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Bellevue fire chief: firefighters on site for chainsaw practice; residents worried about use of city equipment
Summary
Residents questioned whether Bellevue fire equipment or personnel were used to remove vegetation on private property; the fire chief told the council firefighters were on site on their own time for chainsaw practice and that no city labor fees were charged.
Several residents said they spotted city vehicles and firefighters at the Trout Lane work site and worried that taxpayer resources had subsidized vegetation removal. "I am not happy that my tax dollars would be used to subsidize this project," one speaker told the council during public comment.
The council asked the fire chief to clarify. The chief said firefighters were at the site "on their own time, getting practice for tree falling for wild lehi fire service," and that the city did not pay labor for the work. He explained the department uses its chainsaws regularly to maintain certification and to keep equipment in working order.
Council members and residents said the appearance of city vehicles and equipment at the site caused confusion and stress; some asked for clearer communications when volunteers or off‑duty staff are present at private sites in the future. The mayor said staff would follow up with residents and that questions could be routed to the fire chief and community development staff.
No formal determination was made at the meeting about whether city equipment was used on private work; the chief's statement was the only official clarification recorded.
