Firefighter Division

When Fire Strikes, We're Ready

Structure fires don't wait for convenient timing. Our firefighters train year-round to protect lives and property across Orcas Island's diverse landscape - from waterfront homes to forest cabins, from historic buildings to modern construction.

Island Firefighting is Different

Forget what you know about mainland fire departments. Orcas Island's unique challenges require specialized equipment and creative solutions.

Our Specialized Fleet

Our apparatus is built for island realities:

  • Three traditional fire engines for standard structure fires

  • Four WASP engines (Wildland and Structure Protection) - smaller, nimble units that navigate narrow driveways and rough terrain

  • Two water tenders carrying thousands of gallons with drop tank capability

  • Drop tanks that create instant water supplies where no hydrants exist

Why the difference? Most island properties have no hydrant access, narrow access roads, and challenging terrain. Our equipment gets where it needs to go and creates water supplies on the spot.

What Our Firefighters Do

Core Fire Suppression Skills

Every firefighter masters these essential capabilities:

  • Fire attack strategies - offensive and defensive tactics

  • Water dynamics and flow rates - maximizing limited water supplies

  • Hose operations - getting water where it's needed most

  • Pump operations - managing complex water delivery systems

  • Apparatus driving and operation - navigating island roads safely

Life Safety Operations

Protecting people is always our first priority:

  • Search and rescue within burning structures

  • Ventilation techniques - clearing smoke and heat

  • Forcible entry - gaining access to save lives

  • Ladder operations - reaching people at height

  • RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) - rescuing firefighters in trouble

Advanced Skills

Island firefighters wear many hats:

  • SCBA operations - working safely in toxic environments

  • Buddy system protocols - no one works alone

  • Radio communications - coordinating complex operations

  • EMS support - firefighters assist on medical calls

  • Helicopter landing zone operations - securing seven dedicated sites across the island

  • Airlift fire protection - standing by during medical helicopter operations

Beyond Structure Fires

Fire suppression extends far beyond house fires:

  • Vehicle fires on island roads

  • Boat fires at marinas and harbors

  • Wildland fires threatening structures

  • Commercial and industrial fires

  • Mutual aid to neighboring fire departments

Training Never Stops

Fire Academy

New firefighters complete comprehensive academy training:

  • Four months of intensive instruction - twice weekly plus Saturdays

  • Live fire training - real flames, real conditions

  • Hands-on skill development with actual equipment

  • Firefighter 1 certification upon successful completion

Ongoing Education

Skills stay sharp through regular training:

  • Monthly drills at all seven stations

  • Live fire exercises throughout the year

  • Equipment maintenance and operation practice

  • Multi-agency training with regional partners

  • Specialized rescue techniques

  • New technology integration

Teamwork Under Pressure

Firefighting is the ultimate team sport. When a structure fire call comes in:

  • Multiple stations respond simultaneously

  • Water supply teams establish flow from tenders and drop tanks

  • Attack crews enter structures to find and fight fire

  • Search teams look for trapped occupants

  • Ventilation crews clear smoke and heat

  • RIT teams stand ready to rescue firefighters

  • Command officers coordinate the entire operation

Everyone has a role. Everyone depends on their teammates.

Supporting Our Paramedics and EMTs

Fire and EMS work hand-in-hand on Orcas Island:

  • Firefighters respond to medical calls providing additional hands for CPR, lifting, and patient care

  • Landing zone operations for medical helicopter transport

  • Traffic control and scene safety during emergencies

  • Equipment support for complex medical situations

Room for Everyone

Fire suppression welcomes firefighters of all ages and experience levels:

  • Cadets (ages 16-18) learn basics and support operations

  • New volunteers start with academy training regardless of age

  • Experienced firefighters bring leadership and mentorship

  • Senior members contribute decades of knowledge and wisdom

Your age doesn't matter - your commitment does.

The Reality of Island Firefighting

This isn't a hobby - it's a serious commitment to protecting our community:

  • 2 AM structure fires in winter storms

  • Limited water supplies requiring creative solutions

  • Long response distances across challenging terrain

  • Working alongside career staff and experienced volunteers

  • Life-or-death decisions under intense pressure

  • Physical demands in dangerous conditions

Why Our Firefighters Love It

Ask any OIFR firefighter why they do it:

  • Protecting neighbors and their property

  • Working with incredible people who share your values

  • Learning skills that could save your own family someday

  • Being part of something bigger than yourself

  • Making a real difference when it matters most

Ready to Join Our Team?

Fire suppression needs dedicated people who:

  • Want to protect their community

  • Can work as part of a team

  • Are willing to train hard and continuously

  • Can stay calm under pressure

  • Are physically capable of demanding work

We'll teach you everything else.

What's Next?

Interested in fire suppression? Contact us to learn about:

  • Fire Academy schedules and requirements

  • Station visits to see our equipment

  • Ride-alongs to experience actual calls

  • Training opportunities and time commitments

Contact Information:

  • Phone: (360) 376-2331

  • Email: info@orcasfire.org

  • Visit: Any of our seven fire stations

Ready to answer the call when your community needs you most?