Huckleberry Press February 23 2017

February 23, 2017 Huckleberry Press Page 7
Rep. Mary Dye introduces legislation to provide funding for initial attack aerial resources on wildfires
2015 was the worst fire season on record in Washington state.
Since the 2016 session, Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, has been focusing
her efforts on the continued strife surrounding local fire agency
initial response and suppression efforts to wildfires.
Dye introduced House Bill 1736 as part of a collaborative effort to
find financial common ground for local fire agencies. This bill would
create a premobilization assistance program to assist with aerial support
during the initial attack of a wildland fire.
“I am really drilling down on the wildfire problems in this state,”
said Dye. “A local fire department in Asotin County proposed a brilliant
idea. We need to put together a small funding package for local agencies
to receive reimbursement during their initial attack efforts. It’s
about ensuring timely decisions are made to put the fires out, rather
than wasting precious time because of the financial burden of obtaining
necessary resources.”
Dye’s bill would allow local fire agencies to request reimbursement
through the premobilization assistance program after first deployment
of aircraft during a wildfire. The State Fire Marshal would provide up
to $10,000 per wildfire incident. If costs exceed $10,000, additional
reimbursement would be allowed, not to exceed $20,000.
“We have seen many instances in our state where timelier initial
efforts to stop wildfires would have prevented them from growing into
catastrophic fires,” said Dye. “The problem lies in the cost of getting
aircraft in the air. Local fire departments cannot afford to deploy aircraft,
especially in smaller communities. Having a reimbursement program
in place allows local agencies the comfort of knowing their initial
attack efforts won’t financially overextend their department.”
In 2015, three wildland firefighters lost their lives when their engine
crashed enroute to provide initial line attack efforts on the Twisp River
Fire in Okanogan County. Air suppression tactics are crucial due to
the large amounts of water quickly and effectively applied to a fire.
Aerial tactics help eliminate the need for some of the ground crews
potentially placed in harm’s way.
“On August 19, 2015, I was involved in the Twisp River Fire. Sadly,
I was the only survivor of the United States Forest Service engine that
crashed,” said Daniel Lyon, Jr. “Three of my brothers died. I suffered
third degree burns over 65 percent of my body. I believe if more air
resources were available during the initial attack of this fire, lives would
have been saved. I understand this bill has its financial costs, but I
believe in the long-run it will actually save the state millions of dollars.
If we have the resources initially to stop a fire when it’s small, we can
help prevent the burning and catastrophic expansion. One of the best
ways to quickly suppress a wildfire is through aerial attack. On behalf
of my three fallen brothers, it’s time to move forward to save money,
land, homes, and ultimately lives by providing our local fire agencies
with financial assistance to get the job done.”
HB 1736 received unanimous support from the House Public
Safety Committee. It now moves on to the House Rules Committee
for further consideration. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn the
105-day session on April 23.
Davenport Theatrical presents Missoula Children’s Theatre’s “The Wiz of the West”
The musical will feature 50-60 local students
DAVENPORT— For the second year, Davenport Theatrical will host a Missoula Children’s
Theatre residency. On Monday, April 11, two Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) tour actor/
directors will arrive in Davenport in a pickup truck full of sets, costumes and props—everything
needed to put on a show, except the cast. Auditions will be held that afternoon. Fifty to
60 local students will be cast. They will rehearse after school all week, preparing for public
performances on Friday and Saturday.
This year’s production is “The Wiz of The West.” It’s the story of “The Wizard of Oz,” but
with a country-western twist…or should we say, twister?
Students of all ages (kindergarten through high school) are invited to audition on Monday,
April 10 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Davenport High School. Students need not be enrolled
at Davenport School District to audition. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay
for a rehearsal immediately following the audition, and all cast members must attend afterschool
rehearsals all week as well as all day on Friday. Among the roles to be cast are
Dotty, Mooch, Scared Crow, Lionel, Tinhorn, Hawknose Halley, Dr. Ozzy, Top Dog, Mad
Dog, Bad Dog, Coyotes, Munch Kin, Buzzards, and Tarantulas.
The production will be directed by two MCT tour actor/directors. Jade Antionette Coates
was raised in Destrehan, La. and is a graduate of Loyola University, New Orleans and has
a background performing in both musical theater and opera, as well as makeup design.
Erica Miranda Diederich is a New Yorker and alumna of Niagra University, who studies with
Upright Citizen’s Brigade in addition to her theatrical credits.
Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 14 and 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 15
at the Davenport High School theatre. Admission is $5 adults and free for students under
18 who are accompanied by an adult and for Davenport Middle/High School students with
ID. Tickets are available at DavenportTheatrical.org and at the door. The performance is
recommended for ages 4 and up and is sponsored by Hernas Dental.
More information is available at DavenportTheatrical.org or by calling 509-721-0285.
Davenport Theatrical is a community theater company and Lincoln County’s only nonprofit
producing arts organization. The company has mounted 16 productions since 2008. Drew
Kowalkowski is the managing director and Karen Brewster is the artistic director.