In a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical updates regarding ongoing wildfire management and the enhancement of internet services for local fire departments.

The meeting began with an update on a significant fire incident in Du Chien County, where volunteer fire departments are being strategically positioned for structure protection. The command of the fire response is transitioning from a local Type 3 incident management team to a larger Type 2 team, which will bring additional resources to the area. The incident command post is being relocated from the Francis Fairgrounds to the Duchenne Fairgrounds to accommodate the increased operational needs.

While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials confirmed it was man-made, with inquiries ongoing to determine whether it was linked to campers or other activities.

In addition to fire management, the meeting addressed the urgent need for improved internet services within the fire district. Officials noted that the current IT infrastructure is inadequate for the growing demands of the department, which has expanded to nearly 106 employees. A proposal was discussed to contract with the county for IT services, which would include transitioning to a .gov domain, enhancing security, and improving interconnectivity among stations.

The proposed changes aim to provide 24-hour IT support, essential for operations that rely on mobile data terminals and GPS locators for dispatching. The current vendor's service has been described as insufficient, with only 9 to 12 hours of support per month, prompting the need for a more robust solution.

The board is considering drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the county to formalize this transition, with plans to incorporate the associated costs into the 2025 budget. Discussions also included the potential need for additional staffing to support the enhanced IT services.

As the meeting concluded, officials acknowledged the absence of an advisory meeting earlier in the month due to the fire situation, and they turned their attention to the next agenda item regarding the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code enforcement policy.