Lewiston Fire Chief Reitmayer leads wildfire response discussion and mutual aid mobilization plans

The Lewiston City Council convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss critical wildfire response strategies, led by Fire Chief Craig Reitmayer. The session focused on the increasing wildfire threats facing Lewiston and the proposed mutual aid mobilization efforts aimed at enhancing the city’s preparedness and response capabilities.

Chief Reitmayer presented an overview of the wildfire risks identified in the FEMA national Risk Index, noting that Lewiston has a moderate risk score for wildfires. He emphasized the importance of understanding the evolving nature of wildfire management, highlighting that while fires are a natural occurrence, the goal is to mitigate their impact on communities. The Chief referenced recent devastating fires in nearby regions, underscoring the urgency for Lewiston to bolster its wildfire response framework.

The discussion included the need for updated mutual aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions, which are crucial for effective resource mobilization during wildfire emergencies. Chief Reitmayer pointed out that existing agreements were outdated, which hindered timely responses during past incidents. He proposed three options for the council's consideration regarding future wildfire response strategies: full engagement in regional firefighting efforts, a more localized approach focusing on mutual aid agreements within adjacent counties, or limiting engagement strictly to city boundaries.

Financial implications were also a significant part of the conversation. Chief Reitmayer explained that the city currently self-insures its firefighting operations, which poses financial risks, especially during wildfire incidents where costs can escalate significantly. He urged the council to consider these financial aspects when deciding on the city’s level of engagement in wildfire response.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among local fire departments and emergency management agencies to enhance overall readiness and response capabilities. Chief Reitmayer and other officials present expressed the need for a unified approach to tackle the growing wildfire threat effectively. The council is expected to deliberate on the proposed strategies and provide direction on Lewiston's future participation in wildfire response efforts.