South Beach Regional Fire Authority

04/09/2026

Distracted driving is the leading cause of crashes in the U.S. Holding or texting on a cell phone will get you pulled over every time — even if stopped at a traffic light. But other distractions can be cited as secondary offenses if they adversely affect your driving.

🍔 Eating/drinking
🚬 Smoking
💄 Grooming
🗣️ Interacting with passengers/pets
📻 Adjusting the radio
📺 Watching videos
📖 Reading
❓ Other activities

During Distracted Driving Awareness Month and year-round, make sure your full attention is on the road.

04/09/2026

Our friends at the Shoalwater Bay Clinic are hosting an awesome open house today (April 9th) until 3pm! There is a fun tour through the beautiful facility, a chance to meet and greet with some fantastic providers and staff, and some amazing schwag! Come check out a sunny Thursday at the Shoalwater Bay clinic.

04/08/2026

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a time to remind ourselves that one small distraction can have life-changing consequences.

Every day, drivers make choices behind the wheel, checking a text, adjusting music, or grabbing something from the seat that takes their focus off the road. At highway speeds, even a few seconds of distraction means traveling the length of a football field without looking.

Distracted driving isn’t just about phones. It includes anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind off driving:
• Texting or using your phone
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting navigation or controls
• Talking with passengers
• Reaching for items in your vehicle

The good news? These crashes are preventable.

Before you drive:
✔ Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb”
✔ Set your GPS and music ahead of time
✔ Secure loose items
✔ Commit to staying focused

As a community, we all play a role in keeping our roads safe. Speak up if you’re a passenger and see unsafe behavior. Lead by example for young drivers. And always remember, no message or moment is worth a life.

Stay alert. Stay focused. Arrive safely. 🚗💙

The more information you have on the dangers of distracted driving, the better decisions you can make. 📵✅

Put the Phone Away or Pay

04/08/2026

A huge thank you to Derek Jensen from Hoquiam Fire Department and Anthony Nowak from Aberdeen Fire Department for taking time with us at the South Beach Regional Fire Authority to discuss Wildland Urban Interface. As urban areas expand into formerly undeveloped areas, the implications for fighting wildfires and structure fires compound. This training gave great insight into consideration for our area. Thanks, Derek and Anthony!

04/07/2026

04/04/2026

🚨🥚 Egg Search & Rescue Mission: COMPLETE! 🥚🚨
The South Beach Regional Fire Authority had an egg-cellent time hosting our
Egg Search & Rescue Hunt! 🐣🔍
Our brave junior responders searched high and low, putting their rescue skills to the test and uncovering hidden eggs along the way. 🚒🧭 From quick finds to tricky hiding spots, the excitement was nonstop!
It was a fun-filled day of adventure, teamwork, and plenty of smiles. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event such a success. We loved seeing our community come together for a little egg-stra special fun! 💛✨
Until next time… stay safe and keep those search & rescue skills sharp! 👀🥚

04/02/2026

03/24/2026

All Junior South Beach Search and Rescue Responders
We need your help on
Saturday, April 4th from Noon to 2pm.
We have some eggs that were delivered to our Administration Station at
708 Englewood Lane S, Westport, WA 98595
And they have gone missing.
Please join us for our 1st Annual Holiday Egg Search and Rescue.
We will have snacks and games to reward junior responders for their egg search-and-rescue assistance.

03/23/2026

South Beach Regional Fire Authority (SBRFA) is pleased to welcome Dave Uhler as our new Assistant Chief of Administration. In this role, Chief Uhler will focus on key administrative areas including finance, information technology, planning, and personnel.
Dave brings a unique and well-rounded skill set to the position. His background includes extensive experience in strategy, information management, contract negotiations, facilitation, project and program management, and customer service. Known for his caring and compassionate nature, paired with a practical, no-nonsense approach, Dave is well-positioned to serve our members and community.
Dave joined SBRFA in late 2021. He completed the 2022 Grays Harbor Fire Academy, where he was voted Firefighter of the Academy by his peers, and has since earned his EMT-IV certification and numerous other accreditations. A dedicated lifelong learner, Dave continues to expand his knowledge in fire protection and emergency medicine.
His interest in emergency services began in emergency management as a volunteer with the Seattle Office of Emergency Management, followed by continued service with Mercer Island. After retiring from a 25-year career in management consulting, Dave came upon SBRFA, which was seeking volunteers, and quickly found a home here. Since December 2023, Dave has served as a part-time firefighter. During this time, he was honored as Firefighter of the Year and has received multiple commendations. He also serves as an instructor for both SBRFA and the Grays Harbor Fire Academy.
In his work for the Mercer Island Emergency Manager, Dave was responsible for approximately 700 volunteers. He managed the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), was activated for the property unification program during the Oso landslide, staffed the EOC during multiple storm responses, and coordinated a multi-agency response during two bomb threats to the Jewish Community Center.
Dave, Kendra, and their daughter, Liesl, moved to the South Beach area in 2021. Since then, Dave has been actively involved in the community, contributing to organizations such as the South Beach Firefighter Community Support Foundation, the Ocosta School District Advisory Committee, the Ocosta Booster Club, and the Innovation Studies Program at Pacific Lutheran University.
Dave is excited to bring his energy and passion to SBRFA following his retirement after 20-years at Slalom as Managing Director of Research and Development.

03/21/2026

A special thank you to Westport Timberland Library for helping us celebrate Sparky’s 75th birthday in such a memorable way! 🎉

We had an amazing time with Sparky and his special friends—enjoying cake, gifts, and a fun “Touch-a-Truck” experience. But the highlight of the day? Sparky receiving his very first library card—the gift that truly keeps on giving. 📚💛

Here’s to many more stories and adventures ahead!

03/20/2026

At 12:27 p.m., SBRFA crews were dispatched to the 1600 block of Schmid Rd. to a reported barn fire. Engine 3-4 arrived on scene first, quickly assessed the situation, and initiated an aggressive, effective fire attack that quickly brought the flames under control. The crew's rapid response and decisive actions prevented the fire from spreading and minimized damage to the structure and surrounding property.

Additional crews arrived and assisted with overhaul operations, ensuring all remaining hot spots were fully extinguished. Firefighters also conducted a thorough inspection of the area to confirm that the scene was safe and secure before clearing. The coordinated efforts, professionalism, and strong teamwork of all responding personnel contributed to a swift and successful resolution.