PUBLIC BRIEFING TODAY (Wednesday, August 5 @ 5:30 PM)
As an immediate example of open government in action, the Board has scheduled an operational briefing with the California Incident Management Team 2 (CIMT2) PIO staff today, Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. In alignment with our transparency policy, the public is invited to tune in and observe:
• Phone Dial-in: +1 213-286-1928 (PIN: 848 278 880#)
From: The Board of Commissioners, Lake Wenatchee Fire & Rescue
To: Lake Wenatchee, Plain, and Chiwawa Valley neighbors—
Consistent with the statewide emergency declaration and with the Little Giant Fire active in Chelan County, the Lake Wenatchee Fire & Rescue Board of Commissioners has declared a local emergency. With conditions changing in the high terrain north of our district, this action is designed to give Chief Steve Foley and our response crews the flexibility they need to protect the community, request support when needed, and keep emergency work moving without unnecessary administrative delays.
Declaring an emergency does not mean conditions have suddenly worsened in every part of the district. It means the Board is taking a responsible, precautionary step so the district can act quickly, document costs carefully, and remain accountable to the public while fire conditions continue to evolve.
What the Statewide Emergency Means for Our Community
• Direct Access to State Resources: The declaration lowers administrative thresholds for Chief Foley to request Washington State Fire Mobilization if fire activity threatens the district. This brings in state strike teams, heavy equipment, and aviation assets at zero direct cost to local district taxpayers.
• Statewide Burn Ban Enforcement: It enforces a strict, mandatory prohibition on outdoor burning, giving our line crews clear state-level backing to keep our valley safe during severe fire weather.
How Your Board Is Taking Action
During an emergency, the Board’s role is to support safe, effective operations by removing administrative barriers, maintaining fiscal oversight, and keeping public accountability in place. To give Chief Foley the flexibility needed for immediate emergency response needs, the Board of Commissioners has approved a local emergency resolution.
In keeping with our commitment to transparency, here is exactly what that resolution does:
1. Empowering Operational Leadership: It delegates expedited procurement authority to Chief Foley for immediate emergency needs—such as apparatus fuel, equipment repairs, backfill staffing, and firefighter logistics—without standard purchasing delays.
2. Strict Fiscal Oversight: Every dollar spent under this authority is isolated under a dedicated accounting code (EM-2026-LITTLEGIANT). These expenses will be presented to the Board in an open public meeting for review and formal ratification, supporting financial transparency and preserving eligibility for available state and federal cost recovery where applicable.
3. Protecting Open Government (OPMA): Under RCW 42.30.070, it allows the Board to convene on short notice—remotely or at alternate sites if fire or smoke forces a shift—while maintaining public teleconference access so you can always observe board business.
Full Confidence in Chief Foley & Our Firefighters
Our job as Commissioners is governance, fiscal stewardship, and policy support. Operational command belongs to Chief Foley, his officer corps, and our dedicated career and volunteer firefighters. They are coordinating with Chelan County Emergency Management, the Sheriff’s Office, and the appropriate incident management partners as conditions require.
Our mandate to Chief Foley is clear: maintain operational readiness, protect our community, and bring every firefighter home safely. We are ensuring he has every policy tool and financial resource necessary to execute that mission.
How You Can Prepare
• Level 1 (“Ready”) Zones: Residents in the Fish Lake and Chiwawa River Road areas should review emergency plans, assemble go-bags, and keep vehicles fueled. This is also a good reminder for everyone in the district to be ready before conditions change.
• Get Official Alerts: Sign up directly with Chelan County Emergency Management for real-time evacuation notifications.
• Trust Verified Information: Please rely on official updates from Chelan County Emergency Management, the Incident Management Team, and LWFR. We will share confirmed information as it becomes available.
We will continue to keep the community informed as conditions change and as the Board carries out its oversight responsibilities. Thank you for your continued trust and support of Lake Wenatchee Fire & Rescue.
— The Board of Commissioners, Lake Wenatchee Fire & Rescue