PART 2 OF 3: To prevent major fires, we must prevent ‘conflagration’ (25 mins)
A SAN JUANS.TODAY VIDEO IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
Originally Published Friday, August 30, 2024
Video Directed by Dave Schnuckel
Audio direction by Jeremy Tyler
Written summary by Jeff Noedel
Produced at SanJuans.Today Studios in Friday Harbor, WA
On Tuesday, Heather Spaulding and Jeff Noedel spoke with Dwight Colley, Chair Fire District 3, and Noel Monin, Chief, San Juan Island Fire & Rescue. In this, the second of three segments, the subjects include a discussion of the experience of being a firefighter, and life in firehouse.
The discussion begins with Jeff asking about how the SJI District #3 is different from the other fire districts in the County.
Heather asks how the three districts work together.
At 2:15 minutes into the discussion, Noel and Dwight are asked how it is different to be a firefighter on an island. (Interesting answers!)
(7:30) Noel explains life in the firehouse; it becomes an extension of people’s personal homes. “It’s unique, it’s special… It’s a funny little process,” he said.
(9:45) Jeff asks if there’s an emotional toll on firefighters after a major event with major loss.
(11:40) Does the fire department enjoy strong support in the community?
(13:15) What — if anything — keeps Chief Monin awake at night? What are the worries of the fire chief here? (We learn a new term in firefighting: “conflagration.”)
(17:00) Heather asks if there is funding available for owners of old buildings to install fire suppression systems?
(18:30) Dwight describes a new program cooperating with the Town of Friday Harbor in which the Fire Department offers free voluntary consultations of business properties.
(20:00) Chief Monin is asked about the likelihood of a major wildfire on the island that might grow into a larger forest fire. He puts the risk in perspective; he says science is on our side.
This SanJuans.Today video is approximately 25 minutes in duration. This is part two of a three-part series.
Additional links:
- San Juan Island Fire & Rescue (website)
- San Juan Island Fire & Rescue (Facebook)
- San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office (County website)
- San Juan Island EMS (website)
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