Whatcom County Fire District 1

05/28/2026

**UPDATE** As of 1403hrs all WCFD 1 personnel will be cleared and returning to service.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 28TH 2026

VEHICLE FIRE: 2100 BLOCK STICKNEY ISLAND RD, EVERSON

WCFD 1 responded with E81, T81 and C81 to a vehicle fire with risk of exposure to a nearby residence under construction.

Crews have successfully knocked down the fire and protected neighboring structures from exposure. No residents, workers or firefighters were injured during the incident.

05/25/2026

Today, Whatcom County Fire District 1 pauses to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Memorial Day is a solemn reminder that the freedoms we enjoy came at a tremendous cost. We remember those who did not return home, the families who carry their loss, and the generations of service members whose courage and sacrifice continue to shape our country.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the members of our own WCFD #1 family, past and current volunteers, part time members, career firefighters, and administrative staff, who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Your commitment to service did not end when you returned home. You continue to serve your neighbors, your communities, and this district with honor.

To the veterans and service members throughout our community, thank you. We are grateful for your sacrifice, your strength, and your continued example of service.

Today, we remember. We honor. We are grateful.

We also extend our thanks to the Everson Lion's Club for their dedication to get these beautiful flags set up and taken down! Interested in being part of this tribute? Please contact your Everson Lions Club at 509-899-4703 or [email protected]

05/24/2026

**** Updated 07:31 ****

We are clear of this scene and are happy to report there were no injuries. Our thanks to North Whatcom Fire and Rescue - WCFD 21 for the mutual aid support of their water truck, Tender 12, and their brush truck from Station 12 on Britton Rd.

Incidents like this are a strong reminder that emergency response is a regional effort. Fire districts across Whatcom County routinely rely on one another for additional staffing, water supply, apparatus, and specialized resources. That mutual aid system is especially important in rural communities, where incidents can quickly require more resources than one agency has immediately available.

We are grateful for the professionalism, dedication, and partnership of our neighbors at Fire District #21. Even while managing their own increased service demands, their crews continue to show up when neighboring communities need support.

Thank you to all responding personnel for your commitment, teamwork, and service to our communities!

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We are currently on scene of an outside fire in the area of the end of East Smith Rd. Please watch for engines entering/leaving the roadway.

05/22/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2026

Whatcom County Fire District 1 Announces Promotion of Assistant Chief Brian Atkins to Fire Chief

Everson, WA — Whatcom County Fire District 1 is proud to announce the promotion of Assistant Chief Brian Atkins to Fire Chief, effective June 1, 2026. Atkins will succeed outgoing Fire Chief Rachel Carlson, as she steps into a new leadership role as an Assistant Chief with the Bellingham Fire Department.

During her tenure with Whatcom County Fire District 1, Chief Carlson provided steady and progressive leadership that guided the department through significant operational growth, organizational development, and continued advancement in service delivery for our growing community. The district extends its sincere gratitude for her years of dedicated service and leadership and wishes her continued success in this next chapter of her career.

Chief Atkins brings extensive operational experience, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to both the department and the community it serves. Throughout his career with the district, he has held multiple leadership roles and played an integral part in emergency operations, personnel development, training initiatives, and long-term strategic planning efforts.

As Fire Chief, Atkins will oversee all administrative operations and strategic initiatives for the district. He will also continue the important work established under Chief Carlson’s leadership in grant procurement and management, helping sustain and strengthen the high level of service the district and community have come to rely upon.

Whatcom County Fire District 1 remains committed to providing professional, responsive, and community-focused fire and emergency medical services to the residents and visitors of Northern Whatcom County.

For additional information, contact:
Chief Rachel Carlson
Whatcom County Fire District #1
360-966-5757
[email protected]

Media Contact:
Ian Travitzky
Office: (360) 966-5757
Cell: (360)389-7080
[email protected]

05/14/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 14, 2026

Whatcom County Fire District #1 Places Levy Lid Lift Measure on August 2026 Ballot

Everson, WA — The Board of Commissioners of Whatcom County Fire District #1 has approved placement of a levy lid lift measure on the August 4, 2026, primary election ballot. The measure would allow voters within the district to consider restoring the District’s regular fire levy rate to help maintain fire and emergency medical services throughout the community.

Whatcom County Fire District #1 provides fire protection, emergency medical response, rescue services, and flood response across approximately 106 square miles serving the communities of Deming, Everson, Nooksack, and the Nooksack Indian Tribe. District personnel currently respond to approximately 1,200 emergency calls annually, representing a 60% increase in service demand over the past decade.

Fire Commissioner Randy VanderHeiden stated that the District continues to experience increasing emergency call volumes alongside rising operational costs associated with inflation, emergency equipment, apparatus maintenance, fuel, utilities, insurance, training, and emergency medical response. At the same time, Washington State law generally limits regular levy revenue growth to 1% annually, even when inflation and service demands increase at a significantly higher rate.

