News 2007

Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3 Chief Mark Havener and three firefighters from Fire District No. 3 recently attended a meeting of Troop 696 of the Cub Scouts to share fire safety information and answer questions. The session allowed members to discuss home fire safety during the holidays. After the safety presentation, the troop and parents toured the district's fire engine. Fire fighters Larry Eldridge, Darrel Ainsworth and Don Thomson helped the Cub Scouts with seeing tools and sitting in the drivers seat. If your group would like a visit from the fire district, call 509-447-5305.

Serving with Pride - Captain Dave Williams

Captain Dave Williams - Deer Valley Road Station

Dave has been with Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3 for over 10 years where he has always been a very effective volunteer. Dave serves Fire District 3 as the Captain for Station 33, our Deer Valley Station. Dave enjoys the people in the fire service and even with a full-time job at Penderay Newsprint Company, he manages to serve the fire district at all times of the day and night. His skills on the fire ground as a firefighter and as an Intermediate EMT allow him to serve the community fully when the need arises. Dave's leadership skills are admirable; he always treats people with respect and understanding. The Deer Valley Station is always ready to deliver service because of Dave's "ownership" for it's performance at the station's team leader.

Dave lives in the Deer Valley/Coyote Trail area with his wife Cheryl. He enjoys his time off raising sheep, spending time with his wife and playing on his snowmobiles. Next time you see Dave make sure that you thank him for the time and energy he puts into serving his community.

By Chief Mark Havener
Published in the Newport Miner - December 12, 2007 RETURN TO TOP

Ladies of the Lake $1,000 Donation to Fire District No. 3

The Sacheen Ladies of the Lake hosted the annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration at the Sacheen Lake Fire Station where Jill Short presented Chief Mark Havener with a $1,000 donation. This was the first gathering at the new station since its completion last year. Part of the evening's events included a raffle for Christmas-related items, carols and seeing friends during the holiday season. The Ladies of the Lake, through various fundraisers, donate annually to the fire district efforts.

Grant Replaces Fire Engine

New Engine 31 Funded by an AFG 2006 Grant

DIAMOND LAKE - Volunteers and the community, at a traditional “wet down” ceremony Nov. 27, welcomed a new 2007 Custom Fire Engine to Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3. In this ceremony, thought to have been handed down from the days when fire trucks were pulled by horses, the captain of the Diamond Lake Fire Station 31, Alex Arnold, talked about where the new and old fire engines came from. Then, Arnold hosed the new engine down with a hose before the volunteers and community members pushed the truck back into the bay. One of the staff members of Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rogers, R-Wash., assisted in pushing the truck in.

The volunteers at station 31 completed the switch over of equipment and hose this past Monday. The new engine is designed as a primary attack pumper for the Diamond Lake community and responds district-wide on all fire responses, equipped with ladders, Class A foam system, area scene lighting and a built-in 6,000-watt generator. This engine replaces a 1981 Mack Fire engine after more than a decade of service to Diamond Lake, purchased from Park City, Utah. The new engine was built by Rosenbauer America in Lyons, S.D. The local representative, General Fire Apparatus, delivered the fire engine earlier this month. Fire District No. 3 received Assistance to Firefighters Grant in 2006 with $272,000 in funding to purchase the new engine. Fire Chief Mark Havener wrote the grant to replace the older Mack engine stating that a newer engine will increase firefighter safety and provide a more reliable response engine for the community.

For information on becoming a volunteer member, call the Diamond Lake Station Office at 509-447-5305.
By Youssef Sleiman of the Miner - Photo Provided By POFD 3
Published in the Newport Miner - December 5, 2007 RETURN TO TOP

Fire Burns Newport Man - Consumes Trailer

NEWPORT – Three people survived a fire that completely destroyed the trailer they were in on Sunday morning, south of Newport. One man was treated for serious burns and is in stable condition at Deaconess Medical Center. Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3 sent 13 firefighters to the fire on Rumsey Road at about 8:21 a.m. In 12 minutes firefighters responded with three trucks, two water tenders, and a firefighter support unit. On arrival, the trailer’s three occupants – William Fultz, 28, Ursula Kirkhart, 49, and Bryce Stewart, 20 – were outside of the trailer with sheriff’s deputy Jeff Jones when the trucks arrived. Fire chief Mark Havener said that Fultz had received third-degree burns on his lower body. The ambulance carried Fultz to Newport Community Hospital, where he was treated and transferred to Deaconess Medical Center. On Tuesday, a hospital spokesperson said he is in stable condition.

Kirkhart originally made the emergency call. Reports state that in the early confusion, Fultz, as well as a barking dog, helped to wake the other two occupants to the danger. All of the occupants escaped the fire, and although firefighters did not locate any remains during the loss control stage, Havener heard that a couple of pets were lost. The trailer and contents were a total loss, which Havener estimated as $15,000-$20,000. The fire had entirely engulfed the trailer. Havener described the trailer as “on fire from end to end.” In less than five minutes, firefighters put down a significant part of the blaze with a large caliber stream. Havener credits this tactic, and the skill of the firefighters implementing it, with protecting the three cars, parked no more than 10 feet away from the trailer. Further, the heavy stream of water doused propane tanks that firefighters were told about. Havener said that the deputy reported ammunition rounds firing, but no explosions exacerbated the fire. Havener said that when ammunition pops due to heat, the explosion does not necessarily propel the bullet.

