Gov. Gregoire urges caution, documentation when returning to structures damaged by the School Fire

For Immediate Release: August 9, 2005

Fire officials working to ensure aid is available

OLYMPIA � August 9, 2005 � Gov. Christine Gregoire today urged evacuees of the School Fire burning near Pomeroy in Southeastern Washington to use caution when returning to structures damaged in the fire.

�My heart goes out to those who have lost homes, property, businesses and possessions in this massive fire,� said Gregoire. �I know everyone is anxious to return home so they can determine the extent of the damage. Protecting lives and communities is my top priority, and I urge everyone to use extra caution before entering structures damaged by fire.�

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized State Fire Services Mobilization Plan support for the School fire at 6:45 p.m. Aug. 6. The Fire Protection Bureau of the Washington State Patrol has coordinated the dispatch of 229 firefighters and 85 engines/water tenders. These resources have come from Snohomish, San Juan, Mason, Kitsap, Jefferson, King and Pierce counties. Additional resources from Garfield, Columbia and Asotin counties are also on site. Total resources at the fire include 1,339 personnel and 161 engines.

�I�m proud of the community spirit people in Washington show when it comes to helping out in a crisis,� said Gregoire. �I understand that many who have evacuated their homes are turning to friends, family members and neighbors for care and comfort. The Red Cross, local community organizations, and neighbors helping neighbors are part of what makes our state a remarkable place.�

State emergency management officials have been in frequent contact with local emergency management officials in the fire area and have sent a state liaison to Garfield County to ensure there is prompt action on any requests for additional state assistance.

State emergency officials have asked the affected counties to submit reports by next week on damages to businesses and homes in the fire area. State officials, in turn, will use the reports to determine when and where state-federal teams will survey damages for possible eligibility for disaster aid programs. Survey work will only be conducted when fire areas can be entered safely.

Evacuees who return to their home and businesses should document and photograph damages before any cleanup work begins.

Damages can be reported to the following local emergency management offices:
Columbia County, 509-382-2518
Garfield County, 509-843-3494



In addition, returning evacuees should:
� Use caution in entering damaged buildings and homes. Fire can rekindle from hidden, smoldering remains. Be watchful of structural damage caused by the fire.
� Watch for snakes, wildlife and other animals seeking shelter in buildings.
� Stay away from damaged electrical wires.
� Be careful around burned trees and power poles. They may have been weakened by the fire and may be unstable.
� If you have a propane system, contact supplier, turn off valves and leave valves closed until supplier inspects the system.
� Take precautions cleaning up your property, use masks to protect against breathing dust particles and gloves to protect against sharp objects and contaminated materials.
� Check food and water supplies for contamination. Food, beverages and medicine exposed to heat, smoke, soot and water should not be consumed.
� Notify relatives that you are safe, but don�t tie up phones lines. They may be needed for emergency calls.

Additional information about returning home after a wildfire can be found at this American Red Cross website:

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