Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 19, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  Greg Pressel, Emergency Operations Center, 360-280-8816

Gov. Gary Locke Views Fischer Fire, Visits With Firefighters

Gov. Gary Locke today toured the Fischer Fire in Chelan County by air and met with firefighters at the fire command center in Leavenworth.

“I applaud the heroic efforts by the many firefighters working to control this enormous blaze,” Locke said. “My sympathies go out to the residents who have been forced from their homes because of the danger.”

Nearly 13,000 acres have burned in the human-caused fire, located southeast of Leavenworth. The area is made up of grass, shrubs and timber located in steep rocky terrain. There are currently more than 1,600 personnel fighting the fire. Equipment deployed includes 11 helicopters, 105 engines, 22 bulldozers, and 47 water tenders.

Last night, fire crews successfully put a containment line between Ollala Canyon and Hay Canyon to the north. Crews also took action to protect structures in Hay Canyon and Nahahum Canyon. There were several structures in Ollala Canyon that were threatened by fire, but thanks to the quick response by fire crews and engines those residences were saved from the flames.

The fire is being fought by a multi-agency team, including the United States Forest Service, the state Department of Natural Resources, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, and Washington Fire Services.

“The collaborative effort to combat this fire illustrates the teamwork that goes on between federal, state and local governments on firefighting issues,” Locke said.

A public meeting will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at Cashmere high school to brief local residents about the latest developments in the fire fighting efforts. Approximately 300 homes and 29 outbuildings are in the evacuation zone and are being protected by structure protection crews. Red Cross shelters remain open in Cashmere and Wenatchee.

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