Friday, March 29, 2024

A kick off to fire season - Leavenworth Firefighter Challenge

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    With fire season nearing, the local firefighters have been preparing and bracing themselves. The third annual Leavenworth Firefighter Challenge hosted by Chelan County Fire District No. 3 has become a way to kick off the fire season on a light, but impactful start. On Saturday, April 27, locals, children, the community firefighters, and firefighters traveling from out of state gathered to participate in the community event.
    "It's kind of becoming a kick off to fire season. It's like waking up our local community here in the North Central Washington area," said Glenn Brautaset, Chelan County Fire District No. 3 representative.
    Despite being the opener to the challenging season with a rigorous course for the firefighters, the atmosphere was lighthearted. With the striking scenic venue on Ski Hill setting the backdrop and a live band, The Hoyer Brothers, providing a cheerful soundtrack, those in attendance appeared entertained.
    "Its an opportunity to really interact with their local fire service groups," said Brautaset.
    Children got a hands on opportunity at the event with a District No. 3 fire truck and many gravitated toward the engine, eager to explore. Games and activities also kept the kids occupied while adults gravitated toward the beer garden and El Chavo food spread. Regardless of age, everyone mingled and chatted with their local firefighters.
    "I would consider it a fun, family event and they also get that benefit of seeing this really unique firefighter race challenge that involves firefighters from across the whole northwest United States to come and compete against one another," said Brautaset.
    Firefighters drifted in from the local districts, such as Chelan County Fire District No. 6 and Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue. Some groups made the trek from Oregon and California to participate in the challenge. Some of those participating in the challenge got competitive with the race and charged for the finish line. While others hiked at their own stride and made it a more casual experience. Some that had been in the fire service for many years, came to partake in the comradery and cheer on their fellow firefighters.  
    "(One of the highlights of the event) is to feel this kind of palpable competition going on with all these firefighters here in the area," said Brautaset.
    The proceeds from the challenge go beyond just the local volunteers, but firefighters everywhere. Wildland Firefighter Foundation has teamed up with the program as well, according to the Leavenworth Firefighter Challenge website.
    "For just being the third annual event, it's interesting to see how its blossomed across the whole Northwest. Last year we had firefighters from as far as Montana. Everyone is starting to make this a homage to come over and run in Leavenworth and challenge each other," said Brautaset.
    It was a chance to invite residents to rub shoulders with their regional firefighters before the impending hard work ahead of the fire districts. The challenge  also prompts residents to recognize the season and offers a learning experience for fire season preparation.  
    "It's like, hey it's not only the firefighter challenge but fire season is quickly coming upon us so maybe we should be a little more fire wise or learn a little more about fire prevention. And we had those opportunities up at the venue," said Brautaset.
    With resources such as Department of Natural Resources and the Forest Service, people could educate themselves while simultaneously enjoying the fun atmosphere.   
  

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