District 11 Crew Escapes Flames at Chelan Hills Fire

A Stevens County Fire District 11 crew escaped through heavy smoke and flames after a sudden change in fire behavior breached containment lines at the Chelan Hills Fire on July 4. Three engines from Northport and Fire District 11 were dispatched to the fire, arriving in the early afternoon, according to a social media post from Stevens County Fire District 11.

One of the District 11 engines and its strike team were assigned to prepare homes along the fire’s left flank. “After treating some of the homes, there was a severe wind shift and increase,” the district stated. “Radio communications went out that the fire had breached the containment lines and all resources were to evacuate and return to their safety zones.”

The District 11 crew immediately began traveling down its designated escape route but soon encountered thick smoke and flames. “Through the skills and training of the crew, and the hardened resilience of the military diesel truck that served as the chassis for their engine, they were able to travel down the road and get to the safety zone,” the district stated. The engine sustained significant heat damage during the escape. One firefighter suffered first-degree burns to an ear and was taken to a hospital for evaluation before being released later that evening. Other firefighting vehicles were unable to leave the hill and were burned over, according to the district.

Their crews escaped, although some firefighters sustained minor injuries. “The crew is grateful that the other crews made it out and continue to be in their thoughts and concerns,” officials stated. After returning home, members of the District 11 crew participated in a critical incident debrief with a professional therapist. “This is standard procedure for our agencies when a significant incident occurs,” the district stated. “The health and well being of our members is a top priority.” The district said firefighters undergo regular tactical and equipment training, while drivers must complete specialized instruction for operating emergency apparatus.

“Fighting fire is an inherently dangerous task, whether it is in the wildland or on vehicles or structures,” the district stated. “We train on firefighting tactics and practice with our equipment.” Firefighters must rely on that training and previous experience when fire conditions become extreme, the district said. “The crew on this incident credits their training with enabling them to keep their cool and not panic,” the district stated. The department asked community members to give the crew space to process the incident. “We ask that you be sensitive to our crew members at this time,” the district stated. “They are doing well, and appreciate all of the concern that people are expressing, but they need some time to process the experience.”