Join us in downtown Port Townsend for a day of Firefighter Fun & Games! In celebration of Fire Prevention Week 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 mark Fire Prevention Week with a Fire and Rescue Fest highlighting EJFR’s unique skills and abilities with an event that all-ages can participate in and enjoy.
SEE YOU THERE!
Jefferson County is developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). It is imperative to the process that we hear the communities’ thoughts and concerns. Please complete this survey and pass on the link to your friends and neighbors.
East Jefferson Fire Rescue provides a combined CPR and AED course designed specifically for laypeople. This course teaches “hands only” CPR and is an excellent choice for both community and workplace settings. This course is intended for individuals who do not work in the healthcare field but desire to have CPR knowledge and skills.
Firefighters and paramedics will provide attendees with instruction on performing CPR and using an AED. No course completion cards will be issued, but students will get ample opportunity to practice and ask questions. Our next public class will be scheduled in Spring 2025. The classes are held at 6pm at Station 6, 9193 Rhody Dr, Chimacum. Registration is required.
Our CARES Team consists of Community Support Specialist, Aaron Wasson and CARES Specialist, Jeff Woods. Aaron is employed through Believe in Recovery and is currently working towards his Masters in Social Work. Jeff is a Firefighter/Paramedic with approximately 20 years experience working for East Jefferson Fire Rescue.
In conjunction with the City of Port Townsend, East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) applied for and received an alternative response grant in 2022. The grant funded a new program called FIRE CARES. This program was modeled after the successful CARES program at the Poulsbo Fire Department and others throughout the region.
The CARES team made a total of 1,363 contacts in 2024 – 226 new referral contact, 1,137 follow-ups. Services provided include; home visits, phone contacts, transportation arrangements, family/caregiver assistance, collateral contacts, health insurance sign up, case management and hospital diversion. It was found that the most prevalent reason for referral to the program were falls, followed by general assistance and unmet medical needs. The CARES team is currently activated through the 911 system. If Firefighters or law enforcement recognize further needs of a patient or citizen, they are referred through EJFR’s records management system and the CARES team reviews and makes the necessary contact.
Geographically, CARES serviced the East side of Jefferson County from Port Townsend in the north and down to Brinnon in the south county. Demographically, 1,419 contacts were made to individuals over 65 and 109 were Veterans.
Click on the graphs for larger version
The CARES team made a total of 1,286 contacts in 2023 – 249 new referral contact, 1,037 follow-ups. 
Click on the graphs for larger version
The Fire CARES unit is staffed by a full time firefighter/EMT or firefighter/paramedic employed by EJFR, partnered with a full time prevention/intervention specialist employed by Believe in Recovery. The team also has access to a substance use disorder professionals who will assist with calls related to drug and alcohol use.
FIRE CARES is primarily a follow-up, intervention service focused on referring and providing appropriate services but will also serve as a specialty unit responding to behavioral health related crisis calls and behavioral health related needs. The team will also provide surge capacity to initial BH/MH responses and other high acuity EMS incidents, such as CPR. The CARES model can provide ongoing case management, care connection, and facilitate appropriate transport. It’s an approach that focuses on BH/MH and social/lifestyle interventions over time, which reduces the need for emergency services. The focus is on education and referral services, ensuring community members in need are gaining access to the most appropriate resources. CARES Program co-responders frequently conduct field-based follow-up to ensure community members are connected to adequate support and resources following a crisis or when identified as high frequency utilizers of the Emergency Medical and Law Enforcement systems.
View a ride with the CARES Team, during their first year.
For more information on services and volunteer opportunities with FIRE CARES partners, please see the links listed below.
Thank you to our community for all the support in the recent February levy lid lifts! Because of you we can continue to maintain and enhance our Fire and EMS services. We are proud to serve the community and grateful for your ongoing support!
22-12 EMSLevyLidLiftSingleYearPermanent
22-13 LevyLidLiftSingleYearPermanent
Most of the Fire District’s revenue comes from local taxes. The tax levy rate for Fire Districts cannot be increased without voter approval by more than 1% per year even if the assessed real estate value increases. The Fire District has not requested voter approval to increase taxes by more than 1% since the last levy lift in 2011.
911 demand has increased by almost 50% since the last levy lift in 2011. We experience multiple, simultaneous 911 incidents more than 30% of the time. Occasionally all 911 units are committed, leaving no additional 911 capacity. Our strategic plan recommends more resources, including personnel and equipment enhancements to meet the current and future 911 needs.
The Fire District’s 2023 General Fire Budget has an estimated $462,177 short fall. This ballot measure will raise the Fire – General tax rate to $1.30 per $1000 of assessed value. The current rate is approximately $.85. The additional revenue will be used for Fire, Rescue and EMS services as recommended in our strategic plan to help address the increased service demands.
The Fire District’s 2023 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) budget has an estimated $1,843,027 short fall. This ballot measure will help close the revenue gap and restore the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) tax rate to its maximum, $.50 per $1000 of assessed value. The current rate is $.36. EMS incidents comprise 75% of our responses. The additional revenue is needed to maintain and enhance EMS services.
