Stevens County Fire District No.1

10/21/2026

Fall Chipper Day Success!

We want to thank our partners in making the fall Chipper Days a success. Our normal "grant" funding ran out but we have been able to secure another 2 grants to help us continue this tradition.

The Stevens County Conservation District provided funding for the payloader and operator from the County Public Works Dept. (they wouldn't let us play..we mean...operate it.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is providing funding so that after the spring event we can chip the pile and have it hauled away (a very costly affair). We have also found a company that recycles/composts the material for reuse in landscaping efforts.

And as always, IAFF Local 4333 Stevens County Professional Firefighters for running the event. Extra kudos to the community groups that came out to lend a hand and earn some extra money for their endeavors.

Total loads: 611. That translates to around 153 tons of debris removed from properties!

10/15/2026

We love our communities!

One of them needs our help in securing a $1,000,000 award from T-Mobile for their athletic field. Whether you live in the area or not, we encourage you to vote for them! Also, share this far and wide! Use the link below to vote DAILY.

https://fn5gl.t-mobile.com/vote/lakeside-high-school?fbclid=IwY2xjawU9tXdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7U-ATqpq_yGF0uNf2nNx5vgmst_LVRasep8Ev546M5OlfKr8Uo8hUZrzGQbg_aem_U9N8Bp0LRFbKJlrxeRDD2A

10/14/2026

Fire Danger Rating to drop to LOW on Friday, Oct 16.

All burn restrictions, outside of the UGAs, are also being lifted.

As always, be cautious and follow the burn rules.

10/14/2026

Fire District 1, back at the end of July, at a public meeting of the County Commissioners, handed them a plan that would provide EMS transport services county-wide, while also providing better first response to more areas. The Commissioners have yet to reply to the plan. A second plan was also recently introduced by new Sheriff's Ambulance administrator Amy Anderson. Both plans are similar. Here is the news piece that KREM2 did on the subject and attached is the letter to the County Commissioners and the plan (designed to be a starting point, not the ultimate solution).

https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/stevens-county-fire-district-1-calls-for-countywide-ems-system/293-2f949279-8731-4544-93f0-f3d8ecc43b6d

10/06/2026

Fire District 1 had a great time at the Lakeside Middle School's Color Run event. We were able to meet the kids and the kids were able to meet us (and play with the fire equipment). We think we even signed up a few to be FFs in about 5 or 6 years!

We always appreciate attending these events and interacting with our amazing school district!

10/03/2026

Thank you André!

Because of the true LIVE AT ANDRE'S Cool kids, last night I was able to have the distinct honor to present one of the 2 several thousand dollar checks to our first recipient! Thank you, to all who participated in the fundraising show and auction at the Fire Department Tribute show on September 12, 2026. Alexis (AJ) DeLeo was actively fighting the Spokane complex fires while her home burned down on August 1, 2026. This type of character in the face of extreme stress for her and her family is commendable. It was a joy to get to know her story and offer a bit of money to help her and her family get back on their feet. I appreciate the opportunity your generosity has afforded me to be a part of something great! Thank you! Cheers, -Andre

09/23/2026

It is (almost) time.

On Friday, September 25, campfires will be allowed.

Our fire danger rating will remain at MODERATE.

Burning with a permit will also be allowed.

Burning small debris piles are NOT allowed yet.

We ask that you be careful and there is still some fire spread potential. Make sure you are attentive to any fire (at any time of year).

Be respectful of your neighbors.

Enjoy!

09/18/2026

Life Flight Training visit.

Life Flight landed at Suncrest Station 8. This morning. This was part of a training exercise that's also to be part of a KHQ news story. We always welcome the opportunity to train with Life Flight Network and Deer Park Ambulance.

09/17/2026

Our Fire Danger Rating will change to MODERATE tomorrow, September 18.

For the FIRE DISTRICT 1 area and the FOOTHILLS FDR zone , a full burn ban will remain in effect. Other areas will start to see a more relaxed move to allowing campfires and other burning.

Please pay attention to what area you are in and what it means as far as burning relates to your area.

Here is the DNR link with a reminder that by county ordinance, Stevens County mirrors the DNR bans.

https://dnr.wa.gov/wildfire-resources/outdoor-burning/burn-restrictions

09/17/2026

Wildland Fire Insurance is still Ignored in Washington State

Last year, a workgroup was convened on behalf of the Commissioner of Public Lands and the State Insurance Commissioner.

Fire District 1 attempted multiple times to participate in this public meeting (of public officials) and not one question was ever addressed. For a while, the public was not allowed to even submit electronic comments or questions.

Here is the page to that workgroup--including videos and submitted questions (which they stopped doing at the end of the workgroup's lifespan. https://www.insurance.wa.gov/laws-rules/legislation-and-rulemaking/legislative-committees-and-work-groups/wildfire-mitigation-and-resiliency-standards-work-group

Sue Lani Madsen wrote an excellent summary of the insurance-heavy workgroup's lack of meaningful discussions.

Here is the link to her Substack article.

https://suelanimadsen.substack.com/p/wildfire-mitigation-working-group

Contact your State Representatives, your State Senators, the State Insurance Commissioner, the Commissioner of Public Lands, the Washington State Fire Chiefs, the Washington State Fire Commissioners, and anyone else who should be doing something about this injustice being done to property owners.

Information gaps miss the forest for the trees in wildfire mitigation and resiliency report