Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Wildland Firefighting Equipment Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing acceptance of a Wildland Firefighting Equipment Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing acceptance of a Wildland Firefighting Equipment Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Staff Contact:
Mark John, Fire Chief, 360.753.8466
J.D. Young, Battalion Chief, 360.753.8348
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
The threat of wildland fires is on the rise locally, regionally, and nationally. In recent years, Thurston County has experienced two unprecedented large scale wildland fires, the 2018 Scatter Creek Fire and the 2020 Mima Mounds Fire. During this same time, the City of Olympia has also seen an increase in wildland fire activity. Responding to and operating at wildland fires present specific hazards to our Firefighters and require specialized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The lack of appropriate wildland firefighting PPE limits OFD to one-hour, maximum time, that an individual can work in high temperatures in structural PPE. Not having the appropriate wildland PPE inhibits OFD’s effectiveness and places the City in a position to violate Washington Administrative Code (WAC 296-305-07004).
This FEMA Grant for wildland PPE enables OFD to work for extended periods and provides for a greater margin of safety to our members. This will result in increased safety and efficiency in the wildland fire environment.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Olympia Fire Department, as part of Thurston County auto and mutual aid agreements, respond to our neighboring jurisdictions to assist with mitigating large incidents. By having the appropriate wildland PPE, OFD will be able to provide essential and timely help to our neighbors. The time a wildfire burns, among other factors, largely determines the amount of destruction it leaves. By not being limited to the 1-hour requirement, more time spent working at the early stages of an incident can reduce the effects of the fire.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Resolution authorizing acceptance of a Wildland Firefighting Equipment Grant from FEMA. An appropriation of funding will be included in the Quarterly Budget Amendment by the Fire Department.
2. Do not approve the Resolution authorizing acceptance of a Wildland Firefighting Equipment Grant from FEMA. The Fire Department will continue to provide service with the current resources available.
Financial Impact:
The AFG award budget is $108,924.00, and a condition of the grant is the City is required to contribute non-Federal funds equal or greater than 10.0% of the Federal funds awarded. The Federal funding is $99,021.82 and the non-Federal funding is $9,902.18.
Attachments:
Resolution
Award Letter