“Our firefighters are all volunteers, and they’re doing great things every day,” Havener said. “I think the fire crews did a great job. The victims could have easily lost another $30,000 if the fire spread to the cars.” The crews then proceeded to extinguish the remaining fire with hand lines. Tenders from Station 31 and 32 provided the water supply, shuttling water from the stations to the scene. The fire was controlled in less than an hour. During the last stage, firefighters began the process of loss control – salvaging property and searching for remaining fire sources. Havener said that the fire, which so rapidly consumed the entire structure, was accelerated by a combustible liquid, lamp oil. The fire district determined the fire to be accidental. Havener said Fultz said the fire began when he was trying to use the lamp oil to start a heating fire in the wood-burning stove near the front room of the trailer. Havener was told that Fultz was using lamp oil to start a fire because their wood was wet. The police report stated Fultz had spilled part of the lamp oil on his pant leg, which ultimately spread to the trailer. The American Red Cross is providing relief to the victims.
By Youssef Sleiman of the Miner - Photo By POFD 3 Photographer Dennis Merritt
Published in the Newport Miner - November 21, 2007 RETURN TO TOP

Training Officer Dean Keck

Dean has been with Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3 for just over three years now and has always been a very effective volunteer with the fire district. Dean lives in the Diamond Lake area with his wife Kathleen and their daughter Casey. Dean has served as the Fire District No. 3 Training Officer for the past couple of years and has been very effective in scheduling quality training that challenges our volunteers.

Dean has assisted with the County Firefighter Academy and works very well with other districts in delivering training. He serves the district as a Firefighter and EMT. Dean completed his EMT training in the spring of this past year. He is also an active red-carded Wildland Firefighter for the district and has traveled to large project fires throughout the State. Dean was the motivating force with our district in implementing our Water Rescue Team and securing donated Yamaha Wave-runners for the team for two straight years. He has allowed the district to increase our scope of service with this program. Because of Dean's commitment to the fire district he has had the opportunity to travel to fire training conferences across the State. Dean was awarded the most improved Firefighter in 2005 and still challenges everyone to be a little bit better.

Dean works full-time in Spokane Valley for Ironwood Communications as a Regional Trainer and Fleet Manager for his company. Dean's work experience carries over to his effectiveness as our training officer. This coming year, Dean will be a key figure in delivering training to our district and in developing the joint training with Fire District No. 4. The next time you see Dean make sure to let him know you appreciate what he does to protect our community. Thanks Dean!

By Chief Mark Havener
Published in the Newport Miner - November 14, 2007 RETURN TO TOP

Hearing Scheduled for Fire District
DIAMOND LAKE - The Pend Oreille County Fire District No. 3 Board of Commissioners have prepared and reviewed the preliminary budget for 2008 and will hold a public meeting to hear comments on the proposed budget. Following the public comment period the Board will make needed changes and approve the 2008 annual budget for the fire district. The budget hearing will be held Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Diamond Lake Fire Station. In addition, the Board of Commissioners for Fire District No. 3 will hold a re-appropriation hearing for finalizing the 2007 budget and disbursements. This hearing will be held on November 12 at 7:15 p.m. at the Diamond Lake Fire Station.

Miner photo/Youssef Sleiman - Firefighters from Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3 demonstrate their gear to Larry Sauer’s second grade class. While it may seem like novelty, this demonstration actually prepares the children to accept firefighters during a fire rather than hiding from them, which Chief Chris Smith of District No. 8 said has claimed children in the past.

NEWPORT – The Pend Oreille Fire Safety Training Counsel visited students for their annual Fire Safety class Wednesday, Oct. 3 and Thursday, Oct. 4 at the Stratton Elementary parking lot. Firefighters from local districts set up stations in the cold weather every fall outside the elementary and middle schools of Newport to educate the children about the hazards of fire. The fire safety counsel includes representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, Pend Oreille Fire Districts 8,7,6,2, the cities of Newport and Cusick, and representatives from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Four stations teach different aspects of fire safety to groups of five to seven students. “If it just saves one kid, this whole thing is worth it,” Chief Chris Smith said, from Fire District No. 8. “This month [National Fire Prevention Month] is a way for us to get the word out.”

In one station, the children climb into a trailer modified to resemble a home with a kitchen, living room and a bedroom. Firefighter Mandy Smith, chief Smith’s daughter, climbs after the students into the bedroom in the upper half of the trailer. Smith asked the students if they ought to hide under their beds or in a toy box during a fire. The children all replied “No.” “What do you say when you see a fireman come in your room?” she asked. The children all screamed as loud as they could “Help.” When Mandy Smith, 20, cued the fire chief of district No. 8, a fog machine pumps mock smoke into the little bedroom. After the students have each felt the bedroom door for heat (a protected element inside the door heated the top of the door to 160 degrees), they escaped from the bedroom window and down a ladder. “My main joy is working with these kids and teaching them,” said Shirley Jones from Fire District No. 8. Jones volunteered at the safety house trailer with Mandy Smith, taking turns with the groups going in. Jones helped the students escape and then directed them back to their class.

