Pend Oreille County Fire District #2

Pend Oreille County Fire District #2 We are a combination career/volunteer Fire and Medical Department proudly serving our community.

Pend Oreille County Fire District 2 provides fire suppression and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to 4,000 people over 803 square miles in north Pend Oreille County, including the Towns of Ione, Metaline Falls, and Metaline residents and visitors, as well as hospital-to-hospital transport services for Newport Community Hospital, Providence Mount Carmel Hospital in Colville and Providence Saint Jo

seph’s Hospital in Chewelah in addition to other hospitals throughout the Inland Northwest. A combination department of Volunteer and full-time firefighters, EMTs, and Paramedics respond to more than 600 emergency calls annually; 93 percent, on average, are for EMS. Fire District 2 is proud to operate under a balanced budget and has passed all financial and accountability audits by the state. Pend Oreille County Fire District 2 (pocfd2.org) is a municipal corporation of the State of Washington that protects life and property and provides fire protection and emergency medical services to its citizens. This site is intended to serve as a mechanism for communication between the public and the District on the listed topics related to the District’s purpose of providing fire protection services, emergency medical services and protecting life and property. The opinions expressed by visitors to this site do not reflect the opinions of the District. Any comments submitted to this site and any lists of users or links are public records subject to disclosure pursuant to RCW 42.56. Users recognize that there is no expectation of privacy in the use of the District’s Social Media and users are cautioned to never disclose private or confidential information on this site. Communications made on this site do not constitute official notice to the District or any District personnel. Public Record requests may not be made on this site and must be submitted directly to the District’s Public Record Officer consistent with the District’s Public Record Policy.

I’m thrilled to share some fantastic news for Pend Oreille County!Congratulations to our outstanding County Auditor, Mar...
06/10/2026

I’m thrilled to share some fantastic news for Pend Oreille County!

Congratulations to our outstanding County Auditor, Marianne Nichols, on being named Auditor of the Year for the State of Washington!

This is a tremendous statewide honor that recognizes her exceptional leadership, integrity, and dedication to the highest standards of public service.

Auditors are the guardians of taxpayer dollars—practicing careful stewardship, transparency, and fiscal responsibility that keeps our county strong. Marianne has done exactly that with steady hands and unwavering professionalism throughout her tenure.

She leads with grace, diligence, and a deep commitment to doing what’s right for our community.

Beyond her professional excellence, Marianne is an extraordinary person. Her generosity is legendary—she donated one of her own kidneys to save the life of her employee and our respected Chief Financial Officer, Jill Shacklett.

That kind of selfless compassion speaks volumes about her character. She is a woman of strong faith, devoted to her family, and deeply committed to serving the people of Pend Oreille County. Her husband’s service as a Deputy Sheriff and court bailiff further reflects the values they both live by every day.

Marianne has been a trusted partner to all of our county departments, including POC FIRE, providing ethical guidance and quiet, steady support when it mattered most. As a District 4 resident, she understood the importance of strong, unified emergency services and celebrated the improvements we’re now seeing across the county.

We are incredibly proud that she belongs to Pend Oreille County—she is ours, and this award reflects the caliber of talent and heart we have right here at home.

Please join me in congratulating Marianne Nichols on this well-deserved recognition. She is a shining example of the kind of public servant we should all strive to emulate—professional, kind, generous, and dedicated.

With deep appreciation,

Christopher Haynes
Fire Chief

POC FIRE (Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2)

What a fantastic day at our Touch-a-Truck event in Cusick! 🚒🚓🛠️Yesterday, Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2...
06/05/2026

What a fantastic day at our Touch-a-Truck event in Cusick! 🚒🚓🛠️

Yesterday, Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2 (POC FIRE) had the absolute pleasure of joining our wonderful community partners for a special Touch-a-Truck event at the Calispel Valley Branch Library — right next door to our fire station in Cusick.

It was a wonderful morning filled with smiles, curiosity, and hands-on fun as we welcomed approximately 90 excited young students from our local Cusick schools.

