Public Services Director Mike Moss addresses landfill fire safety and community concerns

During a recent meeting of the Cowlitz County Commissioners, discussions centered on addressing fire safety concerns related to the landfill and surrounding areas, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to protect the community.

Commissioner Sean emphasized the urgency of tackling these issues, particularly given the ongoing development in the region. He expressed concern about the potential for a fire to spread, which could pose significant risks to nearby properties and residents. Public Services Director Mike Moss supported this sentiment, noting that the landfill's operations impact a wide area, including neighboring communities like Toutle Valley. He stressed the need for effective monitoring and response systems to prevent fires from escalating.

The conversation also touched on the financial implications of fire incidents. Moss mentioned a recent fire that resulted in an $80,000 expense for tarp replacements, underscoring the operational costs associated with managing landfill fires. The commissioners discussed the importance of maintaining reliable communication systems to ensure rapid response to any fire incidents, referencing a recent situation where a local resident's timely call to 911 helped mitigate a fire's impact.

Additionally, the meeting addressed ongoing challenges related to hazardous materials, particularly lithium batteries, which have been a common source of fires at the landfill. The commissioners acknowledged the difficulty in identifying the exact cause of larger fires but noted that quick responses could help determine the source more effectively.

In a lighter note, the board briefly revisited discussions about curb boat launch parking, indicating a general satisfaction with the current arrangements and a lack of significant complaints from the community.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commissioners' commitment to enhancing fire safety measures and ensuring the well-being of Cowlitz County residents as development continues in the area. The board plans to revisit these topics in future meetings, aiming to keep the community informed and engaged in safety initiatives.