Yakima County Fire District #5 is looking at nearly $70,000 in damages after a burglary at their storage station over the weekend left them with smashed truck windows, a broken door and missing firefighting gear and medical supplies.
Deputy Fire Chief Joel Byam said that someone might be able to sell the stolen medical supplies, but they will have a harder time finding someone to purchase firefighting gear on the street without notice. âWe just feel this is a complete waste because what are you going to do with it?â Byam said. âOur fear now is itâs just going to be dumped somewhere on the side of the road or damaged just to be damaged and that just doesnât help anybody.â
The old fire station is located at 6231 Yakima Valley Highway in Sawyer â about five miles east of Wapato â and is used to store firefightersâ gear when theyâre on leave, as well as backup equipment. Fire officials believe the burglary occurred sometime late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.
