Australia and New Zealand Firefighters Take a Brief Break in Chelan

Chamber Coordinates R&R for Firefighters from “Down Under”

By LakeChelanNow

Dennis Rahm had the opportunity to swing by the breakfast hosted by the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce for 47 wildland firefighters from Australia and New Zealand. The breakfast was just part of a 2-day itinerary developed by the Chamber for a well-deserved R&R.

The Chamber’s Director of Events, Phil Moller, told LakeChelanNow that the Team Leader reached out to ask for some help coordinating a break for the group from “down under”. Moller went around town and asked for assistance. “The community contribution has been awesome,” Moller said. “Like always, this community goes above and beyond.”

Moller indicated that hotels, attractions, restaurants and local businesses offered meals, accommodations, activities and more to the group. “I didn’t get a no, I can’t”, said Moller. “I got a yes, let’s get this done and what can I do to help.”

Listen to an Interview with Liaison Officer Chris Hall

One of the firefighter gestures of national pride is the gift of an Australian flag posted along fire routes. This photo was submitted by Kristin Kuchler who lives up the Entiat River Valley.

With the evacuation levels dropping, I was finally able to come home! And this is what I found! An Australian flag. I just can’t thank EVERYONE involved for saving this valley and community. My husband and I have only been here a year and already we feel such a bond with this community, we will forever be grateful!

Alonzo Del Villar shared this photo of a flag fluttering from a marked vehicle up the Entiat Valley.

“The Australian leadership team was great to work with,” he said. “When we were asked how much water we carried on board our brush truck, we told him 300 gallons – to which he quickly responded with the conversion in liters.”