Fire Department · Combination
San Juan Protection District #2
Eastsound, WA · San Juan County
Combination department with 8 full-time career staff plus 2 per-diem paramedics, roughly 76 volunteer EMTs/firefighters, and 7 volunteer support personnel (73 total active members cited on the department's Key Information page). Year-round population of a
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when San Juan Protection District #2 is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗Orcas Island Fire and Rescue has served the Orcas Island community since 1948, when it was formally organized as San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2 under Washington State law. Known locally by the motto "Neighbors Serving Neighbors," the department blends a small full-time career staff with a large corps of volunteers to cover the entire island, whose year-round population of roughly 6,000 swells to about 12,000 in summer.
The department runs seven stations spread across the island - Eastsound (headquarters, staffed 24/7), West Sound, Rosario, Deer Harbor, Olga/Obstruction Pass, Orcas Village, and Doe Bay - operating a mixed fleet of engines, tenders, ambulances, brush trucks, and a technical rescue unit. EMS calls make up roughly 80% of the department's response volume, supported by paramedics and EMTs providing round-the-clock advanced and basic life support alongside fire suppression, technical and water rescue, and wildland firefighting capability built through partnerships with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and neighboring agencies.
MissionNeighbors Serving Neighbors Since 1948
OIFR is a combination department that recruits both full-time career staff and volunteers for fire, EMS, wildland, and rescue response, as well as non-emergency roles in its auxiliary and public education/helper programs. The department periodically runs its own recruit academy for new volunteers and firefighters.
Requirements
- Willingness to commit to ongoing training and skill development
- Willingness to take a volunteer service oath committing to the department's mission and values
The department references upcoming volunteer/recruit academies on its recruitment page, though no specific dates or curriculum are published.
What area does Orcas Island Fire and Rescue cover?
The department covers all 56.9 square miles of Orcas Island in San Juan County, Washington, from seven stations.
Is OIFR a volunteer or career department?
It is a combination department: two trained responders staff Station 21 around the clock as career/per-diem personnel, while volunteers from throughout the island respond to emergencies alongside them.
How do most calls break down?
EMS calls make up approximately 80% of the department's total response volume, with the remainder covering fire suppression, technical and water rescue, and wildland fire response.
How can I join OIFR?
The department recruits volunteers for fire, EMS, wildland, rescue, auxiliary, helper program, and public education roles; interested applicants contact the department directly at info@orcasfire.org or (360) 376-2331.
How long has the department been serving Orcas Island?
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue was formally organized in 1948 as San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2 and has served the community for over 75 years.