Storm debris on Blackbird Island is a hidden fire risk, fire officials warn

LEAVENWORTH — Blackbird Island may be a new hazard risk this wildfire season due to the build up of debris

“Normally these riparian areas, they're not your greatest fire risk, because of the higher humidity, because of the different types of species that grow…but the storm has sort of created this new hazard,” Chelan County Fire District #3 Deputy Chief Mike Smith told the city council on May 26.

Smith referred to the hazards as “jackpots,” or large piles of heavy dead and down trees that were deposited from the Wenatchee River during the December floods. Once the piles dry out in the summer, he warned that an ignition had the potential to spread rapidly through spot fires, threatening the city’s downtown core as well as homes on the other side of the Wenatchee River.

“If we're waiting on decomposing and nature to take its course, it's going to exist for a decade, and I just don't think anybody really wants to roll the dice on that one,” said Smith.

According to Smith, Blackbird Island has a history of arson, and responding to fires on the island has been historically challenging due to access barriers. The pedestrian bridges prevent brush trucks from reaching the fire, forcing responders to rely on backpack pumps and a UTV. Still, fires in the past have stayed small and manageable on the island.

“The fires that we saw on Blackbird didn't throw a lot of spots. We didn't have an issue with that, but if some of these piles that I've seen out there catch on fire, it is going to be very difficult,” Smith warned, speculating that future response would require aviation resources.

The fire district wrote a prescription for the city, which included standard fuels reduction work on top of storm debris removal. While the district could assist with chipping, it recommended that the city dedicate its fuels reduction funding to obtain a masticator or mulcher, and encouraged the city to coordinate with Cascadia Conservation District for kiln burning in the future. Smith emphasized the importance of pursuing multiple efforts, commending work already completed by volunteers.

“I don't think we have time to get it all done in one season, but I think it's a worthwhile endeavor,” said Smith.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media