Welcome to Spokane County Fire District 8
Spokane County Fire District 8 provides a full range of services that include fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, education and investigation, and associated support and maintenance services to our 23,917 citizens in a 110 square mile area in south Spokane County.
SCFD8 members responded to 4,186 calls for service in 2021 from the District's four fire stations located in the Moran, Valleyford, Ponderosa, and Saltese areas. Each station is staffed twenty-four hours a day with a combination of career, part-time, and volunteer personnel.
Spokane County Fire District 8 operates under the State of Washington laws and codes governing fire departments by direction of a three-person Board of Fire Commissioners: Andy Rorie; Lee Boling, and Greg Hesse.
Can I Burn?
The type of natural vegetation you wish to burn and where you live determines whether or not you can burn and what rules apply. The only material that may be burned in Washington state is natural vegetation, and only under specific program requirements. Three types of outdoor burning are allowed: (1) residental yard and garden debris, (2) silvicultural (forest) debris, and (3) recreational fires. SCFD8, together with our partners at Spokane Regional Clear Air Agency, and Washington Department of Natural Resource, have created this informative Can I Burn video to help you determine if and what you may burn.
Spring 2022 Newsletter
This year, Spokane County Fire District 8 marks our 75th year of service to our community. In Chief Rash's message in the Spring 2022 edition of the Fire 8 Flyer you'll learn about events that have taken place recently, and we'll begin to look back at some of the many accomplishments of this past year.
Saturday, May 7th is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. We encourage everyone in our community to come together to take action and help reduce wildfire risks. If you would like to schedule a free defensible space assessment please give us a call at 509-926-6699, or email us at admin@scfd8.org.
If you haven't already done so, spring is a great time to order an address sign for your rural property. A clearly marked address helps first responders find your home day or night in the event of an emergency.
If you have questions or suggestions on how we can serve you better, please contact us!
Fall Prevention Tips
Spokane County Fire District 8 responds to numerous fall emergencies every year. Age, physical fitness, health, and medications can all contribute to an increased risk for falls. Being proactive and making a plan is key to successfully reducing a fall. You can significantly reduce your risk of a fall by staying fit, making sure your home environment is hazard free, and asking your physician to review your medications on a regular basis.
Maintain clear pathways in your home: Maintaining clear walkways in your home is critical in preventing trip hazards. Debris, rugs, boxes, and clutter can all contribute to hazardous areas.
Speak with your doctor: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss developing a fall prevention plan. Be prepared to discuss your fall concerns and how your medical illnesses, medications, and mobility limitations could contribute to an increase in falls. Understanding the side effects of medications can help decrease the potential for falls. Additionally, your doctor may want to change, alter or remove any medications contributing to an increase in falls.
Stay active after speaking with your doctor: Set goals to increase or maintain your physical fitness. Staying active, increasing your strength, and increasing your mobility can significantly reduce your chances of falling. Strength, balance, and mobility can lower your chances of injury if a fall does occur. If you have concerns or feel like you need assistance, speak with your doctor about physical therapy. Install grab bars and handrail.
Install grab bars and handrails: Set yourself up for success by installing grab bars and handrails in areas where falls are frequent. Having handrails on both sides of stairs and ramps will assist with changes in elevation or slopes. Grab bars near the toilet or bed can assist with standing from the sitting position. Grab bars are also helpful in and around showers to help with balance and stability.
Utilize assistive equipment: Walkers or canes can help increase your stability inside and outside the home. These tools can significantly reduce your chance of falling when your body is recovering from injury or illness.
For additional guidance and resources, please contact Spokane Regional Health District at www.srhd.org or at 509-324-1500.