From climbing aboard fire engines and ambulances to exploring vehicles from the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office, Pend Oreille PUD, U.S. Border Patrol, and other dedicated agencies, the kids had a blast getting up close with the equipment that keeps our community safe every day.

These events are such a highlight because they turn what can sometimes feel intimidating into something approachable, exciting, and even inspiring for our youngest residents.

At POC FIRE, we’re deeply proud to serve this incredible rural community here in northeastern Washington Introducing children to the world of emergency services, public safety, and essential trades helps plant seeds of curiosity, respect, and understanding early on.

It’s our nature — and our honor — to build these positive connections.

The energy from the children, the enthusiasm of the teachers and parents, and the professionalism of every participating agency made it a truly special day for everyone involved.

A heartfelt thank you to the Calispel Valley Branch Library staff, Cusick school teachers and staff, parents, and all the agencies who brought their vehicles and expertise to share with the kids.

It truly takes a village, and days like this remind us how strong ours is.

We loved every minute of it and can’t wait for the next opportunity to connect with our community!

Stay safe out there,

Christopher Haynes
Fire Chief

POC FIRE
Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2

Shaping up to be a potentially busy summer. Stay safe!
06/02/2026

Shaping up to be a potentially busy summer. Stay safe!

Please call 509-447-3151 x 2 with any information regarding Edward Stambaugh's whereabouts.
05/31/2026

Please call 509-447-3151 x 2 with any information regarding Edward Stambaugh's whereabouts.

🚒 Successful Acquired Structure Live-Fire Training Burn – Partnership in Action! 🔥Today, Thursday, May 28, 2026, at appr...
05/28/2026

🚒 Successful Acquired Structure Live-Fire Training Burn – Partnership in Action! 🔥

Today, Thursday, May 28, 2026, at approximately 11:10 AM, firefighters from Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2 (POC FIRE) and the Kalispell Tribal Fire Department conducted coordinated defensive training evolutions on an acquired structure located off South LeClerc near Conklin Meadows Road.

This was a textbook example of a controlled, defensive-only live-fire training burn. No offensive interior attacks were performed.

Crews focused on key defensive tactics including:
• Pulling multiple 1¾-inch and 2½-inch attack lines for exposure protection
• Establishing a portable drop tank with multiple water tenders in shuttle operations to maintain a reliable water supply
• Practicing fire behavior observation, burn patterns, and coordinated exterior streams on a fully involved structure

The structure, a total loss due to years of storm damage, was generously donated by the property owner for training purposes. This created a true win-win symbiotic relationship — the owner can now clear the property for future development, while our agencies gained invaluable real-world experience in a safe, controlled environment on a perfect day: beautiful sunny skies, calm winds, and ideal conditions.

Newer firefighters were able to witness firsthand how fire spreads in a fully involved structure and the importance of defensive strategies to contain the fire and protect surrounding exposures.

This training strengthens our strong Automatic Aid partnership with the Kalispell Tribal Fire Department. These joint exercises create seamless interoperability. When we train together, we respond better together — knowing each agency’s capabilities, communication, and tactics so we can operate as one unified team when it matters most.

A huge thank you to:
• Fire Chief Scott Doughty (Kalispell Tribal Fire Department) for outstanding leadership as Incident Commander
• Assistant Chief Alan Thompson and the entire professional staff of the Kalispell Tribal Fire Department
• All POC FIRE personnel, including newly promoted Captain Charlie Slocum of Station 42

The structure was fully consumed. Fire crews will continue monitoring the scene for the next several hours for any hot embers or escape of ash to ensure complete extinguishment and scene safety.

Stay safe out there,

Christopher Haynes
Fire Chief
POC FIRE
Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2

As EMS week comes to a close, we want to thank some of our local resturants that provided some amazing food for our Fire...
05/24/2026

As EMS week comes to a close, we want to thank some of our local resturants that provided some amazing food for our Firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics. The Food Court of Ione, WestSide Pizza of Newport, The Usk Bar and Grill, Mellany's Bakery, Cafe and Soup Kitchen, The Metaline Rose Saloon, and The Farmhouse Cafe! Thank you all so much!

