Wildland fire service needed for Soap Lake
A Monday fire near Soap Lake showed how much wildland fire service is needed in the more rural areas of Grant County. True, Grant County Fire Districts 7, 13 and the Ephrata Fire Department responded to the 30-acre blaze and did an admirable job at putting it out, but an additional brush fire truck would have likely helped the situation. The City of Soap Lake is without a brush truck to fight wildland fires because a loaner truck from the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) needs a new water tank costing about $6,600. The existing tank doesn't meet the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association, according to a Friday Columbia Basin Herald article. It isn't clear if the tank is truly unsafe, or just outdated. We're sure DNR officials have a good reason for the decision. At any rate, DNR officials aren't allowing the truck to be used until a new tank is installed.
It is believed that not having the truck increases the risk of homes being burned down during a wildland fire. Rural Grant County is host to many acres of sagebrush and wild grasses that serve as fuel for a fire. A car fire, a lit cigarette or a stray firework can destroy thousands of acres quickly, especially if high winds come up.
In the case of Monday's blaze, a car fire is believed responsible. No homes were threatened, thank goodness.
To raise money for a new tank, Soap Lake firefighters are selling hot dogs at a concession stand during this weekend's hydroplane races.
For more information about donating supplies of hot dogs, chips and soda, please call 509-246-0463. Your donation could help save homes and lives near Soap Lake during the next wildland fire.
For more information about fire ratings in your area, visit http://fireadapted.org/Region/West.aspx and go to www.dnr.wa.gov to read wildland fire protection tips. As of Wednesday, fire ratings were considered low in Grant and Adams counties.
- Editorial Board
The right thing to do
We believe Gov. Jay Inslee's recent decision to stay home from the Paris Air Show was the right thing to do.
The governor is involved with some tough budget negotiations in Olympia that require his full attention. The state Legislature is now in its second special session after not agreeing on a budget.
The sticking point appears to be over how best to fund the court-mandated requirements of the McClary Decision, which found the state wasn't adequately funding basic education in the state's public school system.
Inslee, a Democrat, wants to close tax loopholes, or increase taxes, for businesses and the wealthy. Other lawmakers are against this tact.
Inslee was going to lead a 51-person delegation to Paris, but instead decided to ask Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., to take his place.
The show is taking place through Sunday and is a huge industry event for commercial aerospace manufacturers and suppliers.
Inslee would have spoken with Boeing Company officials and company executives from more than 24 worldwide companies.
The decision to keep working on budget negotiations was also tough, considering Inslee was trying to grow business for our state. We're sure he left the trade mission in good hands. Remaining delegation members include aerospace executives, educators and economic development employees.
Jonathan Smith, executive director of the Grant County Economic Development Council in Moses Lake, is among the economic development leaders at the show. We wish him the best of luck in his endeavors to attract new companies to Grant County.
We also wish Gov. Inslee good luck with budget negotiations and ask that he help Washington's businesses by not increasing taxes.
On Tuesday, House Republican leaders Reps. Dan Kristiansen and J.T. Wilcox said tax increases are not needed because of the state's new revenue forecast. It shows the state could see an additional $231 million. Another $90 million in savings was shown from reduced enrollment in schools, correctional facilities and social services.
We hope this new information helps speed budget negotiations for a quick compromise.
- Editorial Board