Orcas Island Fire & Rescue (OIFR) serves as San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2, providing comprehensive emergency services across all 55 square miles of Orcas Island. Operating under the motto "Neighbors Serving Neighbors Since 1948," OIFR is a combination department with both career staff and volunteers, maintaining 24/7 emergency response through seven strategically located fire stations. The organization provides fire suppression, advanced life support emergency medical services, technical rescue operations, and wildland fire protection to protect the island's year-round population of approximately 6,000 residents and the thousands of visitors who enjoy Orcas Island each year.
With a team of approximately 80 dedicated members, OIFR responds to over 1,200 emergency calls annually, with emergency medical services comprising roughly 80% of their call volume. The department's unique island location requires specialized equipment and training, including water tenders with drop tank capabilities, Wildland and Structure Protection (WASP) engines for accessing remote properties, and technical rescue teams trained in everything from cliff rescue to vehicle extrication. OIFR coordinates approximately 350 medical air transports annually and maintains seven dedicated helicopter landing zones across the island to ensure rapid access to mainland medical facilities when needed.
Beyond emergency response, OIFR is deeply committed to community education and preparedness, offering CPR and first aid training, fire safety education, and wildfire preparedness programs. The department's comprehensive public education efforts have contributed to Orcas Island achieving one of the highest CPR training and survival rates in the country. Through strong partnerships with neighboring fire departments, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Coast Guard, and local organizations like the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, OIFR exemplifies the collaborative spirit that makes island communities resilient and safe.