Public lands commissioner joins fire bosses in Malden

Washington Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz visited local leaders and firefighting commanders in the burned town of Malden on Wednesday, saying the wildfire that raged through the area on Monday should be a wake-up call to Washingtonians and state lawmakers about the need for better fire prevention and response strategies.

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Wed., Sept. 9, 2020

Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, center, embraces Malden Mayor Chris Ferrell Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 in front of a burned-out building in Malden, Washington. Franz toured the town and made the case for more funding for firefighting resources. Chief Bob Gear of Pasco Fire, who is serving as incident commander in Malden, is at right. Most of the buildings in Malden, which is about five miles west of Rosalia, were destroyed by wildfire on Labor Day, which was Monday, Sept. 7, 2020.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review
Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, center, embraces Malden Mayor Chris Ferrell, left, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 in front of a burned-out building in Malden, Washington. Franz toured the town and made the case for more funding for firefighting resources. Most of the buildings in Malden, which is about five miles west of Rosalia, were destroyed by wind-driven wildfire on Labor Day, which was Monday, Sept. 7, 2020.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review
Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, right, meets Malden Mayor Chris Ferrell, left, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 in front of a burned-out building in Malden, Washington. Franz toured the town and made the case for more funding for firefighting resources. Chief Bob Gear, serving as incident commander on scene, is in the middle. Most of the buildings in Malden, which is about five miles west of Rosalia, were destroyed by wind-driven wildfire on Labor Day, which was Monday, Sept. 7, 2020.

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Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, left, walks around the town of Malden with Mayor Chris Ferrell, right, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 in Malden, Washington. Franz toured the town and made the case for more funding for firefighting resources. Most of the buildings in Malden, which is about five miles west of Rosalia, were destroyed by wind-driven wildfire on Labor Day, which was Monday, Sept. 7, 2020.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, center, stands in front of the burned-out post office in the town of Malden with Chief Bob Gear of Pasco Fire and Mayor Chris Ferrell, right, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 in Malden, Washington. Franz toured the town and made the case for more funding for firefighting resources. Most of the buildings in Malden, which is about five miles west of Rosalia, were destroyed by wind-driven wildfire on Labor Day, which was Monday, Sept. 7, 2020.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, center, stands in front of the burned-out post office in the town of Malden, Wash., with Chief Bob Gear of Pasco Fire and Mayor Chris Ferrell, right, on Wednesday.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, left, walks around the town of Malden with Mayor Chris Ferrell, right, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 in Malden, Washington. Franz toured the town and made the case for more funding for firefighting resources. Most of the buildings in Malden, which is about five miles west of Rosalia, were destroyed by wind-driven wildfire on Labor Day, which was Monday, Sept. 7, 2020.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, left, walks around the town of Malden with Mayor Chris Ferrell, right, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 in Malden, Washington. Franz toured the town and made the case for more funding for firefighting resources. Most of the buildings in Malden, which is about five miles west of Rosalia, were destroyed by wind-driven wildfire on Labor Day, which was Monday, Sept. 7, 2020.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review
Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, left, walks around the town of Malden with Mayor Chris Ferrell, right, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 in Malden, Washington. Franz toured the town and made the case for more funding for firefighting resources. Most of the buildings in Malden, which is about five miles west of Rosalia, were destroyed by wind-driven wildfire on Labor Day, which was Monday, Sept. 7, 2020.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo