Welcome to Christina Pedersen
information released
Christina Pedersen, formerly of the Yakima County Fire Marshal’s Office, is the new fire marshal for Chelan County.
Pedersen, who begins work April 15, is a certified fire inspector and previously served nine years in the Yakima County Fire Marshal’s Office, working her way up to deputy fire marshal. She is also a lieutenant with the West Valley Fire Department, where she started as a volunteer firefighter more than 30 years ago.
Christina Pedersen
Pedersen was offered the position after an extensive interview process that included answering questions from a panel of regional fire chiefs, which supported offering Pedersen the position.
“We are excited to have Chris bring her 30-plus years of training and experience to Chelan County,” said Chelan County Commissioner Kevin Overbay. “She hit all the boxes for us, from her extensive work in fire and life safety inspections to her fire investigation experience on both the residential and commercial sides. We welcome her to Chelan County.”
Pedersen has extensive experience with International Building and Fire Codes, in relation to fire and life safety inspections, as well as with fire plan reviews. As a certified fire investigator, she has conducted more than 150 fire investigations, working in partnership with not only local law enforcement and fire districts but also the ATF and FBI. As deputy fire marshal in Yakima County, she also was involved in creating and implementing its first Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
“I think Chelan County is a beautiful area,” Pedersen said. “It is similar to Yakima County in that it is an agricultural community close to the mountains and rivers. I’m really excited to be a part of Chelan County and the community.”
At Chelan County, Pedersen will lead the Fire Prevention and Investigations Department, overseeing a staff of two fire technicians. She replaces former Fire Marshal Stephen Rinaldi, who left the position in October for a similar job in Colorado.
