Kittitas County fires a reminder that firefighters cant save everything Fire season isnt technically over yet, and even if the wind-whipped fires that scorched more than 20 square miles of Kittitas County and destroyed several homes are the last the area sees this year, the next fire season is never too far away. And in all likelihood, the fires are only going to get worse. Firefighters cant save every home, said Matt Eberlein, the state Department of Natural Resources fire operations district manager in southeast Washington, adding homeowners need to start doing more to protect themselves. There isnt enough resources out there to protect every home out in the urban interface, he said. Thats a hard pill to swallow for somebody that just lost their house, but thats where landowners can really help out and create that defensible space. All told, the community and emergency response went relatively well this fire season, from Kittitas County Sheriffs Cmdr. Darren Higashiyamas perspective. Evacuations went smoothly, county staff is becoming more familiar with emergency operations and community groups were ready to accept displaced animals and families. The sad thing is were getting good at it, he said. ELLENSBURG DAILY RECORD
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 21:56:14 +0000
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