March 2024 Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Ferry County Fire District 3

Stevens County Fire District 8

  MINUTES

March 14, 2024

The regular meeting of Stevens County District 3&8 was called to order at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office by: Charlie Cole

Present: Commissioners: Stevens Co #8 Chez Young, Robert Lee and Dale McNitt

 Ferry Co #3 Helen Sowards, Michele Moffitt

Chief Herb Hippler, Medical Officer Rich Robinson, Purchasing Agent Mark Stevens, and Secretary Shauna Hippler

Guest: Thomas Lonelywolf, Thomas Peregoodoff, Jeff Cox and from Kettle Falls Fire: Chris McIntosh and Cliff King

Approval of Minutes: Helen made the motion to approve the February minutes Chez 2nd. All in favor.

                                                   STEVENS COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 8

Budget Report: Michele went over the March financials. Dale made the motion to approve the transfer of funds to Ferry County, Chez 2nd. All were in favor.

JOINT FIRE PROTECTION DIST 3&8

Budget Report: Michele went over the corrections from the January financial report from the Ferry County report, Chez made the motion to approve the corrections, Helen 2nd. All were in favor.

Helen made the motion to accept the February funds, Dale 2nd. All were in favor.

Voucher Approval: Monthly payables were reviewed and approved by commissioners. Helen made the motion to accept and Robert 2nd. All were in favor. Monthly Payroll vouchers were reviewed and approved by commissioners, Helen made the motion to accept and Robert 2nd. All were in favor.

Vouchers Audited and Certified BY THE AUDITING OFFICER AS REQUIRED BY RCW 42.24.080 and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090, have been recorded on a listing, which has been made available to the board. As of this date March 14, 2024, the board by a unanimous vote, does approve for payment those vouchers included in the above list and further described as follows: Accounts Payable vouchers in the amount of $11,682.60 and the payroll amount $5,811.00.

Communication to the Board: Thomas Lonelywolf shared with the commissioners the details of an accident report made from one of our district volunteers’ accident with a Kettle Falls Fire District truck. The Kettle Falls fire chief was here to get insurance information. The accident report has been filed in the March 2024 file and in the personnel file of the volunteer.

Robert resigned as Fire Commissioner. This will be his last meeting.

Commissioners need to create and update a description of janitorial duties.

Commissioners need to read RCW 52.14.010 and abide by it.

Herb brought up to the committee that he’d like to upgrade and purchase all new bunker gear to keep our volunteers safe while on a structure fire. He’d like to have a representative come in and measure all volunteers. This would be a hefty expense. Michele would need to amend the budget before being able to purchase. Chez made the motion to amend the budget, Helen 2nd. All were in favor. Helen made motion to get all new bunker gear, Robert 2nd. All were in favor. Michele will get the budget amended and present at the April meeting.

New Business: Theold Sheriffs office has been cleaned out and turned in to a storage/records room with shelves and boxes of older documents and files. Michele would like to have an office to do electronic filing, Helen made the motion to approve purchasing office equipment, Chez 2nd. All were in favor.

Jeff Cox will be the new Training Officer which the department desperately needs. Chez made the motion to get Jeff on the payroll as Training Officer, Robert 2nd. All were in favor.

Correspondence: None

Committee reports:

  • Buildings: Discussion on the status of the repairs being done at the Sandcreek Station.
  • Recruitment: We lost one of our new EMR recruits so far.
  • Insurance: Accident involving one of our structure trucks with a Kettle Falls Fire structure truck. Robert has turned in a claim with our insurance company.
  • Fire Safety: Go through the Policies and Procedures manual and look up rules of being a spotter on a fire call.

Medical Officer Report: Rich gave an update on the EMR classes for new recruits. Everyone is making good progress.

Chiefs Report:  Herb discussed the importance of getting our volunteers outfitted with new bunker gear and presented it to the board.

Discussion on the structure fire in the Barstow area early morning on March 8th. Fire was a total loss of the structure.

The Phase II DNR wildland grant came in.

