News

The latest news from Camano Fire.

Check our NEWS ARCHIVES for older news items.

  • Open Public Meeting Notice-Board of Commissioners Special Meeting
    Board of Commissioners Special Meeting CAMANO ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE Island County Fire District #1 Monday, March 24th, 2025, at 4:30 PM In Person Admin Bldg. Admin: 811 N. Sunrise Blvd Camano Island WA, 98282 Agenda:   Old Business- (Request Public Input Prior to Motions) RESOLUTION 2025-04 AUTHORIZING OTHERS TO ACT AS THE FIRE CHIEF … Read more
  • Camano Fire hiring for next Assistant Fire Chief
    March 19, 2025 With the promotion of Assistant Chief Jason Allen to the role of Fire Chie, Camano Fire is looking for its next Assistant Fire Chief. The ideal candidate will be an experienced, visionary fire service professional with exceptional leadership skills and a deep knowledge of fire service and EMS operations. The Assistant Chief … Read more
  • Pro/Con volunteers sought for EMS levy renewal measure
    The Board of Fire Commissioners for Camano Fire recently approved a resolution to place an EMS levy renewal measure on the on the Aug. 5, 2025, primary election ballot. If approved by voters, the levy renewal would fund additional EMS personnel to improve response times and new, lifesaving medical equipment like an automated CPR device … Read more
  • Allen formally sworn in as Camano Fire’s sixth fire chief 
    In his 29 years with Camano Island Fire & Rescue, Jason Allen has served in nearly every agency role possible. In 1999, he became one of the first three career firefighters hired by the district. On March 12, in front of a room filled with friends, family, and fellow firefighters, Allen was officially sworn in as the district’s sixth fire chief – and the first chief promoted from within the department.
  • Board of Fire Commissioners votes to place EMS levy renewal on August ballot
    March 11, 2025 Measure aims to maintain emergency services amid rising calls, costs Camano Island Fire & Rescue’s Board of Fire Commissioners passed a resolution to place an emergency medical services (EMS) levy renewal on the August 5, 2025, primary election ballot. The levy renewal would fund additional EMS personnel, training, a new ambulance, and … Read more
  • Now hiring for full-time lateral Firefighter/Paramedics
    March 10, 2025 Take your paramedicine skills to the next level as a full-time lateral firefighter/paramedic at Camano Fire. Candidates must apply through the National Testing Network and submit all application materials by 5 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2025. Lateral candidates should have at least one year of full-time, career experience. We’re currently recruiting for open … Read more
  • Battalion Chiefs mark one year with Camano Fire 
    In the past year, you may have seen a bright red Camano Fire pickup truck parked at a fire station or pulling up to an emergency call.  That truck belongs to the on-duty Battalion Chief – a new position instituted at the beginning of 2024 to manage daily response and administrative responsibilities.  The department’s three Battalion Chiefs recently celebrated one year in the position.
  • Daylight Saving Time starts March 9
    March 5, 2025 Change your clocks and check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Daylight Saving Time goes into effect at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9. It only takes a few minutes to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors each year when you set your clocks ahead. Make a game … Read more
  • Camano Fire Board to discuss EMS levy renewal March 10
    March 3, 2025 The Camano Island Fire and Rescue (CIFR) Board of Fire Commissioners will meet at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 10, at the Fire Administration Office (811 N. Sunrise Blvd.) to discuss placing an EMS levy renewal on the August 5, 2025, primary election ballot. The public is encouraged to attend and provide input. … Read more
  • New year, new lease on life for Camano woman
    On January 1, Karyn Hinton died – several times.  On February 12, she visited the Country Club fire station – very much alive – to thank the firefighters and paramedics who kept bringing her back to life.  “I’m Karyn. I’m alive. Thank you.” 
  • Jan Treml, longtime Camano Fire advocate and Commissioner, steps down from Board
    Feb. 10, 2025 Fire Commissioner Jan Treml tendered her resignation to the Camano Fire Board of Commissioners at its Feb. 10 regular meeting.   Treml has served the District for 20 years, as a ladies’ auxiliary member since 2005 then as commissioner since 2016. She was elected by voters in 2015 and re-elected again in 2021. … Read more
  • Nominations open for vacant Camano Fire Commissioner position
    Jan Treml announced her resignation from the Board of Fire Commissioners effective Feb. 11, 2025. The Board of Commissioners nominated Maria Carlstrom as a candidate to fill Jan Treml’s vacant Board seat.   Camano residents interested in nominating themselves or others to the vacant seat on the Board of Fire Commissioners should submit their nominations no … Read more
  • Camano Fire faces rising call volumes and costs
    Jan. 27, 2025 Each year, the number of calls received by Camano Island Fire and Rescue (CIFR) climbs. Emergency personnel respond to an annual average of 2,400 calls, with 68% of them needing emergency medical services (EMS). With the growing call volume, the fire department is facing sharp cost increases across its operations. Since 2020, … Read more
  • Camano Fire hiring part-time HR generalist
    Jan. 16, 2025 Our department is growing and we need a part-time Human Resources Generalist. This position offers a flexible schedule of 20 to 30 hours per week and focuses on key HR functions, including staffing, onboarding, leave and benefits administration, compliance, and records management. Pay ranges from $34 to $42 per hour depending on … Read more
  • Community makes 2024 food drive a success
    Jan. 6, 2024 The generosity of the Camano community during the 2024 food and gift card drive made a huge difference for the Stanwood-Camano Food Bank and the local families it serves. Community members donated a staggering 2,751 pounds of food, $909 in cash, and $920 in gift cards during the two-month event. That beats … Read more
  • Now Hiring: Part-time Firefighter/EMTs
    Don’t miss your chance: Camano Fire has immediate openings for part-time Firefighter/EMTs. Still wrapping up fire academy or finishing your EMT course? Not a problem: We’ll hold a spot for you – so apply today. Every current part-time firefighter gets an interview for full-time, career positions with the department. Many of our newest hires started … Read more
  • New Year will bring new chief to Camano Fire 
    Jan. 6, 2025   After more than five years leading Camano Fire, Chief Levon Yengoyan is stepping down effective March 31, 2025.   “Serving this community as its fire chief has been an incredible honor,” Yengoyan said. “I feel so fortunate to have been surrounded by such talented, compassionate people and proud of the work we have … Read more
  • Camano Fire’s annual Santa Run set for Dec. 9-12, 2024
    Santa and his elves are back for the 2023 Santa Run. Events kick off Monday, Dec. 11, and run through Thursday, Dec. 14. The run begins at 6 p.m. each night and wraps up around 7:30 p.m.
  • Camano Fire’s Holiday Food & Gift Card runs Nov. 1 – Dec. 31
    Nov. 1, 2024 Camano Fire’s annual holiday food and gift card drive benefiting the Stanwood-Camano Food Bank begins Friday, Nov. 1, and runs through Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. Our community set a new fire department record last year with their generous donations: We delivered 2,211 pounds of food, $1,765 in cash and $500 in gift … Read more
  • Camano Fire budgets strategically to offset rising costs
    Oct. 23, 2024   In 2007, a fire engine cost almost $400,000. Today, fire departments pay upwards of $1,000,000 for a fire engine – and it’s not like buying a new car. From order to delivery, it can take two years or longer to get the new engine. From apparatus replacement to fire station maintenance … Read more
  • Halloween Party & Haunted House set for Oct. 31 at Vista/Madrona Station
    Oct. 2, 2024 Camano Fire’s popular annual Halloween Party & Haunted House is back for another year. Join us from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, at the Vista/Madrona Station, 273 N. West Camano Drive. The event is free and open to the whole family. We’ll have treats, hot dogs, prizes and fun for … Read more
  • Camano Fire teams up with State Farm and NFPA to recognize Fire Prevention Week Oct. 6-12
    Camano Fire and local State Farm agent Leslie Tripp encourage all residents to check and test their smoke alarms this Fire Prevention Week. Here’s what you can do to keep your family safe: To support Fire Prevention Week, Leslie Tripp donated a toolkit of resources to Camano Fire, including activities and information for children and … Read more
  • Camano Fire bids farewell to Asst. Chief Craig Helgeland after 34 years
    By 1999, Camano Fire began to evolve away from the all-volunteer model. The district hired its first three full-time, paid, career firefighters – affectionately referred to by Craig as “the three caballeros.” They worked 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with volunteers supplementing the staffing and responding to calls that came in outside … Read more
  • Camano Fire sending 5 new hires to Fire Academy
    Aug. 29, 2024 Camano Fire will send five more new hires to the Snohomish County Fire Training Academy this September – along with one department firefighter who will serve as an academy company officer.  These new career firefighters were hired with funds from the voter-approved levy lid lift in 2023. Two are existing paramedics, one … Read more
  • Camano Fire to host National Night Out on Aug. 6
    June 10, 2024 National Night Out is coming back to Camano Island on Tuesday, Aug. 6, thanks to Camano Island Fire & Rescue, the Mabana Flames and the Camano Preparedness Group.
