Enclosure 3B - Project Summary Form
57
NATIONAL FIRE PLAN COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE AND WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE PROJECTS
Application for Community Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning
Applicant
Applicant/Organization:
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Phone:
Type of Applicant: (enter appropriate letter in box)
A
a
360-902-1754
FAX:
360-902-1757
Email:
mark.gray@wadnr.gov
Address (Street or P. O. Box, City, State, Zip):
A. State
B. County
C. Municipal
D. Township
E. Interstate
F. Intermunicipal
G. Special District
H. Independent School District
I. State-Controlled Institution of Higher Learning
J. Private University
K. Indian Tribe
L. Nonprofit Organization
M. Other (Specify) _______________________
1111 Washington Street S.E. Olympia, WA 98504-7037
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator (Name and Title):
Chuck Johnson, Grant Administrator
Organization/Jurisdiction:
WA State DNR, NE Region
Phone:
FAX:
Email:
509-684-7474
509-684-7484
chuck.johnson@wadnr.gov
Project Information
Project Title:
Mt Hull Community Fire Plan
Proposed Project Start Date:
Proposed Project End Date:
Federal Funding Request:
Total Project Cost:
April 2005
$49,000
April 2006
$69,000
Are you submitting multiple projects? If so, please prioritize, and explain if the projects are stand alone, sequential, or other:
Yes, however this proposal is a stand-alone project.
Brief Project Summary: Who, What, Where, Desired Outcomes in relation to NFP Goals and Community Risk Assessment and
Mitigation Plans (This should summarize page 2).
Highlands Fire Defense LCG, in collaboration with local jurisdictions and citizens of Mt. Hull area, Okanogan County,
Washington, will prepare a plan addressing community fire risk and emergency operations with mitigation. To increase
public and firefighter safety, reduce wild land fire costs and losses this plan will determine needs and priorities for fuels
treatments, fire training, community education, communication and equipment needs, mutual aid agreements,
transportation plans, pre-attack mapping and evacuation procedures.
Project Location:
County:
Federal Congressional District:
Mt Hull (for legal description see below)
Okanogan County
Five (5)
Name of Federal, tribal, and/or State Official with whom you coordinated this
proposal:
Loren Torgerson, District Manager, WA DNR
Chris McCuen, Fire Prevention Specialist, Mt Tollman BIA
Scott Boyd, Fire Management Officer, Bureau of Land Management
Elton Thomas, Forest Fire Management Officer, US Forest Service
Telephone number of Contact:
L. Torgerson 509-684-7474
C. McCuen 509-634-3157
S. Boyd 509-536-1237
E. Thomas 509-664-9333
Enclosure 3B (Page 1 of 3) - Project Narrative Description
Applications for funding must include a narrative response that describes the proposal. Please do not submit responses longer
than one page, single space, 12-pitch font.
Describe project including, but not limited to:
 change fire behavior
 WHO are your collaborators - are they current or potential
Address these
through fuels reduction
collaborators?
items as
 increase community
 describe the relationship of this plan’s desired outcome to NFP Goals
applicable:
education and awareness
and to any existing community fire protection plan.
 enhance fire protection
 project time frames and matching or contributed funds
capability
 tools and/or skills needed to complete project
 desired outcome
 specific project location, geographic extent, and fire risk assessment
methodology
For this project, explain the level of cooperation, coordination or strategic planning, through a “Local Coordination
Group.” If you haven’t worked with a local coordination group, why not?
Project Coordinator: Chuck Johnson, Grant Manager, NE Region, WA DNR
Steering Committee: J. Foster, WA DNR, Fire Chief FY/OK FPD #14 – S. Barton-Wood, FMO Okanogan/Wenatchee
NF’s - J. Daharsh, Fire Chief, OK FPD #12.
Collaborative Group: C. McCuen, Mount Toleman BIA; L. Torgerson, District Manager, WA DNR; T. Murray, Okanogan
Co. Planning; K. Stevens, FMO Colville NF; Reed Heckly, Colville NF; D. Swedberg, WA Dept. of Fish &Wildlife; James
Rees, Spokane BLM; Mary Dalton, Prevention Spec., Oka/Wen NF’s.
Target Area: Geo-political area of Mt Hull (specifically the dry south slope), with several developments and many
structures comprise a rural interface neighborhood with a history of complex costly wildfires, is divided into the following
jurisdictions:
Okanogan County Fire Protection Dist. (OCFPD) #12 9,702 acres (this is a joint-jurisdiction with WA DNR)
USFS Tonasket Ranger District……………………..3,960 acres
WA DNR Highlands District private lands………...16,362 acres (all private lands within the scope of project)
WA DNR Highlands District state lands…………….2,640 acres
Colville Confederated Tribe allotment lands………….850acres
Bureau of Land Management………………………….760 acres
Sections: 23, 24, 25, 26, 35, 36 TWP 39N RNG 27E; Sections 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,
36 TWP 39N RNG 28E; Sections 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, 25 TWP 38N RNG 27E; Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15,
16, 17, 18 TWP 38N RNG 28E.
History: An analysis of fire responses from 1972 to 2002 revealed that WA DNR and USFS responded to 140 fires in
the target area resulting suppression costs over $10 million. Data from this 30 year period also shows about 20,360
acres were burned and approximately 40 structures lost. Also these fires created a high risk to public and firefighter
safety during suppression operations.
Modifying Fire Behavior: Historically the target area was under a Fire regime 1, however fire exclusion and fuels
buildup has significantly altered this. Strategic fuels reduction over the landscape, including creation of defensible
space adjacent to homes, will help modify fire size, frequency, intensity and severity thus decreasing the risk to
humans, home and natural resources.
Community Education/Awareness: County fire officials estimate that about 400 homes, with 1,100 people are within the
boundaries of OCFPD #12. Key community leaders are a vital part of our outreach network. FIREWISE approach will
be used to educate these individuals with a door-to-door campaign explaining the program and consequences of no
change.
Enhance Fire Protection Capabilities: Comprehensive interface mapping, completing Risk Assessments using NFPA299 forms coordinated with county road E-911 addressing and signage; develop emergency service route assessment
plans for evacuation, apparatus response and incident transportation. Evaluate and modify communication plans and
mutual aid agreements, implement disaster drills. Assist volunteer fire department to improve their protection
capabilities through training and new equipment.
Desired Outcome: A Fire Plan will be developed to enhance preparedness and firefighter safety for future fire seasons..
Enclosure 3B (Page 2 of 3) - Project Evaluation Criteria
Applications for funding, must include narrative responses that address the following four criteria. Be sure you address every one
briefly, yet thoroughly. Limit your responses to the area provided.
1. Planning for Action (40 points)
A. Describe your desired plan outcome and how the outcome will be measured.
B. How will the plan address :
 Fire behavior changes through fuels reduction
 Community education and awareness
 Enhanced suppression capability
C. How will the completed plan be implemented, and by whom? OR How does this plan enhance or complete
previous fire planning by the community?
D. How will the plan address landowner responsibility for implementation of this plan?
E. Describe your ability to complete project in one year of receipt of funds
A Fire Plan will enhance emergency operations; identify risks and mitigation strategies guiding interagency efforts in
reducing wild land fire costs and damages. Outcome will be measured by: reduced ave. annual suppression costs
(current ave. = $300k); reduction of human caused fires; increased number of homes that can survive wildfire; the
number of acres treated. Historically the target area was a Fire Regime 1, however due to fire exclusion, fuels buildup,
and development, it has been significantly altered. Landscape-wide strategic fuels reduction, including creating defensible
space adjacent to homes, will modify fire size, frequency, intensity and severity to reduce risk to people, homes, natural
resources and firefighters during future suppression activities. NFPA-299 Fire Risk Assessments will be conducted on
structures by a consultant in the target area involving extensive public contact. Working with key community leaders
through outreach efforts HFDLCG will build community ownership of the plan and assure desired outcome. Better
suppression capability will be realized by: complete interface mapping, completed Risk Assessments using NFPA-299
forms will aid county E-911 addressing and signage, developing emergency response and evacuation route plans;
evaluation and modification of communication plans, mutual aid agreements; implementing disaster drills; assisting
volunteer fire departments to improve protection capabilities through training and new equipment. Plan completion will
occur with LCG providing the project steering committee and consultants hired for fieldwork in risk assessment and data
management. Landowner responsibility will be emphasized during risk assessments. Strategy implementation will involve
partnerships with other agencies, contractors and stewardships.
