Eastside Fire Welcomes More DNR Resources

ISSAQUAH, WA — The state Department of Natural Resources is expanding its partnership with Eastside Fire & Rescue and plans to add resources to two facilities to boost wildfire response efforts in the area.

In a news release, Eastside fire officials said its crews would share facilities with DNR crews and equipment at Station 88, near Wildnerness Rim, and Station 76 in Mirrormont. That adds to a brush truck Eastside crew co-operates with DNR at Mae Valley's Station 78.

"We are always evaluating the best use of our personnel and resources," said Eastside fire chief Ben Lane. "Wildfire concerns are growing in our area; this agreement helps the DNR improve its wildland firefighting response and benefits our communities."

Fire officials note that wildfires are occurring more frequently on the west side of the Cascades in recent years, including 469 such fires that DNR crews responded to just this year. As the largest fire agency in the Evergreen State, DNR is tasked with defending 13 million acres of land from wildfires.

Eastside firefighters also assist on DNR's incident management team, staffing engines and brush trucks throughout the region as needed during fire season.