Eagle Ridge Consulting Inc., a essential service firefighting company based in Penticton, B.C, is currently fighting the Summit Trail Fire near Inchelium, WA, which has burned 45,581 Acres. Warren and Jenneane Kipp are both owners of Eagle Ridge Consulting, also known as WeHaulH2o, and the rest of the crew consists of highly trained personnel. The Canadian crew has been fighting fires in the Pacific Northwest since July, previously fighting The Sherwood Fire, near Wellpinit, WA. Their tactical tender known as “Nessie” (reference to the Loch Ness monster) developed a pinprick hole on the frame of the water tank, causing a leak and an unappealing appearance. Colmac Coil donated welding services to repair the frame, in support of the specialty firefighting crew performing essential firefighting services, including direct attack, mop-up, standard water tendering, and transporting water to the front line.
| Mike Olson and Eagle Ridge Consulting's Military Grade 6x6 Tactical Tender |
According to Warren Kipp, Co-Owner of Eagle Ridge Consulting they have the only 6x6 tactical tender in the Pacific Northwest. The standard type 1 tactical tender usually has a 2000-gallon water tank, but “Nessie” holds 4000 gallons and is capable of scaling tough terrain. “We’re very versatile. Our 6x6 is built by the military. We go where the other water tenders can’t go,” said Warren. The crew is trained in many aspects of emergency services including wildland-urban interface, incident command, and medical services. They travel to wherever they are needed throughout Canada and the Northwestern States in America.
The crew found out about Colmac Coil through word of mouth while on the fire, after having difficulty finding a company that would repair their tactical water tender on-site. The hole had potential to develop into a further issue on their water tank and was not an image they wanted to be associated with. Mike Olson, Colmac Coil employee went right away to their location to tig weld the hole in the frame causing the leak in the water tank, while it was raining.
“We were really grateful, it was raining, and he stayed until the job was done.” said Warren
| Mike Olson Repairing "Nessie" |
With the 2021 fire season predicted to break records in the Northwest, Eagle Ridge Consulting will continue to fight wildland fires until they're not needed. The specialty firefighting equipment and services the company provides offer wildland fire crews valuable frontline support. Colmac Coil is proud to support their efforts in helping keep our local communities safe.