EVERETT, Wash. — Jan. 29, 2021 — The United States Forest Service is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying suspects involved with the theft of wildland firefighting equipment from the Koma Kulshan Guard Station near Concrete Washington; the home base of the Baker River Hotshot Crew.
During the weekend of December 18th – 21st, 2020, multiple suspects broke into the Forest Service’s Hotshot Compound stealing an estimated $45,000 worth of vital firefighting equipment.
The Forest Service is looking for help in the return of the stolen equipment or the apprehension of those involved. It was a difficult year, a very hot and hard fire season, and the Baker River Hotshot Crew needs your help.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the U.S. Forest Service at SM.FS.mbs_pao@usda.gov, the Mt. Baker Ranger District at (360) 856-5700, or any local law enforcement agency.
From the U.S. Forest Service
Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Mike.
Sorry SOB’s anyway.
In 2001, while working on the Helena in Region One, I investigated a similar theft on the Helena RD. Chainsaws/Mark3’s, Cobra Drills. Lots of ’em.
When I asked the Ranger for a list of property numbers that would be etched into the equipment, he told me with a straight face, “None, we quit doing that years ago.” Case closed.
The theft sounds like a contract hit. It all might be out of the country by now.