DNR EXPANDS BURN BAN TO INCLUDE WESTERN WASHINGTON
Hot And Dry Conditions Increasing Fire Danger Statewide

“OLYMPIA – With heat and drought rapidly increasing fire danger in western Washington, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is today expanding last week’s burn ban from DNR-protected lands in eastern Washington to include those west of the Cascades. The statewide burn ban will run from June 22 through September 30, 2015. “Westside forests are drying out and the outlook is for continued warm, dry weather,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “These conditions make it clear it’s time for a statewide burn ban.”

“The statewide burn ban applies to state forests, state parks and forestlands under DNR fire protection. It does not include federally owned lands such as national forests, national parks, national wildlife refuges or other areas administered by federal agencies.”

Read the entire Press Release Here: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/News/Pages/2015_06_22_burnban_nr.aspx

Yelm City Council Meeting
March 10, 2015 – 6pm

Yelm Police Department’s Reserve Officer Don Wilson receiving “2014 Reserve Officer of the Year” award. (left) Mayor Ron Harding, (center) Reserve Officer Don Wilson, (right) Police Chief Todd Stancil. Photo credit: Washington Media Services.

Reserve Officer Don Wilson was hired as a Reserve Police Officer for the City of Yelm in 2005. Since that time Wilson has donated more than 1,500 hours of his time to the city through his service with the Yelm Police Department. He currently holds a Level III Reserve Classification, which is the highest class available. This classification means that Wilson has put in enough hours and attended enough training that allows him to operate as a solo patrol unit while working with other full-time officers.

One memorable event during his time of service includes Wilson responding to a traffic collision on Yelm Avenue that involved two vehicles striking one another in a head-on collision. Wilson immediately provided CPR and first aid that resulted in successfully saving the victim’s life. For his heroic actions, Wilson was presented with a life saving award.

Aside from working with the Yelm Police Department, Reserve Officer Don Wilson works full-time with South East Thurston Fire Authority (covering the areas of Yelm, Rainier, and their surrounding unincorporated areas). Wilson has been employed with the fire department since 1993 and currently holds the position of Captain. It is estimated that he’s been involved with around 20,000 calls between his duties as a fire fighter and reserve police officer.

Congratulations to Reserve Officer Don Wilson on your award as the “2014 Reserve Officer of the Year!”

S.E. Thurston Fire Authority personnel attended a week long course in Pueblo Colorado, sponsored by Burlington Northern, learning how to deal with rail emergencies involving crude oil.

Firefighters from S.E. Thurston Fire Authority passed out candy on Halloween night, across the City of Yelm. To the delight of hundreds of children, an Engine and a Brush Truck were staffed with both career and volunteer firefighters, who volunteered for the evening.

The evening allowed an up-close encounter with both of the rigs and firefighters, as kids were encouraged to sit in the engine for a view many will remember for the rest of their lives.

“I had a teenager tell me this was her best Halloween ever, as she sat in the front seat of our Engine,” said volunteer firefighter Erika McInnis, who spent the evening in an Engine driven by career firefighter Lieutenant Ann Holeman. ” It was great to share the experience with kids and families across our community and I hope they are inspired to become firefighters too.”