Harington fire chief details recent wildfire deployments, estimates $21,000 in costs pending reimbursement

The Harington fire department reported at the commission meeting that it responded to 54 calls last month — including 31 medical calls, two structure fires, two fire alarms and five motor vehicle accidents — and participated in multi-day wildland task-force deployments to two large wildfire complexes.

A department representative described sending five members and three apparatus to two complexes that merged multiple fires, and said a state request included the department’s dozer. The dozer operator cleared trees and pushed burning material in canyon areas north of Ashland and along Highway 160, which the speaker said helped stop the spread of fire.

The department estimated rough deployment expenses of about $21,000, with roughly $4,400 earmarked for staff pay and the remainder for fuel and maintenance. The speaker said most costs are expected to be reimbursed under state and task-force arrangements but a formal expense and reimbursement report has not yet been compiled; staff told commissioners they expect that report at the next monthly meeting.

Commissioners asked for a breakdown of receipts and reimbursements. The department confirmed some meals and lodging were covered by hotels or local donors and that volunteer hourly pay and other non-covered costs are handled locally. The department also reported training activity and new certifications, including completion of Fire Officer I and participation in Kansas technical rescue classes.

The transcript records the presentation and discussion but does not include a roll-call vote or formal commission action on the report.