CWWFD2 back to in-person meetings

WAITSBURG—Fire season is here, and the Columbia-Walla Walla Fire District 2 has the run logs to show it. Over the last month, the district has responded to ten fire calls, ten medical calls, and two combination calls, for a total of 22 responses.

The district’s commissioners met on July 14, in person for the first time in over a year. Fire commissioner meetings will now be held at the Waitsburg Fire Station, on Main Street, on the third Wednesday of the month.

Commissioner Anne Higgins informed the district that there had been a security hack through the Washington State Auditor’s Office, and a large amount of information had been compromised. Because of this, the district needs to create a new Data Sharing Agreement.

Commissioner Randy Charles suggested that the district explore the feasibility and affordability of a LUCAS-brand chest compression device. The device, which costs roughly $16,000, could provide continuous chest compressions for victims in cardiac arrest. While the cost is high, the device has been proven effective, with firefighter Matt Spring adding that Columbia County Fire District 3 (CCFD3) has LUCAS-brand devices.

Interim chief Colter Mohney said that CARES Act money might be available to purchase a ZOLL automated compression device. Funds could also be used for small payments to the district’s EMTs for calls made in 2020. The commissioners will decide how the money will be spent.

Mohney reported that training schedules were complete and had been implemented. The district is continuing to train in-house until CCFD3 resumes its training schedule.

Mohney presented the board with a small list of needed items, including three sets of wildland firefighting gear and lighting, which the commissioners approved. The interim chief said he would be inspecting all emergency shelters to ensure that they are not damaged or expired.

The commissioners also approved the purchase of new hoses, fittings, and other tools needed to equip the new engine to make it fully operational and compatible. The total cost hovered right around $12,000. The engine was obtained at no cost to the district, with Mohney saying that the $12,000 figure was a ‘modest amount’ to put the engine in service.

A discussion was held on how to safely and legally allow farmers to support field operations. Spring said other area districts have arranged for farmers to complete a short training to obtain a ‘blue card.’ Mohney said he would contact the district’s attorney to gain a better understanding of liabilities.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Ashley Strickland said Columbia Pulp, in Starbuck, has little to no HAZMAT (hazardous materials) capability and a large amount of hazardous material onsite. He said a large meeting was held with state and local agencies to discuss the necessary steps to mitigate the risk.

The commissioners went into executive session to discuss a personnel matter before adjourning.