Firefighters want to clean up Coulee Dam

Firefighters in Coulee Dam want to clean up areas of the town that could contribute to a much worse fire season than the last one under the wrong circumstances.

Judah Pope told the city council Wednesday the Coulee Dam Volunteer Fire Department had its eye on several areas of town that, if ignited, could cause serious problems.

Pope listed several areas, including Fiddle Creek on the west side of town, where understory brush is thick and close to homes that could easily catch fire if the area were to ignite.

But Fiddle Creek is the only area he listed that is owned by the city. Other areas are privately held or owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Pope was looking for support from the council before approaching others.

One area of concern is an old railroad bed behind homes up against the cliffs on the west side of town. Another is an old, former trailer court below SR-155 that belongs to USBR. Still another is an area behind homes on Tilmus Street, where a fire several years ago came close to homes.

About the Fiddle Creek area, Pope described the fire threat: “If we had interesting weather like we’ve had in the last few years, if that went it would hop from house to house.”

Firefighters would also like an area along the Lower River Road to Lone Pine cleaned up to protect homes above that hillside.

“It’s kind of nice to see somebody taking a proactive stance on some of this,” Mayor Pro Tem Bob Poch said.

Council members were generally supportive but reluctant to endorse an actual plan until they see one.

Councilmember Keith St. Jeor said the town has been lucky to not have lost a few houses over the last few years, given the fire conditions.