Years of inflation have raised property values, which reduces the Fire District’s tax levy rate due to the 1% annual cap. The Fire District cannot raise the 1% cap without voter approval, which was last approved in 2011. EJFR has to use reserve/contingency funds to maintain services which is not sustainable. Propositions 1 and 2 will reset levy rates allowing the District to stop deficit spending and begin replacement of equipment, restoration of mandated training and hire additional personnel as recommended in our strategic plan.
Using the latest estimates provided by the Jefferson County Assessor’s Office, for a home valued at $350,000, the home owner would experience an approximate annual tax increase of $157.50 for Proposition 1 – Fire Levy. Proposition 2 – EMS Levy would result in approximately $49.00 annual increase. If both initiatives were approved by the voters, the fire district tax levy increase would result in a $206.50 annual increase for the $350,000 valued home.
Throughout the temporary management agreement and subsequent merger initiative, the budget challenges for both fire districts were shared with the respective communities, commissioners and public. To address the shortfall, the scoping document developed by the Districts proposed two steps: become a combined fire district that is as efficient as possible and post-merger, prepare a levy lid lift. The merger eliminated the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief for Port Ludlow and increased daily minimum staffing for both agencies. We are in the process of streamlining various contracts, services and duplicated services. The Fire District needs additional financial resources in order to improve services and meet the objectives established in the strategic plan.
In 2021 EJFR contracted with Citygate and Berk to undergo a Strategic Planning and Standards of Cover Analysis. On November 10th, 2022 EJFR’s Board of Commissioners accepted the analysis and findings.
EJFR Strategic Plan 2022 – Accepted 11-10-22
Vol 1 – Technical Report – East Jefferson Fire-Rescue SOC and Strategic Plan (10-31-22)
Vol 2 – Map Atlas – East Jefferson Fire-Rescue SOC and Strategic Plan (10-31-22)
As a fire and emergency service industry leader, we are dedicated to the health and safety of our community while honoring our mission, values and traditions. We will support our workforce to maintain a healthy lifestyle, promoting opportunities for personal and professional growth. We shall provide leadership locally, regionally and nationally. We will provide the best service possible within the fiscal opportunities available.
Protecting life and property while providing compassionate service that meets the needs of our varied community through prevention, education and emergency response.
We embrace our diverse community as we provide services with empathy, understanding and kindness.
We are dedicated to our role as stewards of the public’s trust. Our responsibility to superior ethical standards is steadfast.
We shall provide our services with equity, imparting dignity to those in need.
We recognize our success and effectiveness comes from internal collaboration and external relationships. We shall empower our members to uphold and reinforce collective group performance while supporting cohesive external partnerships.
We shall balance our traditions and practices alongside the need for change and adaptation. Innovations will be implemented using careful analysis, critical thinking and collaborative input as we strive for continuous improvement.
Q: How will the merger affect personnel? PLFR employees will become EJFR employees. The combined workforce will continue to staff all five primary fire stations fulltime.* The four remaining volunteer fire stations will be supported by a larger cohort of volunteers.
Q: How will the merger impact emergency services? Residents served by EJFR and PLFR will continue to receive the same level of Fire and EMS services. The merger will eliminate the remaining duplication of administrative services, separate budgets, etc.
Q: How will the merger affect property taxes? Current levies from both Districts shall fund 2023 budgets. If merged, the following year would result in a combined levy rate. Despite inflation and increases in assessed property values, Fire Districts cannot increase levies by more than 1% annually without voter approval. Separate from the merger decision, both EJFR & PLFR Boards are developing plans for a levy lid lift initiative in 2023.
Jefferson County, WA – During the past year, Port Ludlow and East Jefferson Fire Districts have increased collaboration in an effort to get the most out of our available resources while continuing to deliver outstanding emergency services. In order to realize further efficiencies, the boards of commissioners at each district have decided to formally pursue full integration of our resources, and directed staff to develop a plan leading to a merger of the two districts.
“There is a lot of work ahead. The community and media can expect plenty of engagement as we capture input, gather information and put the steps in place to provide even better service by joining forces. Our collective goal is to be as efficient as possible with our resources while continuing to enhance the emergency services for our communities,” stated Chief Black
East Jefferson Fire Rescue has been providing management services to Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue since May 2021 via interlocal agreement – the agreement extends to September 1, 2022.
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| December Special Meeting 2022 | Agenda | |
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Officials at East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) are inviting everyone to mark their calendars for October 8, 2022 and a very special celebration at Port Townsend City Hall of the fire department’s 150th anniversary.
The product of three separate fire departments — Jefferson County Fire Protection District #1 (Chimacum/Hadlock/Marrowstone Island), Jefferson County Fire Protection #6 (Cape George) and Port Townsend Fire Department — EJFR has proudly embraced their rich legacies. The city’s fire department was founded in 1872; it’s not only the oldest of the agencies within EJFR, but also one of the oldest in the western U.S.
