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 appro...
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