About Eastside Fire & Rescue
On January 1,
1999, the consolidation of several agencies created a new Fire and Emergency
Medical Services agency called Eastside Fire & Rescue. The agencies joining in
this consolidation included King County Washington Fire Districts 10 and
38, and the Cities of Issaquah and North Bend, with the City of Sammamish joining
the consolidation in January 2000.
Eastside Fire & Rescue is governed by a Regional Board. The Regional Board is
made up of representatives from each of the partner agencies that comprise
Eastside Fire & Rescue. The Regional Board meets on the second Tuesday of each
month at the Headquarters Offices in Issaquah. Meetings begin at 4:00 P.M.
and are open to the public.
EF&R Organizational Chart - PDF version
History Of Fire Districts
In the mid-1930's the Washington State Legislature enacted what has become known as "Title 52," laws allowing the formation of fire protection districts. First known as Rural Fire Districts, these autonomous municipal corporations were intended to offer some measure of public support for fire protection to unincorporated areas. Organized fire protection outside of cities at that time was almost unknown. What existed was, more often than not, groups of public spirited citizens operating without training and with almost primitive equipment. What Title 52 did was give the people the opportunity to organize fire protection and to tax themselves for its support. While some fire districts still cover vast areas of agricultural and unpopulated territory, most now provide sophisticated services including emergency medical service, fire prevention, and community relations, and a number of highly technical sub-units such as Hazmat and swift water rescue. Many protect urban and industrial areas comparable to those found in cities. In fact, some cities contract with fire districts for service.
Despite the fact that they bare county-sounding designations, fire districts are not part of county government. They are individual entities, administered by elected commissioners. The county role is largely that of tax collection. Until recently fire districts were administered by three-person commissions. Subsequent legislation has allowed the board to be increased to five members with the approval of a majority of voters. Commissioners must be residents of their district. The districts basic support is entirely from taxes, up to $1.50 per thousand of the owner's property valuation. Additional funds can be obtained through the issuance of bonds, either commissioner or voter approved, or the passage of special levies. Other income may be obtained through various fees, including fire permit fees and charges for specific services. Districts may also seek voter approval of a Benefit Service Charge.
Fire districts may enter into contracts with other districts, merge, consolidate, ask for bids and, in fact, carry out most procedures common to businesses. Ironically, fire districts lack the power to levy fines. Such remedy must be sought through other legal channels. Fire District 10 has five Commissioners and Fire District 38 has three Commissioners. Commissioners are elected to six-year terms. Elections are held during odd years.