— from Paul Kamin, General Manager, Eastsound Water Users Association —
This week I had the privilege of participating in the Orcas Island Fire Department’s review of the 322 View Haven house fire. I found it amazing that just after midnight on a Sunday morning OIFD was able to mobilize 5 fire fighters (1 professional and 4 volunteer) and multiple pieces of equipment to the scene within 10 minutes of the “tone out”. (Over 25 fire fighters were eventually involved) Listening to the long list of vital tasks that this small group needed to prioritize and tackle with great urgency elevated my already high respect for these community servants. There were multiple decisions made over their radios, while in transit, that were key to successfully containing this fire to a single structure.
The first fire engine to arrive had already decided on what fire hydrant to use, and how to lay hose to the site. But finding the exact location of the right hydrant in the dark of night, behind the wheel of a 22 ton vehicle, with adrenaline flowing into your system and time of the essence is not always as easy as you might think.
It was mere coincidence that just days before Eastsound Water staff were working with OIFD leaders in studying additional measures to make fire hydrants more visible in response situations exactly like this View Haven event. I now have an even great sense of urgency with this project.
It was ironic that in the same week as the View Haven fire EWUA also received calls from 3 property owners expressing their dislike of the new red painting of a fire hydrant and protective bollards in another Eastsound neighborhood. In exploring the topic with our fire fighters, it is clear that hydrant visibility is an important factor in their efforts to protect us and our property. Bright, highly visible hydrants with clear access around them are an important part of our community safety net. Do yourself and your fire fighters a favor and trim back the brush from the hydrant closest to your house.
I personally have some changes to make at home after observing the review of the View Haven event. My fire wood is 20’ from my home, but probably still too close. Keeping any fire wood on the deck next to the house is a perhaps not the best idea. The 5 gallon gas can left on the deck after last month’s pressure washing really should be “stored” elsewhere. Perhaps the car could be parked more than 10 feet from the front door? Thanks to a wood-chopping teenager the ever encroaching brush around our house has been keep at bay. All these common fire hazards contributed to the View Haven event.
Thank God that we only lost a house not a neighbor Sunday morning June 8th. And thank you to those who put in countless hours to be ready to answer the call.
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Quite frankly, I really like the appearance of the hydrants painted bright fire-engine red. It makes Eastsound look like a well-tended community. Of course, I might feel differently if one were located in the middle of my front yard.
And Donna and I commend the OIFD for containing this blaze. If it had gotten into the trees, the fire would likely have swept up the hill to our house above.
One thing OIFD and EWUA might look into, however, is even better coordination on the location of the hydrants. Turns out there were two others even closer to the fire that might have been used that night. But finding them in the dark was going to be difficult no matter how bright they were painted. There probably should be maps showing the exact locations of hydrants kept inside the fire trucks.
TWO hydrants were closer? And they ran 150′ short of hose the first time they tried? And the “professional” firefighter that was being paid to be at the station responded in an SUV with no water capabilities? Holy cow!! There is some serious dysfunction and disinformation being spread about this event.
I thought they have maps that show where the hydrants are located? If not, why not? It doesn’t matter what color a hydrant is for the fire department to find it? Really?
This fire was a disaster partly due to a disastrous response.
A friend and Wellesley classmate lost her house years ago in the Oakland, CA fire. Her advice to any other couples who flee from encroaching fire is for the wife and husband to drive their own cars. She automatically got in her husband’s car with him, and they lost her car.