PORT ANGELES — Clallam County commissioners today will consider approving a $10,300 supplemental appropriation to Clallam County Fire District No. 3 for a slide-in skid unit that would improve firefighting capabilities in remote areas.
The Sequim-based fire district’s Polaris all-terrain vehicle would be equipped with a Kimtek Supermax Transport skid unit that comes with a high-pressure pump, a 13-horsepower engine and 85-gallon water tank.
A skid unit is a self-contained firefighting and emergency medical transport apparatus that can fit into the back of a truck or ATV.
The units help firefighters get water, tools and aid to places where fire engines can’t go.
The appropriation would come from the Federal Forest Replacement Fund, also known as the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, which helps rural counties compensate for lost timber revenue. The fund is set to expire in 2013.
Secure Schools funding has supported the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office chain gang this year and has a remaining balance of $10,300.
County Budget Director Kay Stevens recommended approving $10,300 request in the agenda item summary.
Fire District No. 3 Chief Steve Vogel wrote in the project application that the skid unit will help contain lightning and campfire-caused wildfires throughout the North Olympic Peninsula, not just in the fire district.
Clallam County Fire District No. 3 operates seven stations throughout the county’s East End. It has 32 line firefighters, mostly volunteers, who cover a territory from near Deer Park Road to Gardiner.
Additionally, Fire District 3 has a wildland firefighting team and mutual aid agreements with the state Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service, Olympic National Park and other agencies.
“This small ATV will allow us access on narrow roads and trails,” Vogel wrote in the project submission form.
The three county commissioners will consider approving the request in their weekly business meeting at 10 a.m. today in Room 160 on the main floor of the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.
Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.