Firefighters Hurt, Rigs Destroyed in Chelan Hills, WA, Wildfire
Three firefighters were injured and four rigs were destroyed during the Chelan Hill wildfire.
"We saw this explosive run of fire, create its own weather and ran over our entire division. We had two firefighter/EMTs run for their lives, about 250 feet and luckily, made it to the strike team leader's vehicle," South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue Chief Shane Stocking told 4 News Now.
The two and a Stevens County firefighter were released after being treated at a hospital.
"It's the mental emotional healing that's going to take a long time...Make no mistake, these brave firefighters made decisions to flee for their lives and should be commended for their decision-making and actions..."
The chief, who started his career in the fire service in California called the incident 'a wake-up call.'
"The way they are taught to respond to fire behavior there could be helpful here in Washington..."
A brush truck from his department, an engine from Stevens County and two state-owned brush engines were destroyed.
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.