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Wenatchee fire officials warn of severe season, urge state support and local staffing boost
Summary
Wenatchee Valley Fire Department briefed the City Council on expected heavy 2025 wildfire activity, asked council to back state funding and described plans to add 30 firefighters to reach a three-person engine staffing model funded by a local fire benefit charge set to renew in 2030.
Wenatchee Valley Fire Department leaders told the City Council on a report night that July through September look “really, really bad” for wildfires and urged local officials to press state lawmakers to preserve funding and laws that speed aviation and ground response.
The plea came from Hillary Franz, former Washington state commissioner of public lands, and the Wenatchee Valley fire chief. Franz said recent state laws expanded air and ground firefighting resources and must be maintained. “House Bill 1168 . . . was cut in half this year,” Franz said, and “House Bill 1498 . . . sunsets next year,” adding that local governments should contact legislators and the governor to retain the…
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