By Omak Republic Editorial Staff
Amidst the current wave of escalating wildfires that are igniting across Okanogan County, a stark and concerning truth is coming to light: the county’s emergency management and fire prevention measures are showing signs of severe inadequacy, endangering both lives and valuable properties. This unsettling reality casts a shadow of doubt on the commitment of our local leadership to ensure the safety and well being of our community. As these fires spark in the midst of extreme fire danger, revealing overlooked risks and regulatory gaps, the necessity for prompt, robust, and far-reaching reforms has become an undeniable imperative.
“It’s truly a masterclass in inaction, our county’s response to the potential fire hazards. Who needs progress when we can just watch everything burn?”
– Jane Morales, Frustrated Resident
Setting the Stage for Inaction
Maurice Goodall, the Emergency Management Director for Okanogan County, is facing scrutiny for his handling of the fire situation. As the leader responsible for coordinating the county’s response to emergencies, his role is pivotal in safeguarding our residents and their assets. In recent commissioner meetings, Goodall has raised concerns about communication gaps among firefighting efforts and coordination issues within the county’s emergency management.
However, the lack of tangible improvements in these areas raises questions about his ability to effectively address these critical issues. The safety of our community demands a comprehensive and efficient response, underscoring the need for further evaluation of our emergency management strategies to ensure the well-being of all residents.
A Burning Concern: Fire Risks Ignored
Both the Emergency Management Director and the Board of County Commissioners are responsible for protecting our county. However, the commissioners have not passed rules that require clearances around houses and non-flammable landscaping and siding/roofing in fire-prone areas. This oversight is putting homes at risk and showing a gap in disaster preparedness. We cannot ignore this dangerous situation any longer.
Oh, but let’s not forget the dazzling display of competence from our esteemed commissioners. Their inaction when it comes to those pesky, illegally constructed homes is truly a masterpiece. Take the illustrious case of the property at 589 Indian Dan Canyon Rd, Brewster, WA 98812, a prime example that showcases their awe-inspiring ability to overlook the glaring issues of properties that were gleefully built without a care for proper permits or inspections. And would you believe it, one of the owners is none other than a real estate agent (see references with screenshots) who has generously graced us with the opportunity to purchase this gem using the latest in financial innovation: cash or owner financing. Bravo! This property, nestled in an area that’s practically a firestarter’s paradise, has witnessed the glory of multiple fires, leading us to ponder the existential question: do our emergency management geniuses and county commissioners possess a secret manual on how to not enforce existing rules and regulations? It’s a real page-turner, I assure you.
Failure to Regulate
What makes this case even more concerning is that the property was originally permitted as a pole barn. It’s not an isolated incident either, in Okanogan County, it has become an open secret that pole barn permits are exploited as a way to bypass thorough building inspections. This practice raises serious doubts about the safety of residents who may unknowingly be residing in structures that are not up to code and could pose potential risks.
This is an alarming trend that jeopardizes our collective safety. In high-fire-danger communities, properties with exemptions that forgo necessities like a well should be the focus of collaborative efforts between property owners and the county. A key strategy in preventing the spread of fires is to ensure that properties are cleared at least 100 feet from structures, a measure that remains absent in many instances. The harrowing images of devastation and loss from other fire-prone regions across the nation should serve as a grim reminder of the stakes we face in Okanogan County.
“Our county’s approach to unpermitted houses is quite the spectacle. It’s like a game of Russian roulette, but with houses instead of bullets.”
– David Thompson, Critical Observer
Urgent Need for Change
As we consider the road ahead, we cannot ignore the potential for future tragedies akin to those seen in Maui, Hawaii. Solutions are at hand. Enforcing codes, holding those responsible for unauthorized construction accountable, and implementing strict safeguards in high-risk areas are the keys. Now, it’s up to us, the community, to speak up at the Okanogan County Commissioners’ meetings, demanding decisive action from our leaders. Let’s stand united to safeguard our homes and secure the future of Okanogan County.
For those seeking to make their voices heard, you can contact:
Maurice Goodall, Emergency Management Director Email: em@co.okanogan.wa.us Phone: 509-422-7206
Chris Branch, Chairman of the Board Email: cbranch@co.okanogan.wa.us Phone: 509-322-0735
Andy Hover, Vice-Chairman of the Board Email: andy.hover@co.okanogan.wa.us Phone: 509-669-1606
Jon Neal, Member of the Board Email: jneal@co.okanogan.wa.us Phone: 509-740-9181
The Commissioners meet each week on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays beginning at 9:00 a.m., and the public is encouraged to participate via Zoom. Let your voices be heard and let our leadership know that our community’s safety is non-negotiable.
https://okanogancounty.org/government/commissioners/index.php
https://okanogancounty.org/government/emergency_management/index.php
References:
Omak Republic 