  • Now Hiring: Part-time Firefighter/EMTs
    Don’t miss your chance: Camano Fire has immediate openings for part-time Firefighter/EMTs. Still wrapping up fire academy or finishing your EMT course? Not a problem: We’ll hold a spot for you – so apply today to be a part-time Firefighter/EMT. Every current part-time firefighter gets an interview for full-time, career positions with the department. Many … Read more
  • Type 1 Burn Ban starts June 30, 2024
    June 24, 2024 The Island County Sheriff’s Office is setting a Type 1 burn ban for outdoor burning of natural debris in Island County beginning at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, June 30. Yes: You can still have small campfires in fire pits and use barbecues. No: You cannot burn yard debris or burn piles Call 911 … Read more
  • Camano Fire gets $170,000 grant from Stillaguamish Tribe
    May 23, 2024
  • Open Public Meeting Notices for May and June of 2024
    Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, Tuesday May 28th 4:30 PM Camano Island Fire & Rescue Board of Commissioners will hold a Regular Board Meeting Tuesday, May 28th at 4:30 PM at the Administration building, 811 N. Sunrise Blvd. Camano Island, WA. This meeting was previously scheduled as an optional workshop and has been changed to … Read more
  • Outdoor Burning FAQs
    April 30, 2024 Spring is often the time when our friends and neighbors burn their burn piles before summer burn bans are issued. What should you know about outdoor burning on Camano Island?
  • Celebrating ICOM during National Public Safety T
    April 15, 2024 Every year during the second full week of April, we take a moment to honor our public safety telecommunications professionals – AKA our public safety dispatchers. They’re the voice you hear when you call 911 and their dedicated service can often go unnoticed. That’s why this week is so important. The weeklong … Read more
  • Camano Fire offering two firefighter education classes June 29
    April 11, 2024 Retired Captain Mike Gagliano from Seattle Fire will offer two firefighter education classes on Camano Island on Saturday, June 29: The Art of Go no Go, and This House Rocks. This is a two-part seminar offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Madrona/Vista Fire Station, 273 NW Camano Drive. Register … Read more
  • 2023 Annual Report published
    April 10, 2023 Camano Fire has published its 2023 Annual Report online. The annual report is a chance to review the department’s performance in the past year, highlight important events, and share more information about plans for the coming year. You can find the PDF copy of the Annual Report on our website. Click the … Read more
  • Open Public Meeting Notice: Board of Commissioners Special Meeting Monday, April 8th 2024 at 3:30 PM
    Camano Island Fire Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Board Meeting Monday, April 8th, 2024 at 3:30 PM at the Admin building, 811 N. Sunrise Blvd, Camano Island. Special Meeting Topic: Governance Training This will be an in-person/virtual meeting for Board members and the public.  A link to the zoom meeting can be found … Read more
  • Spring update from Camano Fire
    March 25, 2024 Camano Fire is moving ahead with the commitments made to the community following the approval of the fire levy lid lift last November. Since then, the department has hired six new firefighters and one new paramedic. These new hires are a mix of experienced lateral hires, some part-time firefighters who have worked … Read more
  • Daylight Saving Time starts March 10
    March 6, 2024 Change your clocks and check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Daylight Saving Time goes into effect at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 10. It only takes a few minutes to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors each year when you set your clocks ahead. Make a game … Read more
  • Wife saves husband’s life with CPR
    Bystander CPR saves lives. Andrew Danielson is living proof. He was talking with his youngest son in the mud room of their house a year ago when he had a heart attack and collapsed, falling backward and splitting his head open.
  • Submit records requests using new online portal
    Jan. 24, 2024 Camano Fire has transitioned to a new online records request system. Residents can now easily submit requests for medical or public records using Camano Fire’s online portal: https://camanofire.nextrequest.com/  Click the “Make A Request” button to begin your request. Residents who are unable to use the internet or need assistance filing their request … Read more
  • Camano Fire welcomes 6 new career firefighters
    Six new career firefighters officially joined Camano Fire on Jan. 15. These new full-time personnel bring a diverse set of skills and experience to the department, with some joining as lateral hires and some joining as entry-level firefighters.
  • Extreme Cold Weather Shelter opens Jan. 12 at St. Aidan’s Church
    Jan. 12, 2024 St. Aidan’s Church on Camano Island will open as a cold weather shelter on Friday, Jan. 12, Saturday, Jan. 13., Sunday, Jan. 14, and MONDAY, Jan. 15. The shelter will open from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. each night. Guests must arrive before doors lock at 9 p.m. and must depart by … Read more
  • Holiday food drive a success
    Jan. 4, 2024 You amazed us with your generosity during this year’s annual food and gift card drive. We delivered a staggering 2,211 pounds of food, $1,765 in cash, and $500 in gift cards to the Stanwood-Camano food bank. Thank you for your support!