2.
Enhancing Community Collaboration and Local Capacity. (30 points )
A. Describe your strategy for collaboration to develop this plan across multiple ownerships.
B. Identify the interested partners and members of the community who are involved in this project, and the level of
their involvement.
C. How will this project enhance local community collaboration and local capacity for cooperative action?
D. Describe skills or experience the community will gain through development of this plan.
Response: Coordination and collaboration with federal, state, county, local governments and citizenry drafting grant
applications, designing a plan with a 10-year vision. USFS (3,234 acres) and BLM will conduct fuels treatment on their
respective lands adjacent to the target area. Partners include DNR with 3 staff, 1 assuming coordinator role. Steering
Committee consisting of Okanogan/Wenatchee NF staff member, DNR and local Fire Chief. LCG represents 3 fire
protection districts, two national forests, Mount Toleman BIA, USDI BLM, Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, Okanogan
County Planning, Okanogan County Sheriff and local citizens. Through the collaborative efforts of entities comprising the
LCG, cooperation has begun with all individuals working together to solve problems and work through issues together. In
addition to improved fire protection and emergency response, community benefits include leadership role for local fire
districts in plan design plan and implementation. Also a greater understanding of the fire risks in this area by all partners
and the public. Efforts will be made working directly with this community to get them to realize the benefits from their
investing in projects to reduce fire risk and ensure adequate protection as a community. This plan will, and in fact already
has, improved interagency preparedness and planning as well as safe and efficient suppression and prescribed fire
operations, that in turn will better ensure public and firefighter safety, reduce fire costs, losses and damages.
Enclosure 3B (Page 3 of 3) - Project Evaluation Criteria
3.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Expanding Community Participation. (30 Points)
Explain the level of cooperation, coordination and/or involvement of the Local Coordination Group. List the
cooperators/members (in a broad way) of the local area coordination group.
Describe your strategy for leveraging funding. Who are the partners and what is their commitment to the
plan’s completion, including any existing or proposed cost-share agreements and their status.
Describe the extent of local support or opposition for the project.
Describe your strategy for post-plan marketing and collaboration for the successful implementation of the
next steps described in the plan.
To what extent will this project be offered to serve as a model for other communities in your sub-geographic
area, state-wide area?
Response: This proposal is 100% product of Highlands Fire Defense LCG. In 2000 this team wrote a successful grant
proposal for a pilot program to accomplish fuels reduction in a greater area. That project completed with defensible space
established around 85 structures with a total budget of $87k with the least expensive cost per home of all PNW projects
that year. For this Community Risk and Mitigation Planning process the LCG has expanded its representation with the
following participants: C. Johnson, Grants Manager, WA DNR; J. Foster, Fire Chief FPD #14 & WA DNR; S. BartonWood, Okanogan/Wenatchee NF; J. Daharsh, Fire Chief FPD #12; C. McCuen, Mount Toleman BIA; L. Torgerson, WA
DNR; T. Murray, Okanogan County Planning; K. Stevens, Colville Forest; Reed Heckly, Colville Forest; Mary Dalton,
Okanogan/Wenatchee NF; F. Rogers, Okanogan County Sheriff; P. Dart, Fire Chief, Okanogan County FPD #11; S.
