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Brush Prairie, Wash. – Fire District 3 is making continuous improvements. In November, The Board of Fire Commissioners for Clark County Fire District 3 passed the 2018 Final Budget. The focus of the budget was to meet strategic plan objectives; maintain staffing levels, replace aging equipment, and maintain facilities.
Chief Scott Sorenson said that the fire district is financially secure with a balanced budget and another clean audit behind it. “Now, with the passing of the levy lid lift, we are able to update some of our aged equipment that is critical to the safety of the public and our firefighters,” said Chief Sorenson. “These updates will meet safety mandates and help improve performance.” This, in turn, allows FD3 to provide better services to the community while saving taxpayers’ funds by maintaining the current insurance rating classification.
The purchase of a new Kenworth 3000 gallon water tender was completed in January. It replaced a 1972 Kenworth that was formerly a logging truck. This new tender enables us to safely transport water to locations that do not have nearby hydrants, a common situation in the area served by Fire District 3. It was built by Rosenbauer International and meets all current National Fire Protection Association standards. The cost was $309,455.00, $334,211.00 with tax.
A new truck will arrive in early fall. It will be capable of functioning as a fire engine and ladder truck, solving three primary concerns for Fire District 3: rescue in large structures, aerial application of water, and replacement of aging frontline pumping apparatus. This acquisition will greatly increase Fire District 3’s firefighting capabilities. The cost will be $891,712.00.
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) will be replaced soon as well. They will reach the maximum replacement age of 15 years in late 2018 and will no longer meet safety standards. This equipment was originally obtained using funds from a 2003 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant. Fire District 3 has applied again and is awaiting results of the competitive process. If successful, this grant would cover 90% of the cost of approximately $400,000.00.