The first station that students visited showed off the firefighter gear. Not only do students get questions answered about the fire suit, which is designed to sustain heat up to 1,500 degrees, but they learn not to be afraid of the firefighters who may come to save their lives. “We don’t want them to be scared, which happens. I mean, in the middle of a fire, a big yellow monster comes barging in with an axe, most kids would be scared,” Chris Smith said. “We want them used to seeing us wear the mask, too. We do sound like Darth Vader under that thing.”

From that station, kids get to cuddle with a different icon associated to fire safety: Smokey Bear. Faith Hughes, full-time ranger with the Forest Service and volunteer from fire district No. 8, talked briefly about fire safety in the wild. Smokey Bear doled out hugs and waves. The Forest Service set their station beside the fire safety house where the rangers showed the kids the kinds of hazards that could lie right beside their homes. Woodpiles, dead leaves, and propane or gasoline stored too close to a house could allow a fire to catch on the building. Children named the different things that could start a fire, and the different ways they could prevent a wildfire from burning their houses by moving those dangerous items at a preferred distance of 60 feet away.

The Pend Oreille Fire Safety Training Counsel implemented a new portion to its fire safety week. By working with the fire science students of the Career and Technical Education program, the fire districts will have a basic plan for each student’s house in the event of a fire. The fire science students will present the concept for third and fourth grade students, who will go home and draw floor plans for their homes. Then, the fire science students will draw fire escape plans for each of their homes, including two exits from every room. Then, the fire district will pick up the plans to store in the event of a house fire or in the need to defend the house against a wildfire. Chris Smith pointed out that many homes don’t prepare at all for a fire, until the last minute. “That’s closing the barn door after the cows have gone out. You got to pre-plan for everything, not wait for the situation to happen,” Chris Smith said.

October is National Fire Prevention Month. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that the campaign theme for this year is “Practice Your Escape Plan!” Susan Reinertson, FEMA Regional Administrator for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington said that most Americans underestimate their risk for fire, and many either lack emergency response plans or fail to practice them with fire drills. "Observances like National Fire Prevention Week allow all of us to take a time out from the daily grind to focus on critical actions necessary to save our loved ones from injury and death," Reinertson said. “I urge everyone to install and maintain smoke alarms, develop and practice a home fire escape plan.”

By Youssef Sleiman of the Miner
Published in the Newport Miner - October 10, 2007 RETURN TO TOP

"Serving with Pride"- New Firefighter / EMT - YOU!
YOU!

Fire District No. 3 members are happy to welcome YOU as our new member! While not yet a Fire District No. 3 volunteer, know that YOU can expect a number of great benefits when you do decide to join. You can serve out of any of three fire stations; Diamond Lake, Sacheen Lake or the Deer Valley Station. You will be provided with up to date safety equipment and regular training. You will have the opportunity to serve your community with emergency services like: Firefighting, Public Education, EMS response, Wildland Fire response, and Motor Vehicle Accident response. You will get to be part of a great team at Fire District No. 3 where you will have the opportunity to make friends and will be envied by your friends and family for being a firefighter.

You will have a great deal of fun with us and our training sessions always have something new for you to learn. YOU will be made to feel welcome as a member of Fire District No. 3. You will be treated with respect and will find that the team at Fire District No. 3 are some of the nicest people you will ever be associated with. We hope that YOU are interested in becoming a Volunteer Firefighter. If you are, you can get more information and download an application form from our Web site at www.pofd3.org.

By Chief Mark Havener
Published in the Newport Miner - October 10, 2007 RETURN TO TOP

"Serving with Pride"- Firefighter Randy Pymm

Randy Pymm is one of those volunteers that always has a smile on when he is serving the public! He has been a member of the Sacheen Lake fire station for nearly four years now and is one of our many valuable responders. Randy works full time with Home Comfort Systems in Newport and lives in the Sacheen Lake area. He has acquired, over the years in the retail business, an ability to effectively work with the public and his fellow firefighters. He is always willing to help and has enhanced his service to the community in many ways.

When Randy started with the fire department, he had no training in dealing with fire or medical emergencies. Through his diligence Randy has learned the craft of how to effectively fight fire, operate fire pumps and how to safely deal with wildland fires. Randy has also completed his Basic EMT training and is very good at what he does when called to duty. He is one of the important elements in making sure that the Sacheen Lake Station is ready to respond. Randy always completes his regular duties at the station on time and even completes extra projects to help benefit the district. As a friend, Randy is always willing to assist his peers in their projects. He has an ability to do almost anything and do it well.

