive efforts, including reducing accidental fires. All of these topics, including firefighting tactics and increased air resources, should be part of the discussion.

Protecting structures and communities is extremely important with active fires, which is where the current focus must be, but a full analysis is needed in the coming months. Figuring out what it will take to better attack these fires in the first few hours will be critical to keeping us safe, maintaining healthy air quality, and preserving our county’s tourism opportunities.

Brad Hawkins is State Senator for the 12th Legislative District.