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New fire marshal to start April 15

Christina Pedersen, formerly of the Yakima County Fire Marshal’s Office, is the new fire marshal for Chelan County.

Pedersen, who begins work April 15, is a certified fire inspector and previously served nine years in the Yakima County Fire Marshal’s Office, working her way up to deputy fire marshal. She is also a lieutenant with the West Valley Fire Department, where she started as a volunteer firefighter more than 30 years ago.

Pedersen was offered the position after an extensive interview process that included answering questions from a panel of regional fire chiefs, which supported offering Pedersen the position.

“We are excited to have Chris bring her 30-plus years of training and experience to Chelan County,” said Chelan County Commissioner Kevin Overbay. “She hit all the boxes for us, from her extensive work in fire and life safety inspections to her fire investigation experience on both the residential and commercial sides. We welcome her to Chelan County.”

Pedersen has extensive experience with International Building and Fire Codes, in relation to fire and life safety inspections, as well as with fire plan reviews. As a certified fire investigator, she has conducted more than 150 fire investigations, working in partnership with not only local law enforcement and fire districts but also the ATF and FBI. As deputy fire marshal in Yakima County, she also was involved in creating and implementing its first Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

“I think Chelan County is a beautiful area,” Pedersen said. “It is similar to Yakima County in that it is an agricultural community close to the mountains and rivers. I’m really excited to be a part of Chelan County and the community.”

At Chelan County, Pedersen will lead the Fire Prevention and Investigations Department, overseeing a staff of two fire technicians. She replaces former Fire Marshal Stephen Rinaldi, who left the position in October for a similar job in Colorado.

Last Updated: 04/26/2024 09:27 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 26
    Nov 2024
    01:30 PM - 02:00 PM

    Public Meeting: Certify Election

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 26
    Nov 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 21
    Nov 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 20
    Nov 2024
    01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - November 20, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or zoom
  • 20
    Nov 2024
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - November 20, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street