Basin briefs for Jan. 20, 2020
OTHELLO — A fire didn’t injure anybody, but did destroy a shop, at an Othello business Friday afternoon. The fire at Wolfkill Feed and Fertilizer was reported at about 3:30 p.m.
Manager Todd Roney said the fire apparently had been burning for a while in the shop, which was housed in a separate building. The shop’s doors and windows were closed, which helped contain the fire, he said.
The shop was shared with a neighboring business, but the building had a firewall which helped contain it to the Wolfkill side of the building. “It (the firewall) did its job,” Roney said.
Firefighters from Adams County Fire District No. 5 responded, and “did an awesome job. They were here within 15 minutes.” Fire crews were on the scene for about seven hours, he said, and the fire chief came back and stayed through the early morning hours.
The shop housed tools, equipment and spare parts, Roney said. Wolfkill’s business premises were not damaged. “My business is completely intact,” he said, and will be open for “normal business, Monday morning.”
Under the circumstances, “the outcome couldn’t have been (much) better, to be honest.”
Roney said he’s been, “blessed and amazed” at the reaction of colleagues and the community. As of Saturday morning he had received numerous calls wishing him well and offering help if necessary. “Kind of a nice pick-me-up on a bad day.”
OLYMPIA – Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week began this Saturday, Jan. 18, and runs through Jan. 26, according to a press release from the Washington State Parks’ Winter Recreation Program and the Washington State Snowmobile Association. Gov. Jay Inslee issued a proclamation declaring the week, acknowledging snowmobiling as an important facet of Washington’s winter tourism industry. Snowmobiling contributes more than $90 million a year to the state’s economy.
“Safe snowmobiling means riding within your own capabilities, operating at safe and appropriate speeds for the terrain and never drinking alcoholic beverages before or while riding,” said WSSA President Dean Meakin.
Safety tips recommended by WSSA and the Winter Recreation Program include:
• Never go out alone.
• Stay within designated riding areas.
• Always wear a helmet and appropriate clothing.
• Take along a spare belt, spark plugs and tools to do basic repairs.
• Carry emergency supplies, such as a basic first aid and overnight survival provisions such as food, water, matches, flashlight and extra batteries and shelter-building materials.
• Learn about avalanche danger. Consider taking a course through the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center (NWAC).
More information about winter recreation safety is available on the State Parks’ Winter Recreation Program website.