Town explores funding strategies for new fireboat

There’s a strong current of support for the Town to order a new fireboat to better protect La Conner’s historic waterfront and local marinas.

During the June 28 town council meeting, La Conner Hook & Ladder chief Aaron Reinstra and assistant chief Adam Avery addressed the fire department’s goal to replace its aging fireboat that has been out of service for more than a year.

“Having a fireboat on the water,” stressed Avery, “would be a huge advantage for us. You need multiple points of contact.”

Mayor Ramon Hayes and Town Administrator Scott Thomas said they support approaching The Port of Skagit, Swinomish Tribal Community, Shelter Bay and City of Anacortes about partnering on a La Conner fireboat.

Reinstra and Avery estimated the type of boat needed here – one with an estimated lifetime of 20 years – would cost between $275,000 and $375,000.

Grant awards for such applications generally require a 50% to 55% local match. The more agencies involved, the higher the chances of an application being approved.

“The fireboat we would try to obtain would run too many dollars for the Town to afford a 50% match on its own,” Hayes conceded. “So, as many partners as we can line up, the better.”

Avery provided a detailed video presentation showing the benefits of fighting marina and shoreline fires from the water and the level of risk for major blazes to occur in those settings.

“A boat on fire under a tin roof would create an oven effect,” he said.

Avery shared video clips of the 2014 Shelter Bay Marina fire, to which Hook & Ladder responded. La Conner firefighters likewise worked a major 1979 marina fire at the nearby residential community.

Avery also showed views of the older, wood-framed buildings clustered on La Conner’s waterfront and their potential exposure to a summer blaze pushed by north winds.

“Adam did a good job outlining the need,” Hayes said afterward. “He definitely made the case that we need an upgrade. It’s just a matter of dollars.”

Thomas agreed.

“We are at more risk than any community in the county,” said Thomas. “We have historic wood structures that are high-volume retail buildings that are historic and many were built without much fire protection.”

Thomas said the United States Department of Agriculture is a potential funder.

“They have money available, but they want to see plans put together with the Coast Guard,” he said.

Hayes, meanwhile, encouraged Avery to take his case directly to The Port of Skagit.

“You need to make this same presentation to the port commissioners,” said Hayes. “I think that’s the path forward.”

Reinstra and Avery said they will craft a specific vessel proposal while Hayes pledged the Town will help with a strategy designed for bringing on project partners.