Fire Mountain LLC
FireMountain is a cannabis farm nestled at the base of Mount St. Helens in Ariel, Washington. The farm has a rich history and is the culmination of a journey undertaken by its owners, Jason and Sara, along with a group of dedicated individuals.
The story begins in 2006 when Jason and Sara were living in a small house in Portland, Oregon. Jason was studying to obtain his commercial pilot’s license, while Sara worked as a paralegal at a firm. To supplement their income, they started a small cannabis grow in a shed, which allowed them to enjoy a comfortable life.
In 2011, Jason and Sara made a significant decision to transition from a small-scale operation to a full medical cannabis enterprise. This involved purchasing a larger house in Vancouver, quitting their jobs, and Jason leaving pilot school. With a bold commitment, they emptied their 401(k) and built a medical hydro grow adjacent to their new home.
For the next nine years, Jason and Sara dedicated themselves to the cultivation of medical cannabis. The two of them operated the grow, cherishing the memories of those “good ole days.” The business thrived, enabling them to enjoy vacations, acquire nice things, and even invest in a golf membership and a timeshare in Mexico.
Eventually, a new opportunity emerged when the decision was made to transition to the recreational cannabis market. In pursuit of this goal, Jason and Sara sold all their luxuries, including their house, cars, small travel trailer, quads, and a street bike. With a commitment to going “100000% all in,” they moved into a trailer on Sara’s family’s land in the hills of Ariel, Washington.
The land held sentimental value as it had been in Sara’s family for over 35 years. The property featured an old school house where Sara and her sister grew up. Additionally, Sara’s father’s wood furniture shop became the location for the cannabis facility. After significant renovations and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles, the 5400 sq ft facility was completed, thanks to the efforts of Jason, Sara, her brother-in-law, sister, cousin, her husband, and three friends—each of whom became owners of FireMountain.
The county presented numerous challenges, including demanding the installation of a 28,000-gallon pond with a dry hydrant, planting 75 trees to camouflage the shop, and even requiring a new septic system. The process was arduous, compounded by the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the setbacks, they persevered and successfully passed inspections, with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board acknowledging FireMountain as one of the finest grows in the entire state.
The name “FireMountain” pays homage to the majestic Mount St. Helens and Sara’s father’s former company that once occupied the same property. This choice is further rooted in the Native American history of the region, as “Fire Mountain” was one of the names given to Mount St. Helens. The presence of Indian George Creek, with its waterfall, adds to the natural beauty and significance of the land.
FireMountain remains an intimate and carefully managed hydro farm, with only Jason and Sara overseeing the operations. Occasional assistance is provided by hired trimmers, and the other owners lend a helping hand whenever possible. While Jason assumes the role of master grower, Sara handles various other tasks, including data entry, packaging, and deliveries. The farm rotates through a diverse selection of 30 different strains, each cultivated in small batches.
Their journey in the cannabis industry has deep roots in the medical cannabis days. Notably, in 2012, their strain “Green Crack” won the Aroma of Tacoma award through Nature’s Resource Center, during the time when medical cannabis was prominent. Subsequently, the store was bought out by Zips after they transitioned to the recreational market.
The success of winning the Aroma of Tacoma award served as a validation of Jason and Sara’s expertise and passion for cultivating high-quality cannabis. It further motivated them to pursue their dreams in the industry. With their sights set on expanding their reach and providing recreational cannabis to a broader market, they embarked on a new chapter in their journey.
The transition to recreational cannabis meant a significant shift in focus and operations for FireMountain. Jason and Sara made the bold decision to sell their house, luxury vehicles, and recreational items, leaving behind the comforts they had enjoyed. They embraced a simpler lifestyle and moved into a trailer on the family land, fully committing to their vision.
The land itself held deep significance for Sara, as it had been in her family for generations. The old school house that had once been her childhood home now became a symbol of continuity and a place to nurture the growth of their cannabis enterprise. They poured their hearts and souls into the renovation of Sara’s father’s wood furniture shop, transforming it into a state-of-the-art cannabis facility spanning 5400 square feet.
However, the path to realizing their vision was not without challenges. The county imposed stringent requirements on FireMountain, such as the installation of a 28,000-gallon pond with a dry hydrant and the planting of 75 trees to conceal the shop. Despite facing bureaucratic hurdles and unexpected demands, Jason, Sara, and the other owners remained resilient. They tackled each obstacle head-on, determined to create a cannabis facility that would exceed expectations.
The completion of the facility was a monumental achievement, taking over two years of hard work and dedication. But it wasn’t just the physical structure that defined FireMountain. It was the passion, expertise, and attention to detail that Jason and Sara poured into every aspect of their operation. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board recognized their commitment to excellence, lauding FireMountain as one of the finest grows in the entire state.
Word of FireMountain’s exceptional quality spread, attracting the attention of the cannabis community and regulatory authorities alike. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board requested photos of the farm for in-house training and even organized tours, showcasing FireMountain as a model for aspiring cannabis cultivators.
Despite its growing reputation and recognition, FireMountain remains a small-scale operation, rooted in a hands-on approach. Jason, as the master grower, tends to the plants with care, employing his expertise and experience to ensure optimal growth and harvest. Sara takes on the multifaceted role of managing various aspects of the business, from administrative tasks to packaging and deliveries. Their combined efforts and unwavering dedication have enabled FireMountain to thrive in a competitive market.
As they continue their journey, Jason, Sara, and the other owners of FireMountain remain committed to their core values of quality, integrity, and sustainability. They strive to cultivate cannabis that not only meets the highest standards but also reflects their deep respect for the plant and its therapeutic potential.
FireMountain stands as a testament to the resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment of its owners. From humble beginnings in a small shed to a flourishing hydro farm nestled against the backdrop of Mount St. Helens, FireMountain embodies the spirit of pursuing dreams, overcoming obstacles, and honoring the legacy of the land.