We all spent a lot of time cleaning the training center, got the back area, kitchen and old sheriffs room cleaned out. It looks nice. Thanks to every one who helped.

Executive Meeting: None

Helen made the motion to adjourn at 7:50 pm, Chez 2nd. All were in favor.

Shauna Hippler, Secretary ___________________________________

Charlie Cole, Chairperson ____________________________

Minutes of February 2024 Commissioner Meeting

Ferry County Fire District 3

Stevens County Fire District 8

  MINUTES

February 13, 2024

The regular meeting of Stevens County District 3&8 was called to order at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office by: Charlie Cole

Present: Commissioners: Stevens Co #8 Chez Young, Robert Lee and Dale McNitt

 Ferry Co #3 Helen Sowards, Michele Moffitt

Chief Herb Hippler, Medical Officer Rich Robinson, Purchasing Agent Mark Stevens, and Secretary Shauna Hippler

Guest: Ken Kerr

Amanda/Victoria Ladue: Amanda turned in her resignation as janitor for the district office. Her daughter Victoria will take her place. Dale made the motion to hire Victoria, Robert 2nd. All were in favor.

Approval of Minutes: Dale made the motion to approve the January minutes Helen 2nd. All in favor.

                                                   STEVENS COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 8

Budget Report: Michele went over the January financials. Dale made the motion to approve the transfer of funds to Ferry County, Chez 2nd. All were in favor.

Michele went over the February financials. Chez made the motion to approve the transfer of funds to Ferry County, Dale 2nd. All were in favor.

JOINT FIRE PROTECTION DIST 3&8

Budget Report: Michele went over the December financials, Helen made the motion to accept the funds, Chez 2nd. All were in favor.

Helen made the motion to accept the January funds, Robert 2nd. All were in favor.

Voucher Approval: Monthly payables were reviewed and approved by commissioners. Helen made the motion to accept and Chez 2nd. All were in favor. Monthly Payroll vouchers were reviewed and approved by commissioners, Chez made the motion to accept and Helen 2nd. All were in favor.

Vouchers Audited and Certified BY THE AUDITING OFFICER AS REQUIRED BY RCW 42.24.080 and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090, have been recorded on a listing, which has been made available to the board. As of this date February 13, 2024, the board by a unanimous vote, does approve for payment those vouchers included in the above list and further described as follows: Accounts Payable vouchers in the amount of $13,564.47 and the payroll amount $1,800.00.

Communication to the Board: A new dishwasher is needed at the district office. Mark will get one ordered.

Discussion on updating the Commissioners Handbook, Charlie would like to take a bit of time after every commissioner meeting for the commissioners to go through the book. Nothing was set in stone as to that yet.

New Business: Michele went over the EMS levy and when we need to get the levy on the ballet to be voted on by the public in January 2025.

The reimbursement rate for mileage has increased. Updated reimbursement sheets will be made up and put in the basket outside the secretary’s office.

Correspondence: None

Committee Reports: None

  • Buildings: Discussion on the Sandcreek station and actions needed to get the process going to make the building safe and ready for operation, also compensation for construction crew to do repairs.  
  • Recruitment: We have 15 new recruits for the EMR program. Discussion on hiring process (physical and background check). New pagers for new recruits need to be purchased and handed out; Helen made the motion to purchase new pagers, Michele 2nd. All were in favor.
  • Insurance: None

Medical Officer Report: Every Wednesday evening there will be a medical meeting for the 15 new EMR recruits. All new recruits will need a background check to be able to enter the homes when they go on a call.

Chiefs Report:  The EMR class is moving forward with the help of Amber ones from Deer Park Ambulance.

The online class material should be all lined out by March.

We received 5 MSA air packs along with 26 bottles from District 1. I have ordered parts o convert the masks to puch to connect its match our current masks.

DNR Phase I grant is open, I will be ordering all new PPE for the volunteers who submitted sizes at the last district meeting.

The Burn Tower name is down to two candidates: Ol’ Smokey and Smoke and Go.

District 13 along with Chewelah Fire would like to use the burn tower April 6th (which is a Saturday).

