As we move into fall, I want to update the community we proudly serve. It has been a very busy year for our responders, with 1,010 calls as of October 14, 2025. From medical emergencies to structure fires to rescues, our firefighters, paramedics, and volunteers have been hard at work keeping Orcas safe.
This summer’s wildfire season put our island to the test. Thanks to training, teamwork, and quick action, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue (OIFR) crews were able to contain them and prevent major damage. I am proud of how our responders rose to the challenge and grateful to the community for your support and vigilance during fire season.
At the same time, the work highlighted challenges. Several of our fire engine pumps failed during active fires, making it clear that our fleet is aging and nearing replacing or refurbishing. OIFR is pursuing a plan to refurbish three of our engines and replace five others to ensure reliable service for years to come. We are also planning to purchase a new water tender to strengthen our ability to fight fires in areas without hydrants.
OIFR operates out of seven fire stations across the island, but only one of these stations is staffed 24/7. The others rely heavily on our dedicated volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and responders. For our stations to remain safe and functional, we need to address critical facility repairs. Several buildings have safety concerns such as damaged roofs, rot, mold, and poor to absent ventilation. Others do not have basic bathroom facilities. These problems make it harder for volunteers and staff to carry out their duties.
The bottom line is this: our people are doing an outstanding job, but they need the right tools and safe facilities to continue protecting our community. These capital needs—apparatus refurbishment and replacement, a new water tender, and station repairs—are not “wish list” items; they are essential to providing reliable emergency services on Orcas Island.
Levy and Funding
OIFR is currently funded by a 0.77 cent Fire Levy that went into effect on January 1, 2025. This levy is approved for five years and is designed to support the base operations of the Fire District—including minimum staffing, basic training, and day-to-day emergency response. However, this operational levy does not provide funding for capital needs such as fire engine refurbishment and replacement, a new water tender, or facility repairs.
This November voters will see Proposition 1 on the ballot. This is a bond measure put forward by the Board of Fire Commissioners to address capital needs such as apparatus and station repairs. The bond was selected to more quickly address the years of deferred equipment needs and urgent facility repairs. Compared to a levy, bonds provide more ready access to funds and will allow OIFR to begin replacing equipment and fixing facilities sooner, ensuring responders have safe and reliable equipment and facilities to serve the community.
Fiscal Responsibility
We understand the importance of being good stewards of public funds. OIFR works hard to stretch every tax dollar, pursue grants where available, and plan ahead for major expenses through our capital improvement planning. Investments in apparatus, facilities, and equipment are made carefully and with long-term community safety in mind.
Looking ahead, OIFR is also excited to announce a Firefighter Academy starting January 3, 2026. We are actively seeking additional volunteer firefighters at all stations across the island. If you have ever considered serving your community in this way, now is the perfect time to step forward. You can fill out an interest form at https://www.orcasfire.org/join-oifr.
We are committed to transparency and to keeping you, our neighbors, informed as we work with the Board of Fire Commissioners on solutions. Your ongoing trust and support make our work possible, and together we can ensure that OIFR remains strong and ready for the future.
Fire Chief Chad Kimple
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue
“Neighbors Serving Neighbors”