Walla Walla-Columbia County Fire District #2 update

Fire District #2 commissioners met on Tuesday, May 12th at the Waitsburg Fire Station. The search for a part time fire chief for the district continues, as the May 1 deadline for letters of interest from candidates for the job passed with no applications received. 

Commissioners' will keep the application open and plan on increasing the sites for placing ads to attract applicants.

The purchase of four new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) was approved, along with a training module for the devices. The devices analyze the heart's rhythm and if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

The need for purchasing AED's was discussed during the Walla Walla County Commissioner's open house last October. The fact that Walla Walla County Sheriff's do not carry AEDs in their vehicles was seen to be a weak spot for treating Waitsburg area residents as the Fire District only possessed one at that time. 

Commissioner's reviewed the District's new website which was designed by Waitsburg designer Suze Wood. Wood was selected for the job after bids from two additional vendors were also reviewed. Wood's bid was competitively priced, the Commissioners were impressed with her experience, and pleased that she will be able to provide local support if needed. 

In new business, concerns over Columbia Walla Walla Railroad's plan to store thirty 65' railcars containing butane gas on the company's side tracks between Waitsburg and Prescott were discussed. A series of emails provided by Liz Jessee, Director of Emergency Management for Walla Walla County, followed efforts to assess responsibility and hazmat risk between a number of state agencies.

Jason Lewis, Senior Transportation and Legislative Policy Advisor for Washington State's Utilities and Transportation Commission, responded in an email that the issue is very complex and that there are no regulations per state code other than the private track lease agreement.

Columbia Walla Walla Railroad Owner/President Paul Didelius reponded in an email to The Times that "CWW LLC is unaware of any failures or incidents related to standing (non-moving) railcars of butane. Perhaps scores of rail yards, shippers, and receivers within the State of WA have butane cars sitting within at any moment."

District #2 Fire Commissioner Randy Charles stated that he would do research on Liquid Petroleum Gases (LPG's) and their storage in rural areas. He plans on developing a plan for the department to address any incidents resulting from the storage of these tanks.