Our new Command Vehicle is here, it was delivered earlier than expected.

            Executive Meeting: 8:28 to 8:35

Helen made the motion to adjourn at 8:36 pm, Dale 2nd. All were in favor.

Shauna Hippler, Secretary ___________________________________

Charlie Cole, Chairperson ____________________________

District Meetings suspended

Due to the raise in Covid cases, district meetings are suspended until further notice. Continue station meetings as scheduled. Practice distancing. Avoid touching your face with your hands unless they are clean.

Be sure to wash your hands, especially after touching something public.

Nine Mine Fire FINAL Update 8.17.21

Orient, WA – The Nine Mine Fire is located 4.5 miles south/southeast of Laurier, WA. This lightning caused fire started on Wednesday, August 4th and has a burned approximately 164 acres of forested land.  As of today, the fire is 100% contained.

Evacuations and Road Closures: All evacuation levels have been lifted and there are no road closures.  

Yesterday Firefighters scouted the previous night’s rock slide towards the west edge and extinguished unburned fuels found near the fireline. They also patrolled and worked on extinguishing the few hotspots around the remainder of the fireline. 

Today In addition to patrolling for hotspots, firefighters will be cleaning up left-over hose, equipment and trash. Roads used by firefighting equipment during the fire will be stabilized. The public may see smoke interior to fireline over the next few days. Northeast Incident Management Team Three will be returning control of the fire to the local North Columbia Washington Department of Natural Resources fire district Tuesday night at 6:00 pm. 

Weather for today: Cold front is expected to bring rain showers during the day and possible isolated thunderstorms tonight. Gusty north winds will decrease overnight. 

Team Three thanks the community of Orient and the Orient School District for their assistance in the successful management of the Nine Mine Fire.  

Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/newimt3/ and  

https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo/

Inciweb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7783/  

Nine Mine Fire Update and Map 08.16.2021

News Release August 16, 2021

Please Note: Final Nine Mine Fire update will be posted on Tuesday August 17, 2021

Orient, WA – The Nine Mine Fire is located 4.5 miles south/southeast of Laurier, WA. This lightning caused fire started on Wednesday, August 4th and has a burned approximately 164 acres of forested land.

Evacuations: Yesterday evening the Level 2 evacuation for 3733 A-Z, N. Sand Creek Rd was lifted and is now in Level 1 status.  The remaining Sand Creek addresses and Imperial Way remain under level 1 evacuation.

Road Closures: No closures

Yesterday During the day, firefighters continued extinguishing hotspots along the northwest, north, and northeast portions of the fire. Firefighters using ground based infrared (IR) detectors found very few hotspots along the eastern perimeter of the fire, so fire managers extended the eastern containment line, increasing total containment to 70%. A dry cold front moved through the area last night, resulting in decreased temperatures and increased relative humidity. A rock slide was reported on the western side of the fire last night.

Today Firefighters will scout the area of last night’s rock slide and extinguish embers that may have rolled into unburned fuels toward the west while taking extra precautions to watch for continued rock slide activity. The east and south edges of the fire are in patrol status, as firefighters watch for and extinguish hot spots near the established fireline.  Areas interior to firelines will continue to have hotspots and areas of smoking vegetation. If visibility allows for helicopter flights, firefighters will use water drops to cool areas as needed.

Weather for today: Continued cooling with a chance of rain showers and possible isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. Light north winds.

Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/newimt3/ and https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo/

Inciweb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7783/

Quick Facts Nine Mine Fire
Incident Start: August 4, 2021
Incident
Approximate Size:
  Approx. 164 acres
Fire
Containment:
70% Contained  
Assigned Resources
on the
Incident
  Hand Crews: 3  Engines: 4 Dozers 1  
Total Personnel on Incident:   92
Fire Cause: Lightning
Evacuation Orders: Level 1 – Be ready:  N and S Sand Creek Rd. Imperial Way Road  
Road Closures None

Nine Mine Fire update 8-15-21

Nine Mine Fire – IAP and 209 8-15-21

Bulldog & Mack Mountain Fire Update 8-14-21

Yesterday firefighters were assisted on the ground by the dense smoke over the fire which helped moderate fire activity.  This allowed firefighters to make good progress on establishing indirect and contingency containment lines around the entire fire area.  Crews utilized heavy equipment to remove fuel from indirect and contingency lines.  Falling crews worked to remove dangerous trees and snags so firefighters can work safely in and around the fire.  No aircraft were able to fly due to the smoky conditions. 

