months. I could predict that this could be the worst possible year for wildland
fires in our history, as is every year, but I won’t. The wildland season will be what it will be. Our goals must be to keep everyone safe, keep small fires small, and
encourage property owners to practice defensible space.
We will most likely see a reduction in our seasonal capacity due to budget reductions, so some resource deployment and dispatching may be modified. On a positive note,
the Nevada Division of Forestry will be providing helicopter and handcrew response during the first 24 hours without expectation of payment. We are very fortunate to
have the helicopter resources based in Douglas County.
In the Emergency Management arena we have been working to complete the “new and improved” version of the Douglas County Emergency Response Plan. This has been
a significant undertaking, but one which will hopefully put Douglas County in a better position to manage a large-scale emergency. We have also been conducting training
for various county personnel in Damage Assessment.
I am sorry that I have to keep this month’s contribution on the short side, but I have several deadlines that I am trying to meet and several meetings to attend and
prepare for, including budget meetings and hearings.
Please keep up the good work. I know that we are asking more and more out of everyone each day. Your work and commitment to the organization is appreciated by the
Board, the chief officers, and certainly the community we serve.
Be Safe!