  • Post-Levy update from Chief Yengoyan
    Chief Yengoyan shared a brief update with the community about what’s next for the department in 2024.
  • Camano Fire’s annual Santa Run set for Dec. 11-14, 2023
    Santa and his elves are back for the 2023 Santa Run. Events kick off Monday, Dec. 11, and run through Thursday, Dec. 14. The run begins at 6 p.m. each night and wraps up around 7:30 p.m.
  • Holiday Food & Gift Card runs Nov. 1 – Dec. 31
    Nov. 1, 2023 Our annual holiday food and gift card drive begins Wednesday, Nov. 1, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 31. Last year, thanks to your generous donations, we provided 1,338 pounds of food, $565 in gift cards, and $836 of cash and checks to the Stanwood-Camano Food Bank. Bring your nonperishable food donations to … Read more
  • Open Public Meeting Notice: Camano Fire Board of Commissioners Board Workshop
    Open Public Meeting Notice: Camano Fire Board of Commissioners, Board Workshop Monday, October 23rd, 2023 at 4:30 PM Admin Building, 811 N. Sunrise Blvd, Camano Island. The Workshop topic is: Board Roles & Responsibilities This will be an in-person meeting for Board members and the public
  • Community invited to learn more about fire levy lid lift
    Proposition 1 will appear on the November 7, 2023, general election ballot Camano Island Fire & Rescue invites the community to learn more about the fire levy lid lift that will be on the November 7, 2023, general election ballot. The purpose of the lid lift is to hire paramedics and improve emergency response. Learn … Read more
  • Assessor’s Office discusses property tax exemptions: Oct. 9 meeting recap
    Oct. 11, 2023 Do you qualify for a property tax exemption? Kayla Quiroga from the Island County Assessor’s Office joined Chief Yengoyan at his most recent Chat with the Fire Chief event on Monday, Oct. 9, at the Camano Center to discuss the county’s property tax exemption program. Here’s a brief recap of the information … Read more
  • Halloween Party & Haunted House set for Oct. 31 at Vista/Madrona Station
    Oct. 3, 2023 Camano Fire’s popular annual Halloween Party & Haunted House is back! Join us from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the Vista/Madrona Station, 273 N. West Camano Drive. The event is free and open to the whole family. We’ll have treats, hot dogs, prizes and fun for everyone. Drop by … Read more
  • Notice of Open Public Hearing: Reading of the 2024 Camano Island Fire & Rescue Budget
    Notice of Open Public Hearing:  Reading of the 2024 Camano Island Fire & Rescue Budget Camano Island Fire and Rescue will hold the Reading of the 2024 Budget at the Regular Fire Commissioner’s meeting on Monday, November 13th, at 4:30 p.m. at the Administration office, 811 N. Sunrise Blvd, Camano Island.  Any questions, please call … Read more
  • Bequest means new helmets for our high school fire cadets
    Today was the first day of school for 22 fire cadets from Stanwood High School. Each cadet has a brand new, industry-standard helmet this year in memory of Camano resident Bette Phillips.
  • Commissioner Yadon stepping down from Board of Fire Commissioners
    Aug. 30, 2023 Fire Commissioner Kelly Yadon is stepping down from his position on the Camano Island Fire & Rescue Board of Commissioners effective Aug. 31, 2023, as he relocates away from Camano Island. Kelly has served on the Board since January 2022. “I’ve enjoyed working with Commissioner Yadon and value the experience and commitment … Read more
  • Letter to the Editor from Board Chair
    Aug. 29, 2023   Dear Editor, The Board of Fire Commissioners for Camano Island Fire & Rescue wants to thank community members for participating in recent meetings to learn more about the fire levy lid lift that will appear on the November general election ballot. Unlike other property taxes, 100 percent of the fire levy … Read more
  • Community meeting recap: Chief Yengoyan and Island County Emergency Management
    Chief Yengoyan wants to thank everyone for a fantastic turnout at today’s Lunch with the Fire Chief. More than 30 of you shared questions and feedback with Chief Yengoyan and Eric Brooks from Island County Emergency Management.
  • Additional staffing needed to meet growing demand for emergency services
    Medical emergencies account for majority of calls; fire levy lid lift would fund a second paramedic per shift Emergency medical service (EMS) accounts for 66 percent of all calls, but Camano Island Fire & Rescue has just one paramedic per shift to provide Advanced Life Support, which is the highest level of care a person … Read more
  • Camano Fire promotes three, welcomes new firefighter
    Last night Camano Fire promoted three members to officer positions and officially swore in its newest career firefighter.