Demonstrations and competitions as well as displays of fire equipment and apparatus, old and new, are among the activities being planned for October 8. A commemorative patch has been created and, soon, will be added to EJFR firefighters’ uniforms.
In addition to bringing the community together to celebrate the benchmark anniversary, the October 8 event is also expected to attract fire buffs and history fans from across the region. Officials chose the second weekend in October for its proximity to National Fire Prevention Week because protecting the community involves more than emergency response; it also involves preventing emergencies and preparing for them should they occur.
Initial funding for the celebration comes from community engagement funds that EJFR couldn’t use during the pandemic when most public events were suspended. Organizers plan to raise additional monies from sponsorships, community donations and sales of commemorative items such as t-shirts and plaques.
On July 28th in 1997, Medic 13 began providing paramedic-level care to patients in Port Ludlow, Chimacum and points in between. A cooperative effort between Jefferson County Fire District #1 (Chimacum) and Jefferson County Fire District #3 (Port Ludlow), Medic 13 was the first full-time advanced life support (ALS) unit in Jefferson County outside of the city of Port Townsend. Voters in the two districts approved an increase in their emergency medical services levy to fund the improved services. The skills of ALS providers help ensure good patient outcomes in the most serious situations such as cardiac arrest, heart attack, severe allergic reactions and critical injuries. Today, Fire District #1 is a part of East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR), and there are at least two paramedic units on-duty every day. In the November general election, voters served by Fire District #3 will decide whether to build on this long history of successful cooperative efforts by merging into EJFR.
On June 17th 1900, an area spanning more than a block was leveled by fire in Port Townsend’s Uptown neighborhood. The man who first discovered the fire couldn’t use the nearest alarm box to report the blaze because, in those days when there were few telephones and no 9-1-1 system, that’s how alarms were reported. However, the boxes were locked — perhaps, in an effort to reduce the number of false alarms — and although there was a key hidden in nearby Aldrich’s, but the man didn’t know where to find it. He had to run to the bell tower to sound the alarm that summoned firefighters, resulting in a significant delay and much greater devastation. At their next meeting, the city council voted to put alarm keys in boxes with glass doors to prevent another disastrous delay in firefighters’ response.
When fire strikes, it’s vital for both firefighters and community members to act fast. Your job is to get out, stay out and call 9-1-1. Our job is to respond as quickly as possible with enough firefighters and equipment to safely and effectively do the work.
On this date, May 3rd in 1938, the Chimacum Hotel was destroyed in a fire. It appears that the hotel, built in 1888 -1889, stood on the northeast corner of the intersection of today’s Beaver Valley and Center Roads. According to records at the Jefferson County Historical Society, the hotel “prospered as a social hub” until the fire. The loss occurred ten years before Jefferson County Fire District #1 (JCFD#1) was founded in 1948. Prior to the advent of fire districts and fire departments, firefighting in most communities was limited to neighbors helping neighbors through bucket brigades. These efforts, while valiant, were often unsuccessful. As we look forward to the 150th anniversary, we’re also taking a look back at the history of the three agencies that came together to form today’s fire department.
Voters overwhelmingly approved the merger between JCFD #1 (Chimacum/Hadlock/Marrowstone) and Jefferson County Fire District #6 (Cape George) in November 2005. In January 2006, Port Townsend Fire Department joined via ILA to form East Jefferson Fire Rescue. The move improved levels of service across EJFR’s area by reducing administrative redundancies. Although the agencies now function as one, we remain proud of their histories and their accomplishments.
Photos courtesy of Jefferson County Historical Society.
On this date, April 6th in 1923, the W.H. Learned Opera House on Port Townsend’s Washington Avenue was destroyed in an arson fire. Despite intense heat from the blaze next door, the building housing today’s Bishop Hotel survived. The windows that faced the opera house were protected with metal shutters and the wall was constructed of non-combustible brick, likely preventing the flames from gaining a foothold. News reports credited these features and that era’s all-volunteer fire department with saving the Bishop. Today, firefighters’ work is much more diverse, complex and demanding. While dedicated volunteers continue to serve the district, paid staff is essential to meeting current response standards.
In this 1915 photo, a band is shown in front of the W.H Learned Opera House (left) and the Bishop Building (right). The Bishop’s fire-resistant features — brick construction and metal window shutters — were key to its survival when an arson fire consumed the opera house, just a couple of feet away, in 1923. Photo courtesy of Jefferson County Historical Society.
Taken in 1890, this photo shows the stage and orchestra pit at the W.H. Learned Opera House before its 1923 destruction by arson fire. Photo courtesy of Jefferson County Historical Society.
Check back throughout 2022 for updates or follow our progress on facebook, Instagram (@EastJeffFirePIO) or Twitter (@EastJeffFirePIO).
More on the history of East Jefferson Fire Rescue available here.
