Organizational Background
Vashon Island Fire and Rescue, (a.k.a. King County Fire Protection District No. 13), is a fire protection district operating under the laws of the state of Washington (RCW 52.14). VIFR serves a population of over 10,800 people and covers an area of 48 square miles.
VIFR provides service from a headquarters station and four substations. Additional facilities include a modern training center, complete with props and training tower, and a vehicle maintenance shop.
The District’s fleet consists of six fire engines, four water tenders, four rescue/aid units, two medic units, one wildland engine, one service truck, four command vehicles, and one 13 ½-foot inflatable boat.
The District carries an insurance rating, assigned by the Washington State Survey and Rating Bureau, of Class 6 with tanker credit. This rating was assigned based on a review conducted in 1986.
VIFR serves its customers with eight shift firefighter/EMTs, seven paramedics, 60 volunteer members, two maintenance & facilities managers, and an administrative staff of five. The District also sponsors a Fire Explorer Post with a current membership of 14.
Property with the District has a 2004 assessed value of $1,730,500,729 against which are levied taxes at the rate of $1.12 per $1,000 assessed value to support District operations. It also shares in the countywide EMS Levy at the rate of ½ Medic Unit. In 2004, the District received $665,662 in Advanced Life Support funding. Vashon Island is comprised mostly of residential properties, small commercial operations, and a few manufacturing facilities, most notable is Pacific Research.
Vashon Island Fire and Rescue provides a variety of services including fire suppression, emergency medical service, water rescue service, public safety education and associated support and maintenance services. The Washington State Patrol provides hazardous materials emergency response. King County provides fire code enforcement and fire investigation services.
King County Sheriff’s Office, is the primary public safety answering point (PSAP), they initially answer emergency calls. Valley Communications provides dispatch service for VIF&R.