Today crews will continue to finish up indirect containment lines around the fire.  Firefighters expect the fire to reach Forest Service Rd 6110 today.  This road has been prepared as an indirect fire line and crews will be prepared to suppress the fire as it reaches the road.  Helicopters will be used if smoke conditions allow.

The Bulldog Mountain Fire started August 5. 2021, located 20 miles north of Kettle Falls. The lightning caused fire spread quickly due to low relative humidity and unseasonably dry conditions.  The fire is burning in heavy timber and slash.  The fire is currently estimated at 2900 acres with 5% containment.

Mack Mountain Fire:  The Mack Mountain Fire started August 5, 2021 and is just south west of the Bulldog Mountain Fire.  The fire is still relatively small but it has grown to approximately 50 acres.  Residents in the Deadman Creek area may see smoke from the fire.  The fire area is located in steep, rugged terrain with limited access.  Fire managers are planning for future action when appropriate and more resources become available.

Citizens should remain vigilant and are strongly encouraged to sign up for alerts at Ferry County Alerts.  Motorists traveling on the Boulder Hwy should be vigilant and watch for heavy equipment and firefighters turning off and onto the roadway.  There are 185 personnel assigned to the incident. There have been two minor injuries with no structures lost.  Firefighter and public safety is our number one priority.  

Level 1 evacuation orders and road closures are in place. For current evacuation orders please see Ferry County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.  Boulder Creek Hwy and State Route 395 remain open.  For information on area & road closures on the Colville National Forest please see https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd938379.pdf   Citizens are asked to stay clear of the fire area and adhere to road and area closures. 

Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team 2 (NEWIMT2) assumed command of the fire August 7th at 11:00 a.m.  Fire information and the incident command post is located at Kettle Falls High School in Kettle Falls, WA. Fire information contact is Jeff Sevigney 509 993-2946 or you can also follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/newimt3/ and Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7785/

Nine Mine Incident Action Plan and ISS for 8-14-21

Nine Mine Fire update 8-14-21

Orient, WA – The Nine Mine Fire is located 4.5 miles south / southeast from Laurier, WA. This lightning caused fire started on Wednesday, August 4th and has burned approximately 157 acres of forested land. Acreage growth is based on burnout operations.

Evacuations: This morning Level 2 evacuation, for ONLY 3733 A-Z, N. Sand Creek Rd ONLY. This is due to weather, fire behavior and burnout operations.

The remaining Sand Creek addresses and Imperial Way will remain under level 1 evacuation.

Road Closures: Nine Mine Rd. has been reopened to traffic. Use caution if driving this road and watch for fire traffic.

Yesterday, firefighters successfully initiating planned burnout operations along the NW section of division Alpha.  Containment lines from division Whiskey to division Alpha were completed and reinforced prior to burnout operations. Zulu division has been moped up 150’ and has been put into a patrol status. 

Overnight an IR flight was completed. The aircraft is equipped with the ability to Infrared scan the entire burn area and map fire hot spots within containment lines. This helps fire managers place resources in the areas that need attention.

 Today, Firefighter’s mission today will be mop up of the burnout area from yesterday’s operations.  Division Z will be in a patrol status while mop up continues in division W.

   Sunny skies and hot temperatures with low relative humidity today, along with gusty afternoon winds can change fire behavior and will be monitored throughout the day.

You can also follow up on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/newimt3/

https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo/

And Inciweb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7783/




JFPD 3&8
25266 Hwy 395 N
Kettle Falls, WA 99141
(509)738-4591

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The Joint Fire Protection District 3 and 8
Stevens and Ferry Counties, WA
All Rights Reserved.

Website Last Updated: April 15, 2024



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