Randy was selected by his fellow firefighters as the most improved firefighter in 2004. Now that Randy has a few years under his belt, he is one of our members that always makes new members feel welcome and is there to lend a hand in the learning process. Randy has been active in our fire prevention efforts and working with the Fire Prevention Team. He also serves the district as the firefighter representative to the Board of Volunteer Firefighters. The community is fortunate to have someone with Randy’s qualities serving them. The next time you see Randy tell him thanks for what he does for the community.

By Chief Mark Havener
Published in the Newport Miner - September 12, 2007 RETURN TO TOP

Photo: Buy Thomas of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, right, and Perry Pearman Captain Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3 Sacheen Station, left, discuss the Washington State Boater Education Card aboard Toto.

NEWPORT – The Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 87’s first major event in Newport will be teaching the American Boating Course, a national boat safety course, Sept. 22, at the new Sacheen Lake Fire Station located on Highway 211, 6 miles north of the intersection of Highways 2 and 211. The ABC, as many boaters know the “American Boating Course,” certifies students for the Washington State Boaters Education Card, which Washington state will require for everybody 12-20 years of age to operate a boat with more than 15 horsepower after Jan. 1, 2008. Rich Crettol, master instructor and initial member of Flotilla 87 for over 15 years and Sandpoint resident, will teach the course with instructors Ted Lane and Ed Gould. The class begins at 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break. With the support of local Pend Oreille Public Utility District members, Newport Priest River Rotary Club, and Pend Oreille Fire District 3, the auxiliary hopes to increase boater safety in the area through education and awareness.
By Youssef Sleiman of the Miner - Photo by Sheila Pearman
Published in the Newport Miner - September 12, 2007 RETURN TO TOP

Governor Chris Gregoire visits Michelle Fisk, Nancy Havener, and Ardella Bailey at the new Fire District 3 fire station.

...The governor was accompanied by her husband, Mike, her Eastern Washington representative, Sheila Collins, and the state secretary of health May Selecky, who had directed the Northeast Tri-County Health District and is a familiar face to many in this region...They then went to the new Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3 station at Sacheen Lake. The Governor was welcomed by fire chief Mark Havener and took a tour of the new station. The governor spent approximately 30 minutes visiting with the volunteers, commissioners, and chiefs from other fire districts from the county before going to the Krogh ranch.

By Fred Willenbrock of the Miner
Published in the Newport Miner - August 29, 2007 RETURN TO TOP

Click for Photos of the New Engine Web Down Ceremony at Sacheen Lake Station

The Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3 recently added a newer fire engine to its fleet at Station 32, Sacheen Lake. The commissioners and the Fire District completed the purchase of a 1994 Freightliner Fire Engine with updated equipment. This engine replaces a 1984 Ford engine. The volunteers and community welcomed the fire engine with a traditional wet down ceremony and pushed it back into the apparatus bay.

The new Engine carries 5 firefighters in an enclosed cab, carries 100 gallons of water and can pump up to 1500 gallons of water per minute. The engine is equipped a full compliment of fire fighting hose and tools. The engine also is equipped with a full set of Jaws of Life extrication equipment. The engine came to us from Londonderry Hew Hampshire and was driven back to Pend Oreille County. Two of our members, Commission Chairman Wes Bailey and Firefighter / EMT Doug Barnett made the trip. The trip back was an eventful one but they made it safely home with no major problems. On the trip back they stopped by the Central States Fire Truck Factory and had a visit of the new fire engine that is currently under construction for Fire District 3.

Pend Oreille County Fire District 3 is seeking new members for our great team of volunteers. If you have an interest in becoming a member please visit the Web site at www.pofd3.org or email Chief Mark Havener at mark@pofd3.org. You also can call the Diamond Lake Station Office at 509-447-5305.
Published in the Newport Miner - August 22, 2007 RETURN TO TOP

"Serving with Pride"- Medical Officer Darwin "Buck" Cole

Buck is one of our most reliable members from our Deer Valley Station. He is a trained Firefighter, EMT and certified Wildland Firefighter. Buck serves the district as a our Medical Officer and is one of the most involved volunteers and makes a huge difference in the effectiveness of our Emergency Medical Service preparedness. Buck is one of our longest serving members and lives in the Coyote Trail area. As a member of the Deer Valley Road Station and having many years of experience in Fire, EMS and wildland response Buck always has value to add to the department.

Buck’s fulltime job is the supervisor of the Diamond Lake Water and Sewer District. His knowledge and skills as a water system operator also benefits the Fire District. He is also very active in the education side of our business. As a Senior EMS Instructor Buck delivers an annual EMT-Basic class for the responders in Pend Oreille County. He has many years of success in training the people that respond to our community emergencies. Thanks Buck for all that you do! The next time you see Buck please make sure that you say “Thanks” he really is deserving of that praise.

By Chief Mark Havener
Published in the Newport Miner - August 8, 2007 RETURN TO TOP

Fire District No. 3 Honors Historian Beryl Pielli

Chief Mark Havener Presents Award Certificat to Historian Beryl Pielli

DIAMOND LAKE – Community volunteer Beryl Pielli was recognized at the July 23 Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3 commissioners meeting for her six-year effort to preserve the district’s history by creating a five-volume History Album Library, which she continues to maintain.

