You can wave hello to Smokey Bear and get the latest rating of fire dangers in northern Ferry County now, thanks to a cooperative effort between DNR and several local residents, agencies and businesses. The new sign sits at the junction of Kettle River Road and Highway 21 in Curlew, about 35 miles north of Republic.
This isn’t your typical fire-danger sign that DNR helps post, but we wish it could be. The sign was developed in partnership with the Curlew Medical Clinic (where it is located), Ferry/Okanogan Fire Protection District #14 and DNR. The sturdy log-framed structure built by local artist Bearpaw. The Ferry County Public Utility District installed the structure and Stott’s Construction donated the landscaping rock at sign’s base. Driving the project were Ferry Country residents Anne and Ron O’Halloran who financed the structure. DNR employee and fire engine crew leader Mark Kennard led the project with help from DNR seasonal firefighters Garrett Kartchner and Mackenzie Wilson. DNR’s web site lists fire danger risk levels for each county in Washington.
