Applegate Fire District

08/25/2026

Tomorrow is the last day to apply- Applications close on August 25th at noon.

08/20/2026

08/17/2026

Citizens of the Applegate Fire District,

This afternoon, I had the privilege of recognizing a member of our community whose actions exemplify the very best of public service and citizenship.

On May 7, 2026, during a serious motor vehicle crash on Squaw Creek Road, Scott Loring found himself in a situation where he could have simply made the call and moved on. Instead, he chose to stay and help.

Scott was the individual who reported the incident and helped direct responding crews to a location that was extremely remote, steep, and difficult to access. As firefighters and rescue personnel worked to reach and care for the injured patient, Scott used his knowledge of the area to help navigate the terrain, identify access routes, and assist with planning a safe path for patient removal.

Most importantly, he remained on scene and continued to assist throughout the operation, working alongside emergency responders until the patient could be safely removed and transported for medical care.

Shift Officer Kane Gunther, who was directly involved in the rescue, described Scott as instrumental to the success of the operation. He noted Scott’s willingness to help, his humility, and his commitment to following the direction of first responders while contributing wherever he could.

What stands out most to me is that Scott never sought recognition for his actions. He simply saw a need, stepped forward, and helped. Those are the qualities that define outstanding citizenship.

Today, I had the honor of presenting Scott with an Applegate Fire District Certificate of Recognition for Distinguished Citizen Service, along with one of our District challenge coins.

Scott, on behalf of the Applegate Fire District, thank you for your assistance, your selflessness, and your willingness to step up when someone needed help.

Congratulations, and thank you for your service to our community.

— Chief Chris Wolfard

Pictured: Firefighter Damian Fernandez, Scott Loring, Fire Chief Chris Wolfard, and Shift Officer Kane Gunther.

08/14/2026

08/14/2026

The clock is ticking and there's only 11 days left to apply to the joint recruitment for Company Officers! Check out our website at www.applegatefd.com for all of the information and how to apply!

Ready to take the next step in your fire service career? Evans Valley Fire District #6 and Applegate Fire District are conducting a joint recruitment process for Company Officer positions and are seeking dedicated leaders to join our teams.

✅ Minimum Qualifications Include:
•NFPA Firefighter 1
•NFPA Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator
•NFPA Pumper Operator
•Oregon or National Registry EMT in good standing
•Valid driver's license (Oregon license required within 6 months of hire)

💰 Competitive Salary & Benefits
Both agencies offer excellent compensation packages, including Oregon PERS participation, comprehensive medical benefits, HRA VEBA contributions, and additional incentives depending on the district.

📅 Application Deadline:
August 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM (PST)

📋 Application Packet Must Include:
•District application
•Cover letter
•Resume
•Copies of applicable certifications and qualifications

📍 Key Dates
•Application period closes: August 25, 2026
•Assessment Center: September 16–17, 2026
•Anticipated Start Date: October 19, 2026

If you're a motivated fire service professional looking to make an impact in our communities, we encourage you to apply today!

🔗 Learn more at:
www.applegatefd.com
www.evfire.org

📧 Submit applications to: [email protected]

08/14/2026

Mutual Aid at Work-

This afternoon, the Fielder Mountain Fire near Rogue River grew rapidly and required a significant response from fire agencies throughout the region.

Applegate Fire District sent Heavy Brush 51 to assist on the fire, while Engine 51 moved up to help provide coverage for the south end of Josephine County. As the fire transitions into its next operational period, both units are now returning home. Tomorrow, Brush 53 will head to the fire with a two-person crew for the day shift.

This is how mutual aid works in the Rogue Valley.

Over the past couple of months, Applegate has needed help of our own—on the Spencer Gulch Fire, the Oshala Farm Fire, and the Woodrat Mountain Fire. All told, approximately 20 fire engines from neighboring agencies have come into our district to help us when we needed them.

Today, it was our turn to return the favor.

Our firefighters are always eager to step up when another community needs help, and we are proud to send them. At the same time, we maintain the staffing and resources necessary to continue protecting the Applegate Valley.

Mutual aid isn’t one department helping another. It’s a regional fire service built around the understanding that when something big happens, we show up for each other.

To our Applegate community: you should be proud of your crews. We certainly are.

08/07/2026

08/07/2026

This dramatic photo was taken last night as one of the Friends’ volunteers delivered food to firefighters on the Woodrat Mountain fire.
Our Applegate firefighters are on the front line of a substantial and very dangerous wildland fire for the third time in as many months. Yet they are wearing old wildland fire suits, or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which are long past their normal service life. We need to give our firefighters the equipment they need to be safe and effective! Please donate to the Protect the Line campaign to purchase new Wildland Fire PPE for our firefighters. For more information or to donate please go to https://friendsofapplegatefire.org/