The Steilacoom Marina was severely damaged by an early morning fire on Friday, 9 October. No one was injured in the fire nor did any responding fire personnel suffer injury. Public Safety was first alerted to the fire by the McNeil Island ferry staff. In response, the Town’s career and volunteer staff responded and were supported by crews from University Place, Lakewood, McCord AFB, Ft. Lewis, Dupont, Anderson Island fire boat, City of Tacoma fire boat, BNSF, and McNeil Island.
Twice a year, our staff had trained on a potential fire at the marina. This plan was executed as designed. Defensive lines were established along the beach between the cook shack and the marina. A second fire line was established along the bluff to protect homes from potential fire crossing the RR tracks and burning up the hill. Deploying fire equipment quickly prevented any danger to homes. The two fireboats were vital in preventing total destruction. The railroad also brought staff on site to inspect the tracks for damage and closed the lines for several hours.
The fire remains under investigation as I write and the Saltar’s Beach Park is closed until the full investigation is complete and the marina owner has secured and cleaned up the site. Town officials are meeting with the marina owner to discuss the clean-up plan and implementation timeframe.
I expect the park will reopen but I expect it to close for a period of time once clean-up begins to allow for heavy equipment on site.
Some residents faced temporary dirty water in homes in the morning hours as the fire was fought. The impact of several hydrants and numerous fire apparatus pumping 2,800 gallons of water per minute taxed the system and, in effect, performed a giant “flushing” of the minerals in the system. The water system worked well with this high stress applied.
The entire Town’s storm water system has been cleaned of debris by staff this summer and fall. The work will enhance the reliability and limit any backup or flooding. Please call 581-1912 if your area of town experiences standing water at drains. I also ask you to help by raking and bagging fallen leaves. The staff routinely uses the sweeper on streets to remove leaves but any assistance is always appreciated! The largest cause of localized flooding is drain blockage due to leaves.
Your home has likely received four light bulbs in the mail from the Town. To be clear, our electric provider Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) sponsors a program to buy, package, and mail those to all residents on the system. The math computed on the potential energy cost savings if the bulbs are used is very impressive. Please use the bulbs and we will follow the savings.
Congratulations to the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association (SHMA) for coordinating another terrific Apple Squeeze. The weather and activities always draw a great crowd who enjoy the day.
I understand that as you read this, the Bair Restaurant located at Lafayette and Wilkes St. is near a “grand re-opening.” The Bair, as with all Steilacoom businesses, will always welcome you, give you great service, and appreciate your business. Please consider Town business for your goods and services!! If you are not aware of all the shops and services available in Steilacoom, please contact our Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce at 353-6982.
November 3rd is Election Day. Please take the time to become informed and vote.
Ron Lucas, Mayor