As wildfires continue to threaten parts of the Yakima Valley, the Roza Irrigation District is taking steps to ensure its water system can withstand potential fire-related damage and support firefighting efforts. Officials with the district say wildfires pose a real threat to critical electrical and water infrastructure that serves the region’s agricultural community. To address this risk, the Roza Irrigation District has developed emergency plans designed to help the system respond if it becomes impacted by fire.
Beyond protecting its own operations, the district plays an active role in supporting firefighting efforts across the valley. The district works closely with fire crews during wildfires, allowing firefighting helicopters to fill their buckets from the Roza main canal and ponds on Roza Farms. Water tanker trucks can also quickly refill from district canals to help battle fast-moving fires.
“We spend a fair amount of time doing emergency contingency planning. We have been preparing for a variety of contingencies over many, many years. We’re able to operate the system manually if we have to,” said Scott Revell, district manager for the Roza Irrigation District.
The post Yakima Valley irrigation district strengthens wildfire emergency response capabilities appeared first on Daily Dispatch.