  • Camano Fire to host National Night Out on Aug. 1
    National Night Out is coming back to Camano Island this August thanks to Camano Island Fire & Rescue, the Mabana Flames and the Camano Preparedness Group. Community members are invited to join first responders at the Vista/Madrona and Mabana stations from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1. “We had a huge turnout for National … Read more
  • Have Coffee with the Fire Chief on July 22
    July 10, 2023 Chief Yengoyan will be at the Camano Library on Saturday morning, July 22, for the next Coffee with the Fire Chief. The event runs from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the library meeting room, 848 N. Sunrise Boulevard. Coffee, water, and light refreshments will be provided. You don’t need an appointment and … Read more
  • Propane torch safety tips
    We respond to fires every summer caused by people using propane torches too close to flammable material. How can you prevent propane torch fires? Follow these simple steps:
  • Medic One Foundation grant funds purchase of video laryngoscopes
    Three new, high-definition video laryngoscopes are now standard equipment on Camano Fire ambulances thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Medic One Foundation.
  • Board of Fire Commissioners passes fire levy lid lift resolution
    Proposal will appear on the Nov. 7, 2023, general election ballot The Camano Island Fire & Rescue Board of Fire Commissioners passed a resolution to place a fire levy lid lift on the November 7, 2023, general election ballot at their June 12 meeting. The lid lift would fund additional personnel to respond to higher … Read more
  • Outdoor Burning FAQs
    If you think lives or property are at risk, call 9-1-1 Who do I call to report fires that create a nuisance or illegal burning? Call 9-1-1. The Island County Sheriff’s Office enforces all burning laws on Camano Island. Do I need a burn permit? Permits are REQUIRED for fires larger than 4 feet in … Read more
  • Board of Fire Commissioners to meet on fire levy lid lift resolution
    Community invited to learn more and provide comment The Camano Island Fire & Rescue Board of Fire Commissioners will meet Monday, June 12, to discuss a resolution to place a fire levy lid lift on the November 7, 2023, general election ballot. The community is encouraged to attend the meeting at 4:30 p.m. at the … Read more
  • Have Coffee with the Fire Chief on June 6
    May 18, 2023 Don’t miss our upcoming Coffee with the Fire Chief on Tuesday evening, June 6. Chief Yengoyan will be at the Elger Bay Food Mart, 1992 S Elger Bay Rd, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Coffee, water, and light refreshments will be provided. You don’t need an appointment and there’s no formal agenda … Read more
  • Camano Fire honored with award for best presence on Nextdoor
    May 11, 2023 Camano Fire prides itself on being a good neighbor – and its efforts were recognized last week by Government Social Media. Camano Fire was honored with a Golden Post Award for Best Nextdoor Presence. The award program honors outstanding use of social media by government agencies in the United States. According to … Read more
  • Camano Fire begins Coffee with the Fire Chief program on May 16
    April 27, 2023  Join Fire Chief Levon Yengoyan for coffee and conversation as part of Camano Fire’s new Coffee with the Fire Chief program. The first Coffee event is scheduled for 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, at the Vista/Madrona fire station – 273 N. West Camano Drive. Coffee, water, and light refreshments will … Read more
  • Celebrating ICOM during National Public Safety T
    April 10, 2023 Every year during the second week of April, we take a moment to honor our public safety telecommunications professionals – AKA our public safety dispatchers. This weeklong National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week celebration began in 1981 as a way to recognize everyone behind the scenes at 911. This year, we asked our … Read more
  • Window Fall Safety week: Keep kids safe around open windows
    April 5, 2023 Open windows let fresh air in, but children – especially toddlers – are at risk of injury from window falls. Since 2017, more than 130 children in Snohomish County have been injured in preventable window falls. Window screens are meant to pop out easily in case of fire. That means the weight … Read more
  • M102 vs. A105: What’s the difference?
  • Lithium-ion battery safety tips
    March 16 Lithium-ion batteries power a lot of our devices from phones to e-bikes. These batteries store a lot of energy in a small space. They can catch fire if they’re not stored and charged properly. The National Fire Protection Association shared a recent blog post with safety tips for e-bike and e-scooter users. The … Read more
  • Camano Island Fire & Rescue shares funding philosophy
    March 13, 2023 Fire chief: “We want our community to understand how we fund emergency services.” Camano Island Fire & Rescue provides fire and life safety services to 17,000 people over 46 square miles, operates under a balanced budget, and has passed all independent financial and accountability audits. The fire department responds to an average … Read more

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