WA tribes receive $800K for wildland fire training
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 1 month AGO
The Swawilla Fire burned in and around the Colville Reservation, burning around 53,500 acres. The fire held steady as the largest Washington fire for several weeks before it was contained. The $800,000 the Washington State Department of Natural Resources will allow for more people to be trained, travel and help those enrolled in Washington tribes to seek wildland firefighter qualifications.
COURTESY PHOTO/INCIWEB
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has initiated a program to enhance access to wildland fire training for tribal members, following the allocation of $800,000 in legislative funding, according to a DNR press release.
DNR said the investment aims to cover various expenses related to training, including per diem, travel, and course fees for enrolled members of Washington’s tribes seeking wildland firefighter qualifications.
“Wildfire has an outsized impact on many Native American communities, which is why it is critical we are training state, local and tribal firefighters side by side, so we’re all ready to work side by side when we fight fires,” Commissioner of Public Lands, Hilary Franz said in the DNR press release.
Franz emphasized the importance of supporting tribal responses to wildfires, facilitating collaboration between governmental bodies during emergencies, the press release said.
In partnership with the Washington State University Extension Service, the agency will provide training workshops focusing on fire suppression and prescribed fire — essential elements of fire management. Half of the funding is earmarked for this educational initiative.
“The DNR is proud to support tribes by facilitating wildfire training,” said Wildland Fire Management Division Manager at DNR Russ Lane.
ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT
Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.