Woodinville Fire Commissioners Consider Regionalizing the District

Will Woodinville Fire & Rescue continue as an independent fire district devoted only to Woodinville residents, or will it be merged into a larger regional fire department? That is the question that needs to be answered before hiring a new fire chief, according to Tim Osgood, president of the fire district’s board of commissioners.

In response to Woodinville Path’s request for comment on , Osgood wrote in an email, “When we separated with Chief Daniels, the Board felt it was a prime opportunity to increase our efforts towards regionalization of services before a decision was made to fill our vacant Fire Chief position. Organizationally, we had adequate staffing available to fill Chief Daniels vacancy. Deputy Chief Chubb accepted a role as the Interim Fire Chief for an undetermined amount of time.”

Osgood said the sustained economic downturn has found Woodinville Fire & Rescue and all local fire departments in dire financial positions. “It is our Board’s sentiment, if now is not the time to seriously consider regionalization of services, it never will be. To that end, our Board has and continues to explore service delivery options with our local neighbors. We are trying to move beyond meetings to actions if there is mutual benefit.”

Sinceafter the Kirkland annexation in July of last year, the district was left with three stations, servicing both the city and unincorporated areas of Woodinville. In addition, the district has mutual aid agreements with Kirkland, Bothell and Redmond, meaning it responds to calls in those areas when needed, and those fire departments reciprocate when the situation arises that their units are closer to a call than Woodinville firefighters.

There is no word yet as to when a decision on regionalization will occur, according to Osgood. “What has changed? Our Board of Commissioners has two new members within the last 6 months. To make certain of our new Board’s direction in a regional approach to service delivery, we are scheduling a Board retreat to discuss this issue and our vacant Fire Chief’s position. No date has been established as of yet.”

Patch was unable to reach the firefighters union for a statement on regionalization of the district; we will post its response when it is received.