Orcas Island Fire and Rescue
Burn Permits Now Local on Orcas Island
Orcas Island, WA – Orcas Island Fire and Rescue (OIFR) will begin issuing burn permits for Orcas Island. Permits will be available starting October 12, 2026 , if weather and conditions allow. The process is online. Apply and pay at orcasfire.org . The site also has…
Missing Orcas Island man found after intense search
Kent Sawyer, 87, missing since 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026 has been found in the Mt. Woolard area of Orcas Island shortly before 1 pm. He is with EMS personnel. Orcas Island Fire and Rescue conducted an intense search Wednesday morning with mutual aid from…
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue seeks to fill immediate Commissioner vacancy
ORCAS ISLAND, WA — The Board of Fire Commissioners of San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2 is immediately seeking candidates to fill the unexpired term for Seat #5. The seat must be filled within 90 days; however, the Board desires to fill this position…
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue welcomes 21 new firefighters, one of largest academies in department’s history
ORCAS ISLAND, WA — Orcas Island Fire & Rescue (OIFR) held its 2026 Fire Academy Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Station 21 in Eastsound. The ceremony was standing room only, with more than 150 friends and family members in attendance. Families…
May 24: Orcas Island Fire & Rescue urges community action on wildfire prevention
In recognition of Wildfire Awareness Month, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue (OIFR) is encouraging residents to take proactive steps now to reduce wildfire risk and protect homes, neighborhoods, and the island as a whole ahead of the summer fire season. Wildfire…
OIFR Responds to 3 Simultaneous Calls Including Fatal MVA and Structure Fire on April 13
ORCAS ISLAND, WA — On the afternoon of April 13, 2026, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue (OIFR) was dispatched to three separate incidents simultaneously, requiring the department to divide personnel and resources across multiple scenes. Medical Aid At 3:29 pm OIFR…
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue Responds to Fully Involved Residential Structure Fire
Orcas Island, WA – At 2:55 a.m. on Monday, February 23, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue (OIFR) was dispatched to a residential structure fire on Thimbleberry Lane. Crews arrived to find the home fully involved, with multiple structures and vehicles threatened. The…
OIFR Launches Historic Fire Academy
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue has launched one of its largest fire academies in department history. Thirty recruits began training on January 3, 2026. They represent every fire station on Orcas Island. This coverage expansion is significant. It strengthens emergency…
Orcas Island Fire Academy Orientation in December; Academy starts January 3
Fire Academy starts January 3, 2026. Orientation mid-December. Island Firefighting Is Different. Forget what you know about mainland fire departments. Orcas Island’s unique challenges require specialized equipment and creative solutions. Most island properties…
OIFR: Thank You to Community
Thank you, Orcas Island. Thank you, voters. Together we passed Proposition 1, providing long-overdue funds to replace aging apparatus and equipment and make needed repairs to our facilities. This victory belongs to our community. You attended town halls, asked…