Welcome to our NW HOTSPOT, where we will be spotlighting Fire Departments in the Northwest, nationally, and around the world, but first we want to introduce you to the ANACORTES FIRE DEPARTMENT in our home county of Skagit in Washington State. We will be publishing this new column on a weekly basis.

ABOUT THE CITY OF ANACORTES

The name Anacortes comes from the naming by Amos Brown asked his wife in 1876, to name the new area where they would lay down their roots. She would chose her first name “Ana” and her maiden name “Cortes” creating the name “Anacortes”.

ICONIC EVENTS

The City was founded in 1870 and has changed over the years with the fishing trade being the most iconic part of the area. It has always been a way of life for many, including those who became stars on the Iconic TV Show, DEADLIEST CATCH.

(R) Multiple Fire Departments train together to improve their skills and teach one another collectively. | Credit: MVFD.

This is where it has begun for many. In addition to fishing, there is a beautiful marina full of boats, hotels, a ferry system/dock, large park systems, museums, fun activities, and more. It is a great destination to visit.

COMMAND STAFF

  • Fire Chief: Bill Harris
  • Asst Fire Chiefs: Mannix McDonnell, Joe Burbank
  • Admin Asst: Sharon Swan

TOTAL PERSONNEL (2022 Data)

  • 3 Fire Captains
  • 6 Fire Lieutenants
  • 1 Community Medic
  • 16 Firefighters
  • 1 Part-time FF/EMT

FIRE STATIONS

The APD has three Fire Stations: 1, 2, and 3.

Station 1: 1016 13 Street, Anacortes.

This station has the largest resources in Anacortes, which is manned by two firefighters and a part-time firefighter staffing E2911, M14, R2917, UTV2918, B2901, L2915, M18, marine29, 29CP, B2902. They accounted for 57% of 2022’s City call volumes.

Station 2: 5209 Sunset Avenue, Anacortes.

The station is located at 5209 Sunset Avenue in Anacortes, which is staffed with an LT. and a Firefighter on Engines 2921 and 2922, as well as M16. They responded in 2022, to approximately 20% of the time to calls.

Station 3: 9029 Molly Lane, Anacortes.

All FD members are certified EMTs or Medics and provide ambulance transport services on Fidealgo Island, Guemes Island, and a portion of Western Skagit County from La Conner to Bayview. They are represented by the IAFF Local 1537.

TRAINING

They also train with area partner/mutual aid Fire Agencies, such as Burlington Firefighters (IAFF 4111) and Mount Vernon Firefighters on joint training opportunities. Additional non-Fire units, such as the Skagit Bay SAR team trained during a night ops event.

(L) Credit: Skagit Bay SAR

EXPERIENCE MATTERS

Members are highly skilled/experienced and respond to MVAs, wildland fires, HAZMAT, rope rescues, confined space incidents, and water/marine events. Additionally, they also help their community by providing water leaks, lift assists, replacement smoke detector batteries, and whenever they are needed.

ACHIEVEMENTS

In 2022, AFD purchased a new Ladder truck will they are expecting to take possession in 2024. They have a partnership with Island Hospital to fund 50% of their Community Paramedic Program. Other tools they have are a small rescue boat.

POPULATION GROWTH

Based on 2022 numbers, they had 10 years’ worth of growth, which reflected an increase in the population of 12%. In 2012, they had a population of 2,694 and have grown to a whopping 4,317 in a short decade.

CALL VOLUMES

As most Fire Departments we have researched, it appears most services are EMS based (generally 70-80%) and the other calls are for Fires, HAZMATs, Service calls, or false alarms.

2022 AGENCY REPORT

To read up on more great news from this department, you can also review the same 2022 report we gleaned some of these facts from. https://www.cityofanacortes.org/DocumentCenter/View/24082/2022-Annual-Report-Final?bidId=

Stay tuned for more great Fire News on this Department in Year 2023!

(c) 2023 NW Fire Blog – Published July 16, 2023 – 1920 hours PT