Shortly after she became a volunteer, former assistant chief Larry Naccarato asked Pielli if she would be interested in keeping up the district's photo album. When she agreed to take on this responsibility, he handed her a small album, old rolled up newspapers, scrapbook decals and a stack of photos. The rest is history. Over the years, one album with a few pages turned into five with nearly a thousand pages. In order to preserve Pielli’s work and make this history record more accessible to the pubic, all of the album pages have been scanned into PDF file format, which are now being uploaded to a new “History Library” section of fire district's Web site. “Fire District No. 3 sincerely appreciates the many hours of community service provided each year by this talented community volunteer,” fire chief Mark Havener said.

Beryl and her husband, Leonard, reside at Sacheen Lake where she continues her involvement with Fire District No. 3 as a commission secretary, historian and Fire District No. 3 auxiliary treasurer. Outside of the fire district Pielli is a member of St. Anthony’s Altar Society, Sacheen Lake Ladies of the Lake, and the Pend Oreille County Democrats. She is now completing her training for the Pend Oreille County CASA program and is looking forward to using her skills as a former social worker.

Beryl and Leonard enjoy their six children, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who live throughout the country between Shelton, Wash., and Boston, Mass.

“Pend Oreille County Fire District 3 is proud to have Beryl serve the community as a part of our team,” Havener said. “We are always looking for people that want to make a difference in the community.” For opportunities to volunteer and to look at the history pages, visit the district’s Web site at www.pofd3.org.

By Chief Mark Havener
Published in the Newport Miner - August 1, 2007 RETURN TO TOP
» JULY NEWS ARTICLES

"Serving with Pride"- Safety Officer Captain Joanie Suttle
Joanie is the most active responder from our Sacheen Lake Station. She is a trained Firefighter, EMT and certified Wildland Firefighter. Joanie is one of the most involved volunteers and makes a huge difference in the effectiveness of our Sacheen Lake Station. Joanie was the Fire District 3 "Firefighter of the Year" in 2001 and continues to be a leader every year. Even with her busy schedule of activities, Joanie always finds time to serve the community.

Joanie has been with the department seven years and lives in the Sacheen Lake community. She is now retired from her career as a professional educator in the Spokane area. In addition to her regular duties as a Firefighter/ EMT, Joanie also serves as the Fire District Safety Officer. Joanie does a great job in assuring the safety of our volunteers both at training events and at real incidents. She has implemented a number of new programs that assist in our learning experiences from near miss situations. She also completes regular safety inspections of our three fire stations. Joanie has attended many training sessions in order to further the safety of our firefighters here in the county.

Joanie is also an active participant with the Pend Oreille County Fire District No. 3 Auxiliary. The Auxiliary is a group of community members that assist the fire department in many ways. They help with our open house events, provide refreshments for large events for the firefighters and hot coffee at those cold winter fires. Thanks, Joanie, for all that you do! The next time you see Joanie please make sure that you say “Thanks” she really is deserving of that praise.

By Chief Mark Havener
Published in the Newport Miner - July 11, 2007 RETURN TO TOP

Fire District Prepares for Hot, Dry Season
DIAMOND LAKE – Now that the weather is warmer and drier for summer, the volunteers at Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3 have implemented a new fire suppression program. In an effort to help better protect some of Diamond Lake’s homes and provide a water-based access for fire suppression, they have dedicated a small aluminum boat and equipped it with a fire pump and hoses.
This boat will be in addition to the district’s water rescue team that is equipped with a Yamaha Wave runner. The wave runner was acquired through River City Yamaha and the personal watercraft donation program. This July 4 holiday, visitors and residents will see the boat staffed with two fire district volunteers. The boat will be performing public education, patrol for fireworks safety and fire suppression needs.

During the summer months there is an increased risk of fire spread due to illegal burns, wind driven fires and fireworks. Seventy-five percent of the wildland fires in Pend Oreille County are human caused, according the Fire Chief Mark Havener.
In the past, the fire district has not had an efficient way of dealing with these fires in some of the areas that have poor access due to high banks and steep terrain. With the fire patrol boat, they will be able to attack fires from two sides; the water and any nearby driveway access. Not only will the fire patrol boat be able to perform direct attack on fires, the boat will also be able to supply additional water for our firefighters by drafting from the lake.

In the future, if this program proves to be successful, the fire department will pursue donations, grants and operating funds to build more water-based firefighting and rescue capacity. The boat and fire pump are a result of some generous donations from the community.

Fire District No. 3 Changes Commissioner Meeting Dates
Pend Oreille County Fire District 3 Board of Commissioners have changed the regularly scheduled meeting date for the Board. Pend Oreille County Fire District 3, beginning July 9, 2007 will change the regular meetings to the 2nd and 4th Monday each month. These meetings are open to the public and start at 7:00 p.m. If you have any questions regarding the fire district, please visit our website www.pofd3.org or give us a call. at 447-5305.

Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3 volunteers were surprised that our site, www.pofd3.org, was not mentioned in last Wednesday’s article “Government Web sites are good and bad” as an example how just a little money and a whole lot of teamwork can result in a highly successful Web site that is able to deliver timely fire prevention and life safety information to the community it serves as well as to visitors from across the World Wide Web.

Pend Oreille County Fire District 3 has set as a goal to make our Web site a highly-effective communication tool for public safety education and serve as a resource to the communities we protect for timely information regarding the fire district and it's activities. We agree with the article that the development and effective maintenance of a Web site can be a daunting task. Pend Oreille County Fire District 3 has been rewarded through the effective teamwork of volunteer, commissioner support and a common goal of supporting a "good" Web site.

Initiated in 2005 by our Public Education Team with a few pages posted on the business site of our Webmaster Evelyn Johnson, www.pofd3.org has since grown into a district funded site with over 400 pages of public accessible information bringing in an average 4,300 visitors, 45,000 page hits, and 1,800 file downloads per month. The district’s Web site is designed to communicate timely information related to Fire District No. 3 operation and services through daily updates and advisories; to educate the community about fire prevention and life safety issues through online workshops, activities, and downloadable materials; and to celebrate the achievement of our volunteers though a comprehensive photo album and recognition pages.

As our Web site grows so does the need for increased funding. In addition to the annual Web hosting fees, this year the Commissioners budgeted 11 hours per month for Webmaster professional services. The remainder of the approximately 75-100 hours required each month for Web site development and maintenance is donated by the Webmaster and a team of highly skilled volunteers including Chief Mark Havener, Public Education Coordinator Leonard Pielli, POFD 3 Photographers Dennis and Cindy Merritt, EMS Captain Buck Cole, Training Officer Dean Keck, Public Education Volunteer Jimmy Johnson, and all of the Fire District 3 Volunteers who regularly contribute photographs, articles, and useful links that enhance the value of our Web site.

The district is currently seeking funding for the further development of our “Fire Safe Kids Club” through Web page sponsorships, grants and community donations. Please visit our Web site at www.pofd3.org for timely fire prevention and life safety information, to become a sponsor, or to find out how you can become a member of our Web site development team.

"Serving with Pride" Lieutenant Dave Ainsworth

Dave is the most active responder from our Diamond Lake Station. Dave is a trained Firefighter, EMT and certified Wildland Firefighter. Dave’s skills as a volunteer with Fire District 3 are something to be admired and he is looked up to by many of his peers in the fire department. Dave is an imposing person. His nickname, “Bam-Bam” refers to the fact that nothing gets in Dave’s way when he is given a task. His work ethic on the emergency scene is impressive.

Dave has been with Fire District 3 for over seven years and lives in the Diamond Lake area. Dave has a great deal of support from his wife Michelle and daughter Sadie. Dave’s brother is also a volunteer with us at FD3.

Dave was awarded the Most Improved Firefighter award in 2000 and is always considered for the Firefighter of the Year award. As an officer for Fire District 3 Dave sets a great example for the crews. He takes an extraordinary amount of pride in being a firefighter and it shows both in the station and on the fire ground! Dave’s experience also comes from when he served as a part time firefighter/ EMT with Spokane County FD 4. Dave always can be counted on in providing high quality service to our community.

Dave works in Deer Park as an excavator and keeps really busy with that. Dave is also one of our leaders in the training department. This year Dave is one of coordinators for the Firefighter Academy and regularly assists in our training sessions delivery.

So, All in all Dave Ainsworth is a great example of what every department would like to see from a member of a fire department! The next time you see Dave, Please tell him thanks for all of the great things he does for our community. Thanks Dave!

Fire Safety Tip of the Month
Memorial Day brought many things to our area, one of those in increased boating activity. The volunteers of the fire department would like to take a moment to remind you that you should always wear a floatation device, don’t mix alcohol and water activities and please be safe on the water. Visit our Web site at www.pofd3.org to learn more about water safety and other great topics for a safe summer.
By Chief Mark Havener

As we progress through the wonderful summer we are coming up on the Annual 4th of July celebration. In past years this celebration seems to extend itself over a period of days and creates some cause for concern in our area with the use of fireworks to show our excitement of the holiday.

The members of Fire District No. 3 would like to take a couple of moments to discuss some fireworks safety with you, our residents.

There are three key elements concerning Fireworks safety-
Be Prepared, Be Safe, and Be Responsible.

♦ If possible celebrate with others by attending a public display. I understand that locally we are limited in offerings of public fireworks but this is the Safest way to observe and be a part of a fireworks celebration.

♦ Before Lighting Fireworks, but only Legal fireworks from licensed stands. Many times we see illegal fireworks being used. They are ILLEGAL! The use of legal fireworks limits the potential of injury and damage to property by using safe controlled fireworks.

♦ Be careful with animals. Pets should be in a safe comfortable area. Many pets have extreme stress as a result of all of the noise associated with fireworks. Be considerate of your neighbors and their pets.

