Date: 08/22/2012
Final
Washington Mobilization Act and Emergency Response
WILDFIRE COMMISSION
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10:04 AM -- Washington Mobilization Act and Emergency Response
Chief Bill McLaughlin, Elk Creek Fire Protection District, briefed the commission on the Washington State Mobilization Act and efforts that may improve emergency response systems in Colorado. Chief McLaughlin discussed difficulties in accessing outside assistance during critical periods of the Lower North Fork wildfire, and talked about the difficulties that an uncoordinated mutual aid system presented in fighting the wildfire. Chief McLaughlin discussed the differences between Colorado and Washington in dispatching available firefighting resources during wildfire emergencies, and explained how the national interagency dispatch system works to coordinate firefighting resources.
10:15 AM
Chief McLaughlin explained how Colorado's mutual firefighting aid system works, and discussed possible ways it can be improved. He also compared the systems in place in Colorado and Washington, and discussed the mutual aid accessed during the Lower North Fork wildfire. Chief McLaughlin discussed the importance of quick response in mutual aid situations, and funding reciprocity among fire districts. Chief McLaughlin provided additional ways that the state's fire mobilization plan could be improved.
10:25 AM
Chief McLaughlin responded to questions regarding the decisions associated with the prescribed burn that resulted in the Lower North Fork wildfire, and the communication relationship between his fire district and government entities that own property in his district. Chief McLaughlin responded to further questions regarding the emergency response planning regimen undertaken by his fire district, and similar efforts undertaken in his former district in Washington state. Chief McLaughlin closed his presentation by discussing mobilization funding.