Fire preparedness is the new focus for county recovery group Five years after the Carlton Complex Fire destroyed almost 300 houses in the Methow Valley, Pateros and the Chiliwist, the group that helped survivors rebuild and recover is shifting its focus to make sure people are not caught unprepared if — or when — there’s another disaster. “We not […]
Okanogan Complex Fire
Capital budget green-lights local, regional projects
Forest thinning, tree planting, and a new civic building and sports complex in Twisp can finally get moving again with the adoption last week of a capital budget by the state Legislature.
Local long-term recovery groups look back on accomplishments
When people came together to help during the devastating Carlton Complex Fire in July 2014, they were focused on getting food, water and shelter to people who’d lost their homes, not on …
Wildfire research project will examine forest fuels issues
Fire ecologist Susan Prichard of Winthrop has been studying wildfires, and their impacts on forests, for more than two decades. Even so, she was unprepared for the intensity of wildfires she witnessed in the Methow Valley and Okanogan County during 2014 and 2015.
“As a fire ecologist, I …
Cantwell hears local officials, responders on wildfires
Practical, political issues aired in Okanogan County meeting By Ann McCreary Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) came to Okanogan County last weekend to hear what local people think the county needs to fight future wildfires, and left with plenty to consider as she prepares wildfire management legislation. Faster and more effective initial attacks when wildfires ignite; […]
No penalties to change tax status for local lands damaged by wildfires, county says
Property owners who own land within the Okanogan Complex Fire boundary – including the Twisp River Fire — that is in any of the county’s open-space property tax classifications can request to have their property removed from the classification without paying the additional tax, interest and penalty normally associated with removal. Property owners must make the request to […]
Governor seeks federal aid for local governments, individuals, businesses
Destruction from wildfire and wind this summer was so severe that Gov. Jay Inslee has asked for federal disaster assistance to help the majority of counties in the state repair roads, powerlines and other infrastructure.
Inslee submitted the request to President Barack Obama for major disaster declarations for 20 counties and eight tribes on Oct. 7.
Help is available to reduce erosion on burned properties
In the aftermath of another devastating wildfire season, many area residents are anxious about protecting their homes and property from flash floods and mudslides that result when wildfires destroy vegetation and leave the ground charred, barren and unable to absorb water.
There are many different ways to treat burned landscapes to reduce erosion, and the Okanogan …
Riverbend RV Park, Methow Valley are familiar terrain
After the Okanogan Complex Fire became the top priority wildfire in the United States last week, a Type 1 national incident management team took over operations, bringing with it top-level fire managers and firefighters, soldiers from Fort Lewis, and troops from the Washington National Guard.
Assigned to the Twisp River Fire — Branch III of …