🚨 Structure Fire – Lightning Strike in Tiger Area of CusickAt approximately 1623 hours today, lightning struck a residen...
05/18/2026

🚨 Structure Fire – Lightning Strike in Tiger Area of Cusick

At approximately 1623 hours today, lightning struck a residence in the 390000 block of Highway 20, igniting an attic fire.

Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2 (POC FIRE) was toned out and responded immediately. Even though POC FIRE personnel and apparatus were on scene within two minutes of dispatch, the intense heat and energy from the lightning strike caused the fire to burn and spread rapidly through the attic and down the walls.

Deputy Chief Erik Gallanger was at Station 23 (Pend Oreille Fire Headquarters) literally around the corner and actually heard the lightning strike. He and Fire Captain/Paramedic Brian Ireton were the first units on scene.

They immediately assisted the family — including a paraplegic patient — in safely evacuating the home.

No injuries were reported.

Within minutes an engine crew from Ione arrived, along with two water tenders, bringing our on-scene total to 12 POC FIRE firefighters. Multiple handlines were laid and stretched into the structure for an aggressive interior attack.

Crews pulled ceilings and opened up walls to locate and extinguish hidden fire extension.

Mutual aid was requested and quickly answered by a Kalispel Tribal Fire Department engine.

Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office deputies also assisted on scene.

It was truly an all-hands-on-deck operation.

Thanks to the rapid response and coordinated aggressive firefight, forward progression of the fire was stopped within 20 minutes of arrival.

While the home sustained severe fire, smoke, and water damage and will require extensive renovation before it can be reoccupied, it is NOT a total loss.

The family is displaced for the time being.

Highway 20 and Highway 31 were closed for approximately two hours while the fire was mitigated.

As Fire Chief, I cannot say enough about the professionalism, courage, and quick actions of our POC FIRE personnel. Their diligence and training made the difference today — especially for the paraplegic resident who needed immediate assistance to get out safely.

We are extremely grateful to our mutual aid partners and the Sheriff’s Office for stepping up.

Red Cross has been notified and is responding to assist the displaced family members and pets.

Newport Hospital graciously accepted the paraplegic patient for temporary care until permanent housing arrangements can be made.

This fire was caused by a lightning strike.

Thank you to every firefighter who answered the call today. Your hard work, dedication, and “get-it-done” attitude are what make POC FIRE (Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2) the outstanding department that it is.

Stay safe out there,

Chief Christopher Haynes

POC FIRE – Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2

🔥 Quick Response Keeps Half-Acre Vegetation Fire in Check – Strong Partnership in ActionAt 1644 hours today (May 9, 2026...
05/10/2026

🔥 Quick Response Keeps Half-Acre Vegetation Fire in Check – Strong Partnership in Action

At 1644 hours today (May 9, 2026), a vegetation fire was reported in the 1800 block of Leclerc Road North in Cusick.

Kalispel Brush 3 arrived just two minutes after dispatch and found approximately half an acre burning. The fire had escaped from an unattended slash pile.

Thanks to their quick response and aggressive firefighting tactics, the fire’s forward progression was stopped within five minutes of arrival.

Command was established by Kalispel Tribal Fire Chief Scott Doughty (2251). Additional units included Brush 41, Tender 22, Tender 41, Tender 42, and Ambulance 41. POC FIRE command staff also responded: Division Chief Paul Nelson (206) and Fire Chief Christopher Haynes (201). The fire was quickly contained and controlled.

We cannot say enough about the outstanding fast response times — made possible because the Kalispel Tribal Fire Department is fully staffed 24/7/365 by the dedicated men and women of the Kalispel Tribal Nation.

A huge THANK YOU to the initial engine crew and the entire on-duty crew of the Kalispel Tribal Fire Department for your professionalism, diligence, competence, and capability today.

We were glad to assist under our mutual Automatic Aid Agreement.

Special recognition and deep appreciation go to Fire Chief Scott Doughty for stepping up as Incident Commander and providing outstanding leadership. Your entire team is truly first-class — thank you for the strong partnership.

