Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest North Zone Engines

In addition to the Hotshot and Type II Initial Attack crews, the North Zone of the Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest also houses two of the four wildland fire engines. Although Engine 101 and 201 are used primarily for initial attack response to reported local fires, when the fire danger locally is low, the engines will respond to fires across the nation. Last year, engine personnel responded to wildfires in Montana, California, Oregon, Idaho, and Eastern Washington.

During the height of the fire season, the engines are typically staffed 7 days a week, and are used to patrol the forest lands when not on fires. Other duties include various project work such as; brushing, clearing, and building of trails and roads, hazard tree removal, campground clean-up and preparation, and fire prevention work.

At the start of each season and throughout the season, the engines train in engine and pump operation. The engines work closely with the local Department of Natural Resources engines in training for the season, by participating in mock exercises and sand table scenarios together. The engine crews also do physical training on a daily basis throughout the season as fire season allows.

In addition, seasoned engine crewmembers may get the opportunity to fill-in for two weeks with one of the two handcrews on the Zone. This provides varied experience to engine crewmembers and assists the handcrews by filling temporary vacancies on the crew.

Each engine is staffed with an Engine Foreman, an Assistant Engine Foreman, and either one or two crewmembers. The engines are typically staffed by June and are available into October for wildfire or prescribed fire assignment. Both engines are currently based three miles west of Concrete, Washington along highway 20. Housing facilities are available to employees as well as various outdoor and recreational activities.

For further information or inquiries, please contact Rich Dahl at 360-856-5700 x241 or rdahl01@fs.fed.us.

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