♦ Lighting of Fireworks should only be done by responsible adults. Too many times we see the inappropriate use of fireworks. Sometimes this is done by unsupervised young people and unfortunately being done by adults. Remember to light your fireworks with safety in mind.

♦ Do not throw fireworks or hole them in your hand. Many traumatic injuries have occurred in the past by people using fireworks in unsafe ways.

♦ Never re-light a “Dud.” Dud should be disposed of after wetting in water. Do not dispose of these in a fire or in the trash until there are completely dead.
♦ Light one firework at a time and move away quickly.

♦ Have a safe area free from burnable materials and have a safe escape area free from hazards.

♦ After you finish, clean up the debris leftover, soak used fireworks in a bucket of water.

♦ Be aware of the fire danger level. Many years, in the early part of July, we see some of our hottest and driest weather. These conditions lead to many fires as a result of the use of fireworks. These fires not only involve our wooded and grassy areas but can also involve structures in the area.

♦ Be aware of windy weather as well. Winds have a tendency to blow fireworks where we don’t want them.

♦ Thoroughly inspect all areas after fireworks are used to ensure that there are no smoldering fires in the area.

Commissioner-Firefighter Leonard Pielle Biographical Sketch

NEWPORT – This year's election filing period will not only be the earliest in history, but it will also be one of the largest ever with more than 60 seats up for a vote in Pend Oreille County during 2007. Since 2007 is an "odd" year, all of the positions that will be up for election locally involve towns, cities or districts. All of the positions in this year's elections are non-partisan. Fire District positions up for election include the Fire District 3 Commissioner 3 position for a term of six years currently held by Firefighter/EMT Leonard Pielli, who plans to run for reelection.

SACHEEN LAKE – Pend Oreille County Fire District No. 3 celebrated the grand opening of their new fire station at Sacheen Lake April 28. The fire commissioners and Chief Mark Havener officially opened the station with a hose un-coupling, and refreshments and station tours were provided by the volunteer firefighters and the Firefighter Auxiliary.

The new Fire station, located at 6131 Hwy 211, features five apparatus bays and a training/meeting room. The 6,600 square foot building was built for less than $100 per square yard, Havener said, and can be expanded in the future if necessary. The station is being paid for through the district’s general operating expenses over a 20-year period. Havener said the district has already realized an improvement in response time because of the new station location.

DALKENA – Nine volunteer firefighters attended a Basic Wildland Firefighter Training held at the Dalkena Fire Station May 12-13. The class was part of efforts to gear up for the upcoming wildland fire season. The class was coordinated by Captain Steve Scott of Pend Oreille County Fire District No. 4 and included instructors from Fire District No. 3, the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service.

The firefighters learned about the safety and the influence weather, fuels and terrain have on the wildland fire environment. They had the opportunity for some hands-on training as well. On Sunday, some volunteers participated in a field exercise in which they constructed fire lines, drafted water from a static source and learned the use of drip torches.

The volunteers would also like to emphasize fire safety for the public during the upcoming wildland season and urge people to abide the burning regulations. The Burn Hotline, 1-800-323-BURN, is available 24 hours a day for information on burning limitations.

Captain Alex Arnold - Station 31 Captain/ Firefighter/ EMT

Alex Arnold has been with Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3 for just nearly seven years now and has always been a very active volunteer with the fire district. Alex lives in the Deer Valley area with his wife, Cassie, son Jimmy and daughter Mackenzie. Alex’s level of commitment to the community is exemplary in his new role as a Captain with the crew at Diamond Lake Fire Station 31. He is very active in the community with his children’s school activities and was recently appointed to a Governor’s Committee on pre-school education. Alex was one of our members that recently was tested for a promotional position and was the highest scoring candidate for the Captains position at Station 31. Alex not only is active in the community but is also a leader with the fire district.

Alex, as a Station Captain, Firefighter and EMT is one of the leaders of the district in responses to the community and participates in keeping the equipment at the Diamond Lake station in a ready state. He has many years of experience in the wild Firefighting side of the service as well and is a qualified as an aircraft firefighter and Heli-base fire suppression specialist. Alex is also very active in the education side of our business. He is an Instructor for the yearly EMT class, CPR and First Aid classes and participates in regular instruction with our department.

Because of Alex’s commitment to the fire department, he was chosen to attend the Washington fire Training and Safety Officer conference in Wenatchee. Alex learned many new items that he has brought back to the department to increase our skills and abilities in serving the community.
The next time you see Alex make sure to let him know

Now that we have warmer weather many of us are doing spring cleanups around our homes. Remember that in Washington Burn Barrels are illegal. They cause many fires each year in our area. Only natural materials are legally burned! Visit our website www.pofd3.org to learn more about safety at home and wild fire awareness.

