Douglas County Fire District #5

10/03/2026

09/29/2026

Douglas County Fire District #5 was proud to partner with the American Red Cross on the creation of Devil in the Wind, a new wildfire documentary highlighting the realities, challenges, and human impact of wildland fire in our region.

This project brings together local responders, community voices, and national partners to tell an important story, one that reflects both the dangers we face and the resilience of the people who call Douglas County home.

We appreciate the American Red Cross for their leadership and collaboration in bringing this documentary to life.

When director Kanin Guntzelman began work on Devil in the Wind, he set out to tell a story about wildfire preparedness in rural communities.

08/12/2026

Want to make a real impact in Mansfield? 🚑
Douglas County Fire District #5 is recruiting volunteer EMTs, and we need people who care about their community and want to be there when it matters most.

A hybrid EMT class starts September 14th at Station 244 (DCFD #4) near Beebe Bridge. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable skills, serve your neighbors, and strengthen emergency medical services across our district.

Interested? Email [email protected] to get started. Your willingness to help could save a life.

07/31/2026

⚠️ EXTREME FIRE RISK TOMORROW – PLEASE READ

Douglas County is expected to experience the highest level of fire danger tomorrow, with conditions that can turn a small spark into a fast‑moving wildfire in minutes. The combination of heat, wind, and critically dry fuels means everyone’s awareness and caution matters.

Our volunteers will be ready, but the most effective prevention starts with the community. Please take a moment to review the wildland fire safety guidance below and share it with your family, neighbors, and friends.

🔥 Wildland Fire Safety Tips

Avoid all outdoor burning. This includes burn barrels, debris piles, and campfires.

Use equipment safely. Mowers, chainsaws, welders, and grinders can throw sparks. Operate only before 10 AM and never in dry, windy conditions.

Secure tow chains and check vehicles. Dragging metal can ignite roadside fires. Ensure chains are tight and avoid parking on dry grass.

Create defensible space. Clear dry vegetation within 30 feet of your home. Move firewood, fuel cans, and flammables away from structures.

Have a “Go Kit” ready. Include medications, important documents, pet supplies, and essentials in case evacuation becomes necessary.

Report smoke immediately. Early detection saves lives and property. Call 911 if you see smoke or fire.

Tomorrow will require all of us to be vigilant. Thank you for doing your part to keep Douglas County safe. Our teams are prepared, and we appreciate your support and awareness during this period of extreme fire risk.

JUST IN: RARE HIGHEST POSSIBLE EXTREME FIRE RISK🚨expanded across parts of Washington and now Oregon on Saturday! The risk is driven by wind gusts exceeding 50 mph in spots paired with historically dry fuels. This will lead to explosive fire growth for existing and new-start fires in the Columbia Basin. Saturday is not your typical fire risk. This is high-impact and life-threatening and PDS Fire Weather Warnings are in effect. Make sure you have your go-bag ready in case you're told to evacuate and make sure you do not leave your pets behind🔥

07/19/2026

🚨 NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL RAISED TO PL5 🚨

As of 7:30 a.m. on July 18, the National Multi-Agency Coordination Group (NMAC) has raised the nation to Preparedness Level 5 (PL5)—the highest national wildfire preparedness level in the United States.

A PL5 designation signifies that wildfire activity has reached extreme levels across the country. Firefighting resources are heavily committed, with multiple large and complex incidents occurring simultaneously. As a result, the availability of additional crews, engines, aircraft, incident management teams, and specialized equipment may become increasingly limited as agencies prioritize resources where they are needed most.

This is a reminder of the tremendous demands being placed on our wildland firefighters and support personnel. Stay informed, be prepared, and do your part to help prevent human-caused wildfires.

Stay safe. Stay vigilant.

— Will Spyrison
Retired Division Chief | InciNotes Administrator

07/18/2026

Come join us in Waterville on July 31st for National Night Out!

We’re getting closer! 🎉

Join us on July 31 from 6–8 PM at the pool park for Waterville’s first National Night Out!

This event is all about bringing our community together, building connections, and enjoying a fun evening with neighbors, families, local businesses, and first responders.

We want to take a moment to give a huge thank you to the businesses and community members who have generously donated to help ensure this event is completely free for everyone. Your support is helping turn this idea into a reality, and we truly couldn’t do it without you!

We’re so excited to celebrate with our community and can’t wait to see everyone there! 🖤💛

Business sponsors:
Auntie Blings Attique
Lawn Rangers
NCW Health & Safety Training

Community sponsors:
Anderson Family
Kossow Family
Island Family
Kieth Siebert
Andrea Jester

Participants include:
Waterville EMS
Douglas County Fire District 1, 4, & 5
Douglas County Sheriff Office
Ballard Ambulance
Life Flight Network
Chelan-Douglas Health District
Chelan County Regional Justice Center

07/18/2026

🚨 NEW FIRE RECOVERY RESOURCE AVAILABLE BEGINNING FRIDAY, JULY 17 🚨

For Chelan Hills Fire-Affected Residents Only

Douglas County Solid Waste, in partnership with Wenatchee Valley Salvage, is opening a FREE Scrap Metal & Burned Vehicle Collection Site to assist residents recovering from the Chelan Hills Fire.

⚠️ This collection site is available ONLY to residents and property owners affected by the Chelan Hills Fire. Materials from outside the fire area will not be accepted.

📍 Location: Manson Growers Property (bottom of McNeil Canyon Road)

♻️ Accepted materials include:
• Burned vehicles*
• Appliances (including hot water tanks)
• Metal from burned homes and outbuildings
• Metal roofing and siding
• Structural steel, pipe, fencing, wire, and other scrap metal

🚗 For the Junk Vehicle Affidavit, additional recovery resources, and the latest Chelan Hills Fire updates, please visit the Douglas County Chelan Hills Fire Resource Page: https://www.douglascountywa.gov/901/Chelan-Hills-Fire-Information-Resources

This is a self-service collection site. Residents are responsible for unloading and placing materials in the designated collection areas.

✅ Please complete the required application before bringing materials to the collection site: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/8cfa9671e5e848a481b70e1fa0d6bfbd

💙 A huge thank you to Wenatchee Valley Salvage & Recycling and Manson Growers for stepping up to support our community during this difficult time. Their generosity and partnership in providing this valuable recovery resource will help many Chelan Hills Fire-affected residents begin the cleanup process. We sincerely appreciate their commitment to helping our community recover.

07/14/2026

Community Kindness Strikes Again 💧

When our volunteers stepped outside the station this evening, they found yet another thoughtful surprise waiting at the door—a generous supply of beverages left quietly and anonymously. It stopped us in our tracks.

To the unknown donor(s): your kindness speaks loudly. Support like this reminds us why we serve, and it keeps our small district energized as we move deeper into the summer fire season.

From everyone at Douglas County Fire District #5, thank you for lifting us up. Your generosity truly makes a difference. ❤️

07/11/2026

Meeting Change Notice

The Douglas County Fire District #5 Commissioners’ Regular Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 8th, was canceled due to conflicts with the Chelan Hills Fire.

The meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, July 13th, at 7:00 PM at the Mansfield Fire Station.

Thank you for your understanding.