Category: Uncategorized

KNOW YOUR FIRE DISTRICT

The public is invited to townhall meetings to discuss factual and objective details related to EJFR with opportunities for feedback and questions.

Including: State of the Fire District, Accomplishments/Challenges, 2026 Budget, and the Levy Ballot Measure.

EJFR Commissioners place measures on February ballot

At the November 18th meeting, the EJFR Board of Fire Commissioners unanimously approved resolutions to place Proposition 1 Fire Levy Lid Lift and Proposition 2 Emergency Medical Service Levy Lid Lift on the February 10, 2026 ballot.

Resolution 25-15 Proposition 1 Fire Levy

Proposition 1 will restore the Fire Levy to $1.40 per $1000 of property valuation.

Resolution 25-16 Proposition 2 EMS Levy

Proposition 2 will restore the EMS Levy to $0.50 per $1000 of property valuation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is EJFR funded?

More than 80% of EJFR’s annual budget is funded by local property taxes. However, state law limits property tax revenue growth for fire districts to 1% per year, regardless of increases in assessed property values.  At the same time, the actual cost of providing fire and EMS services rises at least around the rate of inflation, typically 3%-4% per year. Operational expenses including personnel, equipment, training, and facilities increase yearly, well beyond this 1% limit, making it increasingly difficult to sustain a high level of service to the community. Resetting these levy rates is part of a broader, responsible financial strategy, but cannot be done without voter approval.

How has EJFR improved over the past few years?  

EJFR now staffs five stations across the 123 square mile district with 13 firefighters on duty each day (up from 7 per day), at least three of those firefighters are paramedics, providing advanced medical care. We have added new ALS equipment, cardiac monitors, power cots, and ultrasounds placing EJFR’s EMS care on par with larger, well-funded fire departments in urban areas. New and expanded programs to reduce and mitigate emergency responses include our CARES unit, home wildfire assessments, smoke detector installations, fire extinguisher classes, and more. 

What is CARES?

Community Assistance Referral and Education Services. CARES made 1500+ contacts last year, helping to connect our most vulnerable population to resources and services. CARES provides medical referrals, prescriptions coordination, food/housing support, counseling, medical equipment, grab bars, etc.

Will firefighter salaries be directly impacted by the levy?

As public employees, our firefighters are compensated by contract; the current contract term is established through 2027. The district strives to stay within our means. But at the same time, it would be detrimental to have our salaries not keep up when people are looking for other opportunities outside of the organization, which has happened several times in the past. Remaining competitive in the firefighter job market is a continuing challenge as larger urban and suburban fire departments offer signing bonuses and other incentives that exceed EJFR’s financial capacity.

How much will this cost the average property?

Using the latest estimates provided by the Jefferson County Assessor’s Office, a property with an assessed value of $600,000 will see an approximate annual tax increase of $150.00 if both initiatives were approved by the voters. For homes with assessed value of $350,000, an approximate annual tax increase of $87.50 if both initiatives are approved. 

Who do I contact with questions?

• • Fire Chief Bret Black
  • Commissioner Deborah Stinson (Chair)
  • Commissioner Dave Seabrook
  • Commissioner Geoff Masci
  • Commissioner Steve Craig
  • Commissioner Jeannie Price

Join us in uptown Port Townsend for another day of Firefighter Fun & Games! In celebration of the history of emergency services in Jefferson County, EJFR will be showcasing our skills with demonstrations and even letting the crowd get involved! No RSVP required – all are welcome to attend.

In 2022 EJFR celebrated 150 years of fire service to our community! Since then, we’ve decided to celebrate each year at the end of Fire Prevention Week with a Fire Rescue Fest highlighting EJFR’s unique skills and abilities with an event that all-ages can participate in and enjoy.

• Tour the new and antique fire apparatus
• Try your hand at firefighting skills
• Watch live demonstrations on firefighting techniques
• Meet your firefighters and other local emergency response partners

SEE YOU THERE!

Note: THIS IS NOT A CPR CERTIFICATION COURSE. This course is intended for individuals who do not work in the healthcare field but desire to have CPR knowledge and skills.

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Through a partnership with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, East Jefferson Fire Rescue is offering one-on-one wildfire mitigation assessments of your property at no cost.

EJFR personnel will guide you through a series of recommendation for reducing the risk of wildfire impacting your home with a comprehensive written report provided via email.  Guidelines include how to protect your home in each of the three home ignition zones by reducing combustible materials, preventing ember entry and ignition, reducing ladder fuels, and ongoing vegetation management.

To sign up for your free wildfire assessment, visit www.wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov.