Quilcene Fire Rescue

08/21/2026

📢 NOW HIRING – DISTRICT SECRETARY / ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT III

Quilcene Fire Rescue is accepting applications for a District Secretary / Administrative Assistant III to join our team and help support the day-to-day administrative and financial operations of the District.

This position works directly with the Fire Chief and Board of Fire Commissioners and plays an important role in payroll, financial administration, ambulance billing, personnel administration, public records, reporting, budgeting, and overall office operations.

🕒 30 hours per week (3/4 time)
💰 $36.73 – $47.74 per hour
✅ Full benefits

We are looking for someone who is organized, dependable, professional, and comfortable managing multiple priorities. Experience in public-sector administration, financial reporting, payroll, records management, or governmental accounting is highly desirable.

Experience with Springbrook Express and ESO RMS is also preferred.

📅 Applications received by September 13, 2026 will receive first consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

Interested applicants must submit a completed employment application, cover letter, and resume.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.quilcenefirerescue.org
📞 360-765-3333

Come be part of the team that supports Quilcene Fire Rescue and helps keep our organization running behind the scenes.

Please share with anyone who may be a great fit!

08/21/2026

🚒 NOW HIRING: ASSISTANT CHIEF 🚒

Quilcene Fire Rescue is accepting applications for a full-time Assistant Chief.

We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking fire service leader who is passionate about operations, training, EMS, personnel development, volunteer engagement, and emergency response.

🔥 Position: Assistant Chief
💰 Salary: $76,395 – $99,308 DOQ
✅ Full Benefits
📍 Quilcene Fire Rescue – Jefferson County Fire Protection District No. 2

📅 Applications received by September 13, 2026, will receive first consideration.
The position will remain open until filled.

Interested applicants must submit:
• Completed employment application
• Cover letter
• Resume

📧 Email: [email protected]
📬 Mail: PO Box 433, Quilcene, WA 98376
🌐 Applications At: www.quilcenefirerescue.org
📞 Questions: 360-765-3333

Quilcene Fire Rescue is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

08/17/2026

🔥 WILDFIRE RESPONSE – PENNY CREEK ROAD 🔥

At approximately 3:48 p.m. today, Quilcene Fire Rescue was dispatched to a reported wildfire in the area of Penny Creek Road near Milepost 5.

The fire was initially reported to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by a bystander who discovered the fire and attempted to extinguish the flames.

QFR crews arrived on scene to find a slow-moving grass fire approximately 20 feet by 20 feet in size. Firefighters quickly contained the fire with assistance from the Brinnon Fire Department, preventing further spread.

There is currently no threat to residents or structures in the area.

The scene has since been turned over to WA DNR for investigation and mop-up operations.

🔥 Please remember that we are currently experiencing extremely dry conditions. Even a small spark can quickly start a wildfire.

Current fire restrictions include:

• No wood campfires or recreational burning (Propane Fire Pits okay)

• No target shooting outside of established gun ranges

• No exploding targets or incendiary ammunition

We ask everyone to remain vigilant and use extreme caution with anything that could create a spark or ignition source. These dry conditions make our grass, brush, and forest fuels extremely susceptible to fire.

Thank you to the alert bystander who quickly reported the fire, and to Brinnon Fire Department and WA DNR for their assistance.

Please help us protect our community and our firefighters by doing your part to prevent wildfires.

🔥 One spark is all it takes.

08/13/2026

🚒 THANK YOU, QUILCENE! ❤️

Quilcene Fire Rescue would like to sincerely thank our District’s voters for participating in the August election.

The Quilcene Fire Levy received the support of our District’s voters, and we are grateful for the trust our community has placed in Quilcene Fire Rescue. We recognize the responsibility that comes with that trust, and we remain committed to being responsible stewards of public funds.

The additional levy revenue will help support the continued delivery of fire protection, emergency medical services, staffing, firefighter safety equipment, apparatus and equipment replacement, and the maintenance and improvement of our facilities. It will also help the District address rising operating costs and plan more responsibly for future equipment and infrastructure needs.

Most importantly, no matter how you voted, we are one community. We appreciate every person who took the time to learn about the measure, ask questions, share their perspective, and participate in the voting process. Different opinions are part of a healthy community, and every voice matters.

Quilcene Fire Rescue is proud to serve this community, and we look forward to continuing to work together to keep Quilcene, Coyle, and our surrounding communities safe.

From all of us at Quilcene Fire Rescue — thank you for your participation, your engagement, and your continued support of your local fire department. 🚒❤️

One Community. One Department. Here When You Need Us.

08/11/2026

08/09/2026

Thank you, Quilcene Rangers! 🚑

A big thank you to the Quilcene School District Rangers for washing A21 today as part of a sports fundraiser.

Quilcene Fire Rescue Firefighters are proud to support their efforts, and we truly appreciate all of the hard work that went into helping make our ambulance shine. It’s always great to see our local students working hard and giving back in the community.

Thank you again for all your effort and support!

Go Rangers! 💜💛

08/05/2026

WILDFIRE SMOKE MOVING INTO OUR AREA

Residents may notice increasing haze, reduced visibility, or the smell of smoke throughout the Quilcene area. Smoke from wildfires in eastern Washington is moving west into the Puget Sound region and around the southern Olympic Mountains. Widespread haze or the general smell of smoke does not necessarily indicate a fire within our community.

Residents sensitive to wildfire smoke—including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or lung conditions—should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity and keeping indoor air as clean as possible.

As additional regional smoke moves into our area, please avoid calling 911 solely to report widespread haze or a general smell of smoke when there is no identifiable source.

Call 911 immediately when you observe:

🔥 A defined or concentrated column of smoke
🔥 Active flames
🔥 Smoke clearly coming from a structure, vehicle, or wooded area
🔥 An immediate threat to people or property

When reporting a possible fire, provide the most accurate location possible, along with the color, size, and direction of the smoke. When in doubt about whether there may be an active fire nearby, call 911.

CURRENT JEFFERSON COUNTY FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Jefferson County remains under a HIGH Fire Hazard declaration.

Recreational fires and wood-burning campfires are prohibited. Fireworks, exploding targets, incendiary ammunition, target shooting outside established ranges, and most charcoal use are also prohibited.

Charcoal briquettes may only be used in a commercially manufactured, listed and labeled barbecue located at a residence.

Commercially manufactured propane and natural-gas fire pits are allowed, provided they are used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and can be immediately shut off. Keep them away from dry vegetation and combustible materials, and never leave them unattended.

Please use extra caution with all outdoor heat sources, equipment, vehicles, and smoking materials. Current restrictions remain in effect until Jefferson County determines that atmospheric and field conditions have improved.

Quilcene Fire Rescue
📞 360-765-3333
📧 [email protected]
📧 [email protected]

07/25/2026

🚒 Fire Engines, Long-Term Planning, and the Quilcene Fire Levy

A new fire engine is one of the largest and most important investments a fire district can make.

A fully equipped structural fire engine can cost approximately $1.2 million to $1.5 million when the engine, hose, ladders, radios, SCBAs, rescue tools, EMS equipment, lighting, mounting, installation, and other required equipment are included.

Fire engines are used for far more than structure fires. They support fire suppression, rescue response, vehicle collisions, medical emergencies, traffic control, and other emergency incidents throughout the district.

Typical fire-engine service life is approximately 15 years as a frontline apparatus, followed by up to 10 years in reserve, for a total planning benchmark of about 25 years.

Quilcene Fire Rescue’s current engines are approaching or have exceeded these typical service-life benchmarks:

🚒 E21 was built in 2005 and is 21 years old.
🚒 E22 was built in 1996 and is 30 years old.

Replacing emergency vehicles requires long-term planning and responsible financial preparation. These costs are part of the larger financial reality Quilcene Fire Rescue must plan for in order to maintain safe, reliable emergency response for the community.

As voters review the Quilcene Fire Levy on the August 4, 2026 Primary Election ballot, Quilcene Fire Rescue is sharing factual information about the district’s operational and long-term funding needs.

The Quilcene Fire Levy asks voters whether to restore the district’s regular fire levy to $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value for collection in 2027. This is the same rate voters previously approved in 2015.

Due to Washington State’s 1% limit on property tax revenue growth, the district’s current levy rate has gradually decreased to approximately $0.75 per $1,000 of assessed value. Quilcene Fire Rescue lists the 2026 levy rate as $0.75492 per $1,000.

If approved, the restored levy would provide approximately $360,000 in additional annual revenue. By official board resolution, those funds are intended to help:

1️⃣ Eliminate current operating budget deficits
2️⃣ Fund replacement of critical aging emergency vehicles
3️⃣ Build facility reserves for station maintenance and firefighter safety

A fire engine is a major investment in safety, response capability, and service to the community. Planning for apparatus replacement helps ensure Quilcene Fire Rescue can continue responding when the community needs us most.

Quilcene Fire Rescue does not advocate for or against Proposition 1. This information is provided to help voters understand the measure and its anticipated financial and operational impacts. We encourage every voter to review the official election materials and make the decision they believe is best for their household and individual circumstances.

