Message from Dave

Dear Friends,
 
It has been a difficult week for our state. The wildfires rage on, jumping rivers and containment lines. In total, the wildfires this season have burned over 235,000 acres, destroyed 60 structures and 50 homes, and threaten many more across 11 different counties and 4 tribal lands. Wednesday night three United States Forest Service firefighters tragically lost their lives battling on the frontlines ensuring our communities stay safe. Join me in praying for their families and friends, and all the first responders, including those who have been injured and in need of speedy recovery. We will not forget those who have given their lives – they are gone but never forgotten.  
 
I have been meeting and attending briefings with representatives of the different organizations involved in fighting the fires as well as members of the Congressional Delegation and Governor Inslee. Tuesday, I saw a great deal of fire damage and the combative efforts from the air with Major General Daughtery, Commander of the Washington National Guard, who was there to observe the work and progress of the JBLM soldiers who have been deployed to fight these fires. I will continue to stay informed of the situation and fight for federal assistance so that our communities and state can recover from the damage done and continue to combat these fires as effectively as possible.
 
So, with everything that is going on, now is a good time for all of us to be reminded of the safety precautions we can all be taking to make sure we keep our families and property safe.

To track fires and find incidents, visit: http://www.nwccweb.us/index.aspx
For information on road closures, visit: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/
For evacuation information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chelan-County-Emergency-Management/188543097925415
If you are interesting in volunteering to help victims, visit: redcross.org/ewa

With so many of our communities across the state impacted, we are all in this fight together. I know we are all praying for the safety of our first responders and a swift conclusion to the wildfires. We must continue to support these brave men and women until the fires have been put out and no longer threaten our loved ones.
 
Stay safe,
Dave