Chehalis Fire Department

10/11/2026

WEEK 6 | LEWIS COUNTY REGIONAL FIRE ACADEMY

Week six brought another round of intense, hands-on training for our academy cadets!

This week, cadets focused on forcible entry, advancing hose lines, hydraulic ventilation, search and rescue, and Vent-Enter-Search (VES) operations.

These critical firefighting skills prepare our future firefighters to operate safely, efficiently, and confidently in challenging emergency situations.

Each week, our cadets continue to build their skills, strengthen teamwork, and develop the confidence needed to serve their communities.

A big thank you to our dedicated instructors from across Lewis County for sharing their knowledge, experience, and commitment to training the next generation of firefighters!

Train Together. Work Together. Serve Together.

10/03/2026

WEEK 5, LEWIS COUNTY REGIONAL FIRE ACADEMY

Week five is underway!

This week, academy instructors have students working through hose deployment, nozzle tactics, hose loading, and fireground operations—building the fundamental skills needed to operate safely and effectively on the fireground.

Every evolution adds another layer of knowledge, teamwork, and confidence as these recruits continue progressing toward becoming firefighters.

Great work by our students and a big thank you to the instructors from across the region who continue investing their time and experience into the next generation of firefighters.

Train together. Work together. Serve together.

10/01/2026

09/28/2026

09/22/2026

**Commercial Structure Fire – Early Morning Response**

Just after 3:00 a.m. this morning, Chehalis Fire Department was dispatched to a commercial fire alarm at the 1600 block of S. Market Blvd. Upon arrival, crews found a small commercial structure with a working fire and heavy smoke conditions.
Thanks to the quick actions of arriving crews and the assistance of our neighbors from Riverside Regional Fire Authority, Fire District 6, and Fire District 5, the fire was knocked down by approximately 3:30 a.m. and fully extinguished by 3:45 a.m.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Chehalis Fire Department would like to thank our mutual aid partners for their assistance and continued support.

09/18/2026

NEW & EXCITING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY!

The Chehalis Fire Department is excited to launch our new Volunteers in Prevention (VIP) program—and applications are now being accepted!

VIP members will have the opportunity to serve their community by assisting with fire and life-safety inspections, public education, smoke-alarm programs, and other fire-prevention activities.

🎓 Training begins January 2027, including fire prevention education and Fire Inspector I training.

No firefighting or EMS experience is required. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to serve your community, we want to hear from you!

EDUCATE • PREVENT • PROTECT

🔥 Apply now to become part of the Chehalis Fire Department VIP team!

Go to:
www.ci.chehalis.wa.us

Fire department reserve/volunteer opportunities.

VIP application.

09/10/2026

RECREATIONAL BURN BAN LIFTED.

The City of Chehalis burn ban on recreational fires has been lifted.

Recreational fires may resume within the City of Chehalis in accordance with applicable fire and safety regulations.

Please continue to burn responsibly, keep fires attended at all times, and have a means of extinguishment readily available.

09/02/2026

THE JOURNEY STARTS TONIGHT!

Tonight marks opening night of the second annual Lewis County Regional Direct Delivery Fire Academy!

The Chehalis Fire Department, in partnership with the Washington State Patrol – State Fire Marshal’s Office, is proud to welcome our newest class of firefighters as they begin an intensive four-month journey toward earning Washington State IFSAC certifications in Firefighter I and Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations.

Over the coming months, these firefighters will train, learn, sweat, and work together through classroom instruction, hands-on skills, written examinations, and practical evaluations. All in preparation to better serve their communities.

REGIONAL TRAINING. REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS.

Our instructor cadre brings together experience and knowledge from Chehalis Fire Department, Lewis County Fire Districts 2, District 3, and District 11/13, Boeing Fire Department, South Beach Regional Fire Authority, and the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Even more impressive is the regional representation of our students! Firefighters attending this academy come from:

Lewis County Fire District 1 – Onalaska
Lewis County Fire District 2 – Toledo
Lewis County Fire District 3 – Mossyrock
Lewis County Fire District 4 – Morton
Lewis County Fire District 11 – PeEll
Lewis County Fire District 13 - Boistfort
Lewis County Fire District 14 – Randle
Lewis County Fire District 15 – Winlock
Grays Harbor Fire District #1
Raymond Fire Department
Cowlitz County Fire District 3

Nine departments. One academy. One mission, preparing firefighters to safely and professionally serve their communities.

This is what regional cooperation in the fire service looks like: departments sharing instructors, experience, equipment, and resources to develop the next generation of firefighters.

Tonight is only Day One.

There will be long nights, challenging evolutions, plenty of hard work, and a lot of lessons learned between now and graduation.

Welcome to the Lewis County Regional Fire Academy. Let the journey begin!

08/27/2026

PREPARING FOR GROWTH AND MAKING EVERY DOLLAR COUNT

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for Chehalis Fire Department staff!

Our team has been traveling inspecting, testing, and evaluating emergency vehicles as we prepare to serve the recently annexed Chehalis Urban Growth Area (UGA).

Following those inspections, the City of Chehalis will be working on acquiring these additional fire and EMS vehicles that will strengthen our fleet and help provide the resources necessary to serve our growing community.

By identifying and purchasing quality used apparatus rather than comparable new vehicles, the City saved approximately $1.2 million in apparatus expenses while still acquiring equipment that meets our operational needs.

A tremendous amount of work went into locating these vehicles, inspecting them, conducting operational evaluations, and making sure we were making sound investments for our community.

08/14/2026

ANSWER THE CALL, JOIN CHEHALIS FIRE DEPARTMENT!

Chehalis Fire Department is growing and this is an exciting time to join our team.

With the City of Chehalis’ recent annexation of the Urban Growth Area, our community and service responsibilities are expanding. Over the next 12 months, the department will be adding six new firefighter positions and preparing to open a second fire station to serve our growing community.

We are currently accepting applications for:

Firefighter/EMT
Firefighter/Paramedic

This is an opportunity to join a growing department, help shape our next chapter, and build a rewarding career serving the Chehalis community.

If you are driven by service, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence, we want to hear from you.

Applications are open until filled.

Apply today and take the next step in your fire service career:

Firefighter/EMT
https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/departments/chehalis-fire-department/firefighter-109

Firefighter/Paramedic
https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/departments/chehalis-fire-department/CFD-FFPM

ANSWER THE CALL. SERVE WITH PURPOSE. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

# Chehalis