2014 Year in Review: North Whatcom Fire and Rescue

By Jennie Sand

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) responded to 3,058 calls through November 2014. Almost 70 percent of those calls were for emergency medical assistance and 4 percent were for fires. The remaining 26 percent of calls were for false alarms, public assists and hazardous conditions.

NWFR currently has more than 100 members including administrative staff, mechanics and career and volunteer firefighters. New hires in 2014 included one career firefighter and a division chief of operations. Fire commissioner Dean Berkeley was elected to the board of fire commissioners in 2014.

NWFR participated in multiple community events and fundraisers such as Birch Bay Discovery Days, Blaine Fourth of July parade and fireworks, Pumpkin Party, Pancake Breakfast and Bike Rodeo, Tree of Wishes, Project Santa, Haulin’ Axe and Home Depot Safety Fair, and assisted with the Community Assistance Program’s Thanksgiving Basket giveaway and community dinners.

NWFR partnered with the Birch Bay Emergency Planning group and the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and handed out tsunami emergency plan flyers to businesses around the city of Blaine and Birch Bay area.

The district sold Lynden Station 71, and fulltime crews were relocated to Laurel Station 69.

NWFR was awarded a FEMA grant to install two vehicle exhaust removal systems at Blaine Station 61 and Birch Bay Station 63.

NWFR participated in the 9-11 Memorial Ride and Service to honor those who lost their lives in the horrific attacks in 2001. NWFR was instrumental in spearheading this first organized ride on the U.S. side.

NWFR continues a successful consolidation with fire district 4, with hopes to merge in the near future.

NWFR would also like to thank the community for their continued support of fire and medical emergency services, and to give special recognition to the dedicated volunteers that serve throughout the district. The district is grateful for your continued commitment and service.