May 6-12 has been declared as Wildland Fire Awareness Week by the Governor. As we move into the warmer and dryer months outdoor burning can be a hazard if the burning is not done safely and within the recommended guidelines as set by Washington Department of Ecology, Department of Natural Resources and the county. Please be safe when you are doing your outdoor burning! RETURN TO TOP

Fire Engineering.Com - Fire Picture of the Day

A photo of the Live Burn Training in March taken by POFD 3 Photographer Cindy Merritt was posted as the "Fire Picture of the Day" on the Fire Engineering Web site. Peter Prochilo, Online Editor for Fire Engineering, emailed POFD 3 Photographer Dennis Merritt that he would be posting additional photos in the site's photo gallery and encouraged Dennis to submit other shots of the district's fire training or incidents.

Fire District No. 3 would like to take a minute of your time to remind you about Emergency preparedness. Would you be prepared for an event like this that may destroy all of your records and possessions? Some guidelines for a preparedness kit are to follow. The most important preparedness tip may be following warnings that typically precede one of our events. Not all events come with a warning and so having your preparedness kit assembled in advance will reduce the stress and impact if you are affected. Part of the plan should include the following; a three-day supply of food, a predetermined place where family members can meet should you be apart when a disaster happens, a contact person outside the immediate area that can assist in reassembling family members, a small amount of extra cash as ATM’s may be out of service, extra car keys, eyeglasses and three-day supply of medicine, make copies of vital records and store them in another city or state and, lastly, communicate the plan to all family members. Don’t forget your pets needs as well.

Pend Oreille County Fire District No. 3 has additional free information available at the Diamond Lake Station. We are also available to come out and speak to your community group on the preparedness topic. For more in-depth information on Emergency Preparedness see our Web site: www.pofd3.org or please give us a call at 447-5305.

IMPORTANT NOTICE #1
Pend Oreille County Fire District 3 is pleased to announce that we will be holding an Open House for the new Sacheen Lake Fire Station. On April 28th from 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. we will be conducting tours, answering questions and offering refreshments. The new station is at 6131 Hwy 211 (near Deer Valley Rd). We hope to see you there!

IMPORTANT NOTICE #2
The Diamond Lake Fire Station is in need of new volunteers. Our roster has openings for people who are interested in being an important part of community service. We have opportunities for all! Whether you have an interest in working on equipment, doing firefighting, becoming an EMT or many other fun and challenging things, we would welcome you to be a part of our winning team. Get an application at the fire station or at our Web site.
By Chief Mark Havener RETURN TO TOP

Joann Boggs of the Pend Oreille County DEM along with the LEPC and Mike Giampetri, our consultant for this exercise, created an event in downtown Newport that caused a response from the majority of the fire service in the county, the POVA railroad, POCO sheriff’s office Washington State Patrol, Department of Ecology, Newport Ambulance, Newport Community Hospital and many others. The event was designed to implement better interaction between the agencies that would have a stake in a large scale event. It also allowed the LEPC to evaluate strong points in the Emergency Response Plan for the county and find places for improvement as well. The exercise also was an opportunity for responders to work within an Incident Management system and look at how an event like this might be managed by an Incident Management Team. The event was a huge success and refreshments and lunch were prepared by the Fire District No. 3 Firefighters Auxiliary.

By Chief Mark Havener - Photo by POFD 3 Photographer Dennis Merritt
READ MORE

The weekend of the 16th of March Pend Oreille County Fire District 3 took another big step in the completion of the new Fire station at Sacheen Lake. The district hosted a ceremony that dedicated the cornerstone plaque that was donated to the fire district by the Newport Lodge of the Free Mason’s. Using the same ceremony George Washington used to lay the cornerstone of the United States Capital over 200 years ago, the Mason’s dedicated the plaque that will be placed near the entry of the building. The dedication was attended by over 30 people from the fire department, the Masonic Lodge and the community. After the dedication, a light lunch was held at the Newport Lodge.

The Sacheen Lake Fire station is located at 6131 Hwy 211. The Fire District will be hosting an open House on April 28th from 1000 AM to 200PM. Everyone is welcome to stop by and see the new station. We also will have fire safety information and applications for new volunteers. If you have any questions about the fire service in the Fire District 3 community, please give us a call. Call our office at 447-5305 or stop by the Diamond Lake Station M-F 8am – 4pm.

By Chief Mark Havener - Photo by POFD 3 Photographer Dennis Merritt
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NEWPORT – In June, Pend Oreille County will receive two oil-spill response trailers worth about $50,000 each from the Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) in June. The grant for the trailers is part of a $1.45 million oil spill response equipment-caching grant DOE received from the state legislature last year. DOE’s plans to station trailers around the state for spill-preparedness, and they will replenish supplies used to contain local spills of gas, diesel, and oil as needed. A hundred trailers are being deployed throughout the state this June. The recipients are not required to respond to spills, but must allow access to the trailers by DOE personnel or contractors if they choose not to respond.
In addition, responders will receive training to use the trailers, emergency management director JoAnn Boggs said. The county has one hazardous materials trailer, Boggs said, which they received as part of a 1990s fine settlement for Northwest Alloys. The grant was written by Mark Havener, fire chief of Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3. Boggs said there will likely be one trailer in the north part of the county and one in the south county
Published in the Newport Miner - March 7, 2007 RETURN TO TOP

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