For more information or questions regarding the levy, please contact Chief McKern or the District Secretary at 360-765-3333.

07/25/2026

June 28 12:30PM Update: The fire is now 100% contained.

Crews worked through the night extinguishing hot spots and constructing a containment line around the fire to ensure it could not spread, even with the changing weather conditions and winds.

All fire personnel have now cleared the scene. The fire is in what we call “patrol status,” meaning firefighters will periodically check the area to ensure there are no remaining hot spots or signs of rekindle.

Thank you to everyone for your concern and support. We also appreciate the assistance from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and our law enforcement partners. Stay safe, Brinnon. 🚒🔥

🔥 Wildland Fire Response - Green Mountain Ln. 🔥

Brinnon Fire Department, Quilcene Fire Rescue and DNR are currently on scene of a wildland fire near Green Mountain Ln, approximately 30 feet by 30 feet in size.

The incident originated with a vehicle fire, which spread into the surrounding vegetation. The fire has been knocked down, and crews are now working to establish a containment line and extinguish remaining hot spots.

At this time:

• Fire size is approximately 30’ x 30’
• Fire is 0% contained
• No structures are threatened
• There is no danger to the public at this time
• Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responding to assist with containment operations
• Law enforcement and Fire Marshal are on scene investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident

Crews anticipate the fire will be 100% contained by late morning, barring any unforeseen changes in conditions.

Please avoid the area if possible and give emergency vehicles plenty of room to work. As always, slow down when approaching emergency scenes, watch for firefighters working near the roadway, and follow any directions from emergency personnel.

With current High Fire Danger conditions, even a small fire can spread quickly. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and will provide updates if conditions change.

Brinnon Fire Department 🚒🔥

07/24/2026

🚒 Wildland Firefighter Gear, Readiness, and the Quilcene Fire Levy

Wildland firefighting requires specialized protective gear and equipment so firefighters can safely respond to brush fires, wildland fires, and other outdoor fire emergencies.

Outfitting one wildland firefighter can cost approximately $4,500 to $6,000 when personal protective equipment, tools, communications equipment, and essential supplies are included.

Typical wildland firefighting equipment may include a wildland shirt and pants, helmet, goggles, neck shroud, gloves, eye protection, boots, fire shelter, line pack, hydration supplies, flashlight, first aid supplies, hand tools, gear bag, and a portable radio package.

While the clothing portion of wildland gear is less expensive than structural firefighting gear, the total cost adds up quickly when radios, safety equipment, fire shelters, and other required items are included. Without purchasing a new portable radio, outfitting one wildland firefighter is still commonly closer to $2,000 to $3,000.

This equipment is not optional. Wildland gear helps protect firefighters from heat, embers, smoke, rough terrain, falling debris, and rapidly changing fire conditions. Gear must also be replaced when it becomes damaged, worn out, contaminated, expired, or no longer serviceable.

These costs are part of the larger financial reality Quilcene Fire Rescue must plan for each year. Maintaining emergency services means more than responding to calls. It also means keeping firefighters equipped, maintaining apparatus, replacing aging equipment, and staying ready for wildfire season.

As voters review the Quilcene Fire Levy on the August 4, 2026 Primary Election ballot, Quilcene Fire Rescue is sharing factual information about the district’s operational and long-term funding needs.

The Quilcene Fire Levy asks voters whether to restore the district’s regular fire levy to $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value for collection in 2027. This is the same rate voters previously approved in 2015.

Due to Washington State’s 1% limit on property tax revenue growth, the district’s current levy rate has gradually decreased to approximately $0.75 per $1,000 of assessed value. Quilcene Fire Rescue lists the 2026 levy rate as $0.75492 per $1,000.

If approved, the restored levy would provide approximately $360,000 in additional annual revenue. By official board resolution, those funds are intended to help:

1️⃣ Eliminate current operating budget deficits
2️⃣ Fund replacement of critical aging emergency vehicles
3️⃣ Build facility reserves for station maintenance and firefighter safety

Wildland firefighter gear is one example of the ongoing costs required to keep firefighters safe, ready, and able to respond quickly when the community needs them.

Quilcene Fire Rescue does not advocate for or against Proposition 1. This information is provided to help voters understand the measure and its anticipated financial and operational impacts. We encourage every voter to review the official election materials and make the decision they believe is best for their household and individual circumstances.

For more information or questions regarding the levy, please contact Chief McKern or the District Secretary at 360-765-3333.