Many Kennewick firefighters commit a significant portion of their summer months to provide leadership and manpower for several local, regional, and statewide incidents. Last year, we experienced one of the most destructive years on record for the Pacific Northwest; over 7 million acres burned over the course of the fire season, killing 3 US Forestry firefighters near Twisp, Washington in the process.
During the last two years alone, Kennewick Fire Department members have dedicated over 6,400 man-hours supporting Incident Management Teams and fighting more than 43 wildland fires across the state of Washington. These firefighters have worked tirelessly throughout their summers to provide support to some of the worst-hit communities throughout our state protecting homes and property, managing hundreds of firefighters and their logistical needs, and coordinating and initiating complex tactical firing operations utilizing aircraft, crews, and boats.