This incident is yet another outstanding example of the successful partnership and Automatic Aid Agreement between the Kalispel Tribal Fire Department and POC FIRE. Just like last week’s post that so many of you appreciated, today showed how our mutual respect and collaboration keep our community safe.

To my team at Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2 (POC FIRE):

Thank you for your professionalism and strong performance today. Your dedication and readiness to respond are the foundation of our district’s success. Excellent work.

Safety Reminder to Our Neighbors:

With the weather changing, please be extra careful with any burning on your property. Never leave a slash pile unattended. Stay with it, have tools and water ready to control it, and always follow burn regulations. There are currently no burn restrictions, but they are coming soon. A little extra attention prevents big problems.

Stay safe,

Christopher Haynes
Fire Chief
Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2 (POC FIRE)

POC FIRE Press Release – Vegetation Fire Contained Quickly in IoneIone, WA – April 29, 2026Today, POC FIRE (Pend Oreille...
04/29/2026

POC FIRE Press Release –

Vegetation Fire Contained Quickly in Ione
Ione, WA – April 29, 2026

Today, POC FIRE (Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2) was dispatched to a small man-made vegetation spot fire on Mill Yard Road in the Town of Ione.

First-arriving apparatus reached the scene within two minutes of dispatch and immediately stopped the fire from spreading. The fire, roughly 50’ x 75’ in size, was fully contained with no exposures to structures and zero injuries to the public or fire personnel.

Approximately 8 POC FIRE personnel responded with Medic Brush 25, Engine 25, Brush 24, Command 201, 202 & 206.

Once the fire was extinguished and the point of origin identified, the scene was turned over to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for further investigation.

This swift and successful outcome highlights the strong partnership between POC FIRE and the Town of Ione.

Having a fire station located right in the community enables these critical rapid response times that protect lives, property, and our shared natural resources.

We are grateful for the continued support and collaboration that makes our district stronger.

Neighbors have recently expressed concerns about off-grid living and RVs on the property, but no individuals were observed igniting the fire.

Photos attached illustrate the fire scene and responding apparatus.

Thank you to our dedicated firefighters and to the Town of Ione for making safe, effective emergency response possible every day.

Stay safe,

Fire Chief Christopher Haynes
POC FIRE – Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2

As Fire Chief of POC FIRE — Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2 — I am proud to share these images from recen...
04/29/2026

As Fire Chief of POC FIRE — Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2 — I am proud to share these images from recent responses: structure fires, vegetation fires, control burns, motor vehicle accidents, and other emergency calls that highlight the strong, professional partnership we now share with the Kalispel Tribal Fire Department.

On February 20, the merger of District 2 and District 4 created a single, larger fire protection district that borders the Kalispel Tribal lands. This important step has transformed an already positive relationship into a seamless, daily collaboration. Through our automatic mutual aid agreement we respond together as one team: when they have a call, we go; when we have a call, they respond. The coordination, trust, and professionalism between our departments is outstanding.

I want to publicly recognize and thank Kalispel Tribal Fire Chief Scott Doughty and Assistant Chief Alan Thompson for their leadership and commitment to this partnership.

Their team’s dedication, expertise, and cooperative spirit have made our combined efforts far more effective and responsive to the needs of our communities.

I also extend my sincere appreciation to the firefighters and support staff of the Kalispel Tribal Fire Department and to the dedicated men and women of POC FIRE. Your hard work, readiness, and teamwork are what make this relationship successful every single day.

Over the past ten years, Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2 has undergone significant growth and improvement. The district is now the largest fire protection district by square miles in the state of Washington and has become the most progressive, forward-leaning department in Pend Oreille County.

Communities across the county now benefit from a level of emergency service that represents substantial progress. The merger and our strengthened relationship with the Kalispel Tribal Fire Department represent another important milestone in that ongoing advancement.

We are truly better together. Thank you for the partnership, the professionalism, and the shared commitment to protecting lives and property.

Christopher Haynes
Fire Chief
POC FIRE — Pend Oreille County Fire Protection District 2

Address

390442 SR 20
Cusick, WA
99119

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