The Chehalis Fire Station has not been home for city firefighters since an asbestos-related evacuation in August.
The Chehalis Fire Department will cease providing fire investigation services for Lewis County later this year after more than two decades of doing so.
Chehalis Fire Chief Ken Cardinale wrote a letter to Lee Napier, community development director for Lewis County, dated March 20 that serves to trigger the 90-day notice of termination for the most recent interlocal agreement between the two departments.
In the letter, Cardinale states the roster of trained fire investigators within the Chehalis Fire Department has dwindled from four to one “due to internal and external issues which have arisen over the past few months and within recent weeks.” The letter does not specify what issues led to the reduction.
“This staff reduction will not allow us to fulfill the terms of the agreement,” Cardinale wrote. “One sole investigator could not serve the entire county or meet the requirements and terms of the agreement. Therefore, it is with regret I am providing you with this written notification.”
Fire Captain Ted McCarty remains as the sole fire investigator for the city of Chehalis and will continue in the same role for Lewis County during the three month termination period.
