our story

Born In the valley. Built to protect it.

Upland Fire Protection Co. was founded by Riley Korf and Isaiah Schaapman in 2025 out of a dream to see more homes in the Wenatchee Valley

Where it started

Growing up in the valleys and hills of central Washington, wildfire wasn't an abstract threat — it was a summer reality. Smoke-filled skies, red-flag warnings, and the low hum of anxiety that comes with living in one of the most fire-prone regions in Washington State. It was home, and it was always under pressure.

After more than seven years in fire service — working wildland and structural roles across the region — the picture became clear from both sides: firefighters were doing everything they could once a fire started. But there was almost no one helping homeowners and landowners get ahead of it.

"I'd seen enough properties burn that didn't have to. The work to prevent it wasn't getting done — not at the scale this region needs."

Why Upland

Upland Fire Protection Co. was built to fill that gap. Not as an out-of-town crew chasing contracts, but as a local business rooted in this community — one that knows these landscapes, understands the specific fire behavior of the Okanogan Highlands and the Columbia Basin, and is invested in the long-term safety of the people who live here.

We serve Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, Grant, and Kittitas Counties. These aren't just service areas on a map — they're our backroads, our neighbors, and the land we grew up on.

What drives us

Prevention first

We believe wildfire risk is manageable. The work done before a fire is the most valuable work there is.

Locally rooted

Born and raised in NCW. We know this terrain, these conditions, and the people who depend on this land.

Community-minded

When one property is protected, the whole neighborhood is safer. We take that responsibility seriously.

Standard-backed

Our work is grounded in NFPA, IBHS, and Washington State guidelines — not guesswork.

This is long-term work

Wildfire mitigation isn't a one-time project. Fuel loads grow back. Conditions change. Insurance carriers in Eastern Washington are now requiring documented annual maintenance — and we're built to provide exactly that. When you work with Upland, you're not just getting a crew out once. You're getting a partner who keeps showing up, year after year, so your property stays protected and your paperwork stays current.

That's the commitment. That's why Upland exists.