Press Release – July 4th Incident, Chelan Hills Fire

South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue was busy over the weekend of the 4th. We responded to brush fires, structure fires, traffic accidents, and medical calls. A major incident in the afternoon on the 4th resulted in three severely injured patients which were initially transported by ground, two later flown out by LifeFlight. A separate incident culminated with SPOFR firefighters and paramedics successfully obtaining ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) on a cardiac arrest victim in the area of Sacheen Lake.

Most notably, South Pend Oreille Fire crews were involved in a near tragic burnover incident while assigned to the Chelan Hills Fire. SPOFR was notified of need for a state authorized mobilization at approximately 0645 on July 4th, and mobilized three brush engines and two water tenders, all to separate strike teams.

At approximately 3pm on July Fourth, unprecedented fire behavior overran multiple strike teams and units working on Division Alpha of the Chelan Hills Fire. Several state and local fire department resources were lost, including a SPOFR brush engine and Stevens County 11 engine.

Though the investigation remains ongoing, SPOFR can confirm two firefighter/EMTs were transported by ambulance and admitted for injuries following the incident. Both have since been released and are in care of SPOFR chaplains and leadership. Stevens County District 11 also had a member treated and released.

Make no mistake, these brave firefighters made decisions to flee for their lives and should be commended for their decision making and actions. A full investigation is in effect via State and Federal oversight. All further inquiries should be directed to either the State Fire Marshal’s Office, or SPOFR Chief Shane Stocking.

Chief’s note: This kind of burnover does not happen often in this state. Early in this wildfire season, we are seeing multiple examples of extreme fire behavior in the wildland-urban-interface. SPOFR is beyond proud of our members for making decisions to save their lives in the face of catastrophic fire events, as is the leadership at Stevens County District 11.