“In recent years, our District has experienced substantial growth in emergency response demand while also facing the impacts of inflation and increasing operational costs,” said Commissioner VanderHeiden “The Board determined it was appropriate to place this measure before voters so the community can decide whether to restore the levy rate to help maintain emergency services, staffing, operational readiness, and equipment replacement needs.”

The District’s last levy lid lift was approved by voters in 2021, when the levy rate was restored to $1.40 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Since that time, the levy rate has gradually decreased to approximately $1.12 per $1,000 due to what is commonly referred to as “levy compression,” a process that occurs as property values grow faster than the statutory revenue growth limits established under Washington law.

The ballot measure would authorize the District to restore its regular property tax levy to $1.48 per $1,000 of assessed property value for collection in 2027, with annual adjustments of up to 6% for a period of nine additional years as outlined in the resolution approved by the Board of Commissioners.

According to District officials, levy funding supports day-to-day fire and emergency medical operations including:
-Emergency medical response
-Fire suppression and rescue services
-Firefighter and EMT staffing
-Training and certifications
-Apparatus and emergency equipment
-Station operations and maintenance
-Fuel, utilities, and insurance
-Community safety and preparedness programs

District officials stated that without additional levy restoration, the District may face increasing challenges in maintaining current service levels over time, including delayed equipment replacement and potential impacts to emergency response capabilities.

The District emphasized that a levy lid lift is not a new tax, but rather a voter considered adjustment to the existing regular fire levy authorized under Washington State law, including RCW 84.55.050.

Additional levy information, frequently asked questions, and informational materials are available through Whatcom County Fire District #1’s website, or by contacting the District’s office.

For additional information, contact:

Chief Rachel Carlson
Whatcom County Fire District #1
360-966-5757
[email protected]

Media Contact:
Ian Travitzky, PIO
360-966-5757
[email protected]

05/05/2026

Last Monday, we recognized Firefighter Nick Kluge on his promotion to Lieutenant.

Throughout his time with the department, Nick has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, sound judgment, and a steady commitment to both his crew and the community we serve. Leading by example, Nick has earned the respect of those around him and approached the job with continued professionalism and integrity.

This promotion reflects not only his experience and dedication, but the leadership he has already been bringing to the team. We’re proud to see him take this next step and look forward to his continued impact in serving our community.

Congratulations, Lieutenant Kluge.

Photos by: Raquel Muncy

04/30/2026

UPDATE: April 30th, 2026

Thank you to everyone who has expressed interest in and applied for the upcoming volunteer hiring process.

Candidates currently on the waitlist, as well as those who have recently applied, should check their email for updates and an invitation to schedule a ride-along with our crews between May 4 and June 13. If you don’t see anything, please check your spam folder.

Ride-along slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

We look forward to hosting you soon.

Are you interested in a rewarding career in the Fire Service?

Do you want to take on a challenge to better yourself and your skills whilst serving others?

WCFD 1 is now accepting applications for our next cohort of volunteers to begin training in September 2026.

Volunteering is a great way to get real world experience and on the job training if you are looking to begin on the path to becoming a career firefighter by serving the community.

All training, PPE and uniforms are provided at no cost to hired volunteers.

Please send your completed applications and attend an online Meet & Greet informational session before April 30th, 2026, to be considered for this cohort.

Applications and the link to schedule your informational session are available on our website at: www.wcfd1.org/volunteering

*Candidates currently on the waitlist need not reapply and will be receiving further information when the application window closes. *

04/27/2026

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Pro or Con Committee volunteers are needed to draft Pamphlet Statements for the August 2026 Election.

The Whatcom County Fire District #1 Board of Commissioners has unanimously passed a resolution to place a levy restoration measure on the August 2026 election ballot. The proposed levy would restore the District’s regular property tax levy at $1.48 per $1,000 of assessed property value, as authorized under Washington State law.

In Washington State, fire protection districts are primarily funded through voter-approved property tax levies. These levies support the day-to-day operations of the fire district, including emergency response services, firefighter and EMT staffing, training, equipment, apparatus, and maintenance of fire stations. As property values increase and statutory levy limits apply, fire districts must periodically seek voter approval to restore the levy rate to maintain service levels and keep pace with rising costs.

This levy restoration is authorized under RCW 84.55.050, which allows taxing districts to restore their levy to a previously authorized rate with voter approval. Fire protection districts themselves are established and governed under RCW 52.02, with funding and operations further defined under RCW Title 52.

Residents of the fire district who are interested in participating, please contact Chief Rachel Carlson at 360-966-5757 or [email protected].

04/27/2026

04/22/2026

A year ago, our Admin team was recognized in the Lynden Tribune and we’re still celebrating them today!

Jodi and Janelle bring unmatched dedication, knowledge, and attention to detail to everything they do.

Happy Administrative Professional's Day! We’re lucky to have you both. Thank you for keeping it all together.