![Clark County Fire District 3 turns 75 this year and plans to celebrate this momentous milestone with community members at its Open Houses in 2023.](https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Large_Clark-County-Today-Clark-County-Fire-District-3-celebrates-75-years-providing-fire-and-life-safety-services.jpg)
The fire district serves 45,000 people in east Clark County, including the city of Battle Ground
BRUSH PRAIRIE — Clark County Fire District 3 turns 75 this year and plans to celebrate this momentous milestone with community members at its Open Houses in 2023.
“We have been providing fire and life safety services for 75 years – and we simply cannot do this important work without the support and partnership of our community,” Chief Scott Sorenson said. “Our story begins with community members coming together to volunteer time and resources to protect people and property and continues to this day through your tax dollar support. We are proud to share this birthday with you because you made it happen.”
The fire district’s daily operations are funded by a fire levy that is capped at $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Over time, the levy rate falls as property values rise to limit the fire district to roughly the same amount of revenue per year plus a 1 percent increase allowed by law. In 2022, the fire levy rate dropped to $1.34 per $1,000. The fire district serves 45,000 people in east Clark County, including the city of Battle Ground, and its career and volunteer firefighters respond to an average of 4,800 calls per year.
A brief look back at 75 years of service to the community
A group of farmers, store owners and truck drivers concerned about fire safety in the Hockinson community formed the Hockinson Volunteer Fire Department in 1947. The group built the community’s first fire apparatus to provide fire protection for the growing agricultural community. People donated fuel for the fire truck and fire apparatus was kept in barns and garages located strategically throughout the community.
In 1953, the state Legislature passed laws allowing for the formation of fire districts. Fire District 3 became the third fire district formed in Clark County with an operating budget of $2,000 per year (about $22,000 in today’s dollars). The newly formed Fire District 3 provided fire suppression and limited Emergency Medical Service (EMS) across about 80 square miles.
Fire trucks and apparatus were stored in Brush Prairie and in the first fire station located in the Kiive Building. The fire district bought its first new fire engine in 1964 and hired Don Breakey, its first full-time fire chief in 1973. Bill Miller, the first full-time paid firefighter, was also hired in 1973.
In 1975-76, Fire District 3 began responding to all EMS calls in north Clark County. In the late ’70s, early ’80s, the fire district began hiring additional career firefighters, including current Fire Chief Scott Sorenson in 1982.
Steve Wrightson was hired as fire chief in 1989. Station 31 in Hockinson becomes the first fire station to be staffed 24 hours a day. And in 1992 voters approved a $3.3 million bond to remodel stations, build new ones and purchase fire engines and equipment.
In 2016, Fire District 3 began serving the city of Battle Ground out of Station 35, which became the district’s busiest station. In 2020, voters approved the annexation of Battle Ground into the fire district. Today Clark County Fire District 3 has five fire stations, 57 full-time and 10 volunteer emergency personnel and serves 45,000 people across east Clark County.
Clark County Fire District 3 provides fire and life safety services to 45,000 people in east Clark County, including the city of Battle Ground. Fifty-seven full-time and 10 volunteer emergency personnel responded to 4,448 calls in 2021. Fire District 3 operates under a balanced budget and has a long history of passing its financial and accountability audits by the state. More information on Fire District 3 can be found on its website www.fire3.org.
Also read:
- Harvest Days in Battle Ground coming up July 19-21The Battle Ground Festivals Association is preparing for three days of celebration, including a car cruise on Friday night, a parade on Saturday, and fireworks on Saturday night at Harvest Days.
- Organizers looking for cars for Cruise to the Shoug show on Aug. 454-40 Brewing Co. is hosting Cruise to the Shoug on Aug. 4 as a fundraiser for the Camas-Washougal Community Chest, and organizers are looking for car owners to book their spots for the show.
- Trump picks Ohio’s J.D. Vance for vice presidentFormer President Donald Trump picked U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, to serve as his vice president should Trump beat President Joe Biden this November for another term in the White House.
- Children with disabilities make memories at the 24th annual Merwin Day of FishingOn Saturday (July 13), Pacific Power and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife joined together to host a memorable fishing event for children with disabilities at the Merwin Fish Hatchery near Woodland.
- Letter: For the public record and the Comprehensive PlanIn a July 12 letter to the Clark County Council, Clark County Citizens United President Susan Rasmussen shares that primary stakeholders were ignored in the Wetland and Habitat Ordinance Conservation Covenant.
- CASE DISMISSED: Classified documents case against Trump thrown out by judgeA federal judge in Florida dismissed the classified documents-related criminal case against former President Donald Trump on Monday, saying the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith violated the Constitution.
- Photos: Log show and parade at Territorial Days 2024 in AmboyTerritorial Days in Amboy never disappoints, and this weekend brought all kinds of activities in logging country, and Clark County Today had a photographer there to capture images from the annual parade and log show.