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Fire deputy says gas blowers are critical for wildfire response; committee narrows city exemption
Summary
Deputy Shoblin told the committee that gas-powered leaf blowers are a critical tool for wildland firefighting and mutual aid; committee members nonetheless adopted an exemption that explicitly covers the fire and public-school departments while removing a broader municipal exemption.
Deputy Shoblin of the central fire department told the committee the department has used gas-powered leaf blowers sparingly but that the devices are important for clearing fuel over long distances during wildfire response. "We use leaf blowers, gas powered leaf blowers mainly because of the distances that we need to travel," he said, adding that battery alternatives would require frequent battery changes and could be impractical on extended operations.
Committee members debated whether to exempt the entire city from the ordinance or to write narrower exemptions. Councilor Halapa proposed—and the committee approved—language that exempts the fire department and public-school departments specifically rather than granting a blanket municipal exemption. Members also agreed a temporary-exemption process should exist "through the mayor or fire chief," with potential designees to handle urgent situations.
