Thurston County Manager Reports on Rainier Fire Response and Treatment Plant Awards

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners convened on September 2, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including updates on emergency management and environmental performance.

The meeting began with an invitation for public comment related to the agenda, but no residents signed up to speak. Following this, the County Manager provided an update on the county's response to the August 2025 Rainier brush fire. The emergency management team activated the emergency coordination center and issued alerts to residents, guiding them through evacuation procedures. The response involved strong collaboration among fire districts, law enforcement, and public works, ensuring a unified approach to community safety. The county also opened shelters for displaced residents and coordinated resources for livestock evacuation, demonstrating a commitment to both human and animal welfare during the crisis.

In another significant update, the County Manager announced that all three of Thurston County's wastewater treatment plants received outstanding performance awards from the Washington Department of Ecology. Out of over 300 plants statewide, only 121 were recognized, highlighting the dedication of the county's operators in maintaining public health and environmental standards. The Boston Harbor and Tamisham plants play crucial roles in protecting marine habitats, while the ground mount plant supports the needs of a rapidly developing area.

The meeting proceeded to the consent agenda, where items 1 through 10 were approved unanimously by the commissioners. Following this, Commissioner community reports began, with discussions anticipated to continue in subsequent segments of the meeting.

Overall, the meeting underscored Thurston County's proactive emergency management efforts and commitment to environmental stewardship, setting a positive tone for future initiatives.