Boyd, USDI-BLM; Sandy Bews resident of Mt Hull; Chuck Gallup, resident of Mt Hull. In-kind match will be in the form of
time, office space and vehicle expenses from state, and county agencies involved, through their employees who make up
the majority of the steering committee and a large portion of the LCG. Additionally, according to annual averages, the
agencies involved may spend another $300k in suppression costs for the protection of this community in 2004 while the
mitigation plan is being developed. The broad spectrum of individuals making up this remote community lends itself to a
vast array of differing support or opinions largely centered on a very independent style of resident/landowner. There is no
direst opposition to this planning process and during the pilot grant coordinated by the Highlands Fire Defense Team over
a dozen homeowners signed up for fuel reduction work from within the target area. Additionally there was a 1-day
FIREWISE community workshop held in June 2003 at Okanogan County FPD #12 fire station on Mt Hull. During the
NFPA-299 Risk Assessment phase of the plan development a consultant will contact constituents during a door-to-door
risk survey. This will begin the one-on-one community awareness process. As we move toward implementation the LCG
will initiate community meetings and workshops to develop landowner buy-in and broad-based support of the mitigation
process. The Mt Hull Community Fire Plan will serve as an excellent model in both the sub-geographic area and
statewide area given the 30 year recorded wild land fire history with an average of $300k annual suppression costs.
There is a larger tract of interface neighborhoods in the Aeneas Valley of Okanogan County with about 1,000 homes and
2,500 residents outside fire protection district boundaries. The LCG intends to focus on this area in the near future with
the Mt Hull project providing the template. Mitigation actions post-plan projects will likely be adjusted over time as budget,
planning, consultation requirements, weather conditions and utilization markets affect implementation timelines.
Enclosure 3C - Project Work Form
Tasks
1. Obtain funding, convene steering
committee
Time Frame
Responsible Party
April 2005
Highlands fire Defense Team LCG
Grant Administrator
1. Organize workspace /materials
3. Recruitment of data input
personnel
April 2005
LCG steering committee
1. Risk assessment of 400+
properties
May 2005 to Sept 2005
Fuels consultant
Writer/editor
Grant Administrator
May 2005 to Sept 2005
Writer/editor
LCG steering committee
2. Recruitment of fuels survey
specialist
2. Data management of fuels survey
3. P.R. stage information meetings
1. Community
outreach
to develop
with community
& partners
inventory of infrastructure,
suppression resources and
interface mapping.
Grant Administrator
Initial draft of:
 hazard/risk assessments
 interface maps
 data
October 2005 to November 2005
Writer/editor
LCG steering committee
1. Develop recommended
mitigations strategies and
establish priorities.
December 2005 to February 2006
LCG steering committee,
Highlands Fire Defense Team & all
collaborators
1. Finalize Mount Hull Community
Fire Plan
March 2006
Writer/editor
LCG steering committee
Grant Administrator
1. Publication of Community Fire
Pan
April 2006
Writer/editor
LCG steering committee
Grant Administrator
2. Circulation of Community Fire
Plan
3. Presentation of final plan to local
entities
Enclosure 3D Project Budget
Cost Category
Description
Federal
Agency
Personnel
Project Coordinator
Risk/Fuels Consultant (1 @4.5 mo)
Writer/editor (1 @ 6 mo)
Subtotal
$23,500
$21,000
$44,500
Applicant
Partner 1
Partner 2
Total
WA St. DNR Ok. Fire Dist #12
$10,000
$10,000
$3,000
$3,000
$57,500
Fringe Benefits
$2,000
Subtotal
$2,000
Travel
Per diem & mileage
$2,000
$1,500
Subtotal
$1,500
$1,500
Equipment
Subtotal
Supplies
Office supplies
Hazard Risk brochures
Subtotal
$500
$500
$1,000
$1,000
Contractual
Fire Plan printing & binding
GIS mapping
Subtotal
$1,000
$2,000
$3,000
$3,000
Other
Office Space
Advertisement
Subtotal
Total Costs
Project (Program) Income1
(using deductive alternative)
1
$3,500
$500
$500
$49,000
$13,500
$3,500
$4,000
$6,500
$69,000
Program income is the gross revenue generated by a grant or cooperative agreement supported activity during the life of
the grant. Program income can be made by recipients from fees charged for conference or workshop attendance, from rental
fees earned from renting out real property or equipment acquired with grant or cooperative agreement funds, or from the sale
of commodities or items developed under the grant or cooperative agreement. The use of Program Income during the
project period may require prior approval by the granting agency.