The following letter was written by Acting Fire Chief Mik Preysz to Orcas Fire and Rescue Commissioners on Aug.27:
Dear Commissioners: I am writing you to let you know that I authorized the deployment of our Brush truck with Seth Ybarra as “Engine Leader” to the Kettle Complex (60,000 acres) fire in Curlew, Washington. He is connecting up with one fire fighter from Fire District #3 and will keep us updated as to his status and location changes as they may take place.
As you aware the wild fire situation in Curlew as well as throughout the State is dire and resources are maxed out so qualified resource are critically needed.
OIFR is able to provide this qualified and response ready resource without diminishing our capabilities. Local conditions, manpower and equipment consideration were evaluated before the decision was reached to support the deployment.
The use of our equipment, Seth’s wages and the backfill in covering Seth’s shifts will be reimbursed through DNR.
Neither we nor the State management team is able to predict the length of time our resources will be used but in most cases it is up to two weeks. However we have set up our backfill resources to accommodate a lengthier request.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you for deciding to deploy to assist in this most horrible of situations. I know our community is in support of this choice.
Thank you to Seth, for leaving his home for an unknown period of time.
A huge thank you to all the Fire Fighters will to help in Eastern Washington! You will be in our prayers! Merry