
Military veteran and seasoned fire service professional takes the helm
BRUSH PRAIRIE — On Jan. 22, Clark County Fire District 3 marked a milestone as Chris Drone was sworn in as the new fire chief.
Drone succeeds Chief Scott Sorenson, who retired at the end of 2024 after many years of dedicated service. Drone, a key member of the District 3 team since 2017, brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to community safety.
Drone joined Fire District 3 as its first fire marshal, concentrating on fire prevention and injury reduction. Before his tenure at District 3, he served as a plans examiner and lead deputy fire marshal with the City of Vancouver.
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Drone holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Washington State University and two associate degrees. Additionally, he is a licensed fire protection engineer, holds multiple certifications, and is an active member of several professional organizations.
Fire Chief Drone shared his vision for the future of the department. “Thanks to the unwavering support of our community, I look forward to expanding District 3’s capabilities and ensuring we continue to provide high-quality emergency services,” he said. “It’s an honor to lead this exceptional organization, and I am eager to build on our foundation of service and safety.”
For more information about Fire District 3, visit www.fire3.org or contact the district at (360) 892-2331.
Clark County Fire District 3 provides fire and life safety services to over 46,000 people in east Clark County, including the City of Battle Ground. Fifty-seven full-time and 10 volunteer emergency personnel responded to 5,175 calls in 2023. 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 at www.fire3.org.
Also read:
- POLL: Why did voters reject all three tax proposals in the April 22 special election?Clark County voters rejected all three tax measures on the April 22 special election ballot, prompting questions about trust, affordability, and communication.
- Love of theater inspires owners of Love Street Playhouse in WoodlandLove Street Playhouse in Woodland, run by Melinda and Lou Pallotta, is bringing community together through live theater and love for the arts.
- Former Vancouver sports administrator, now working in Nevada, predicts big things for girls flag footballAlbert Alcantar, now in Las Vegas, says Washington’s new WIAA-sanctioned girls flag football program could mirror the success Nevada has already seen.
- Southwest Washington is becoming quite the attraction for fast food hamburger aficionadosSouthwest Washington is experiencing a burger boom, with Shake Shack open in Vancouver, Habit Burger opening soon, and In-N-Out under construction in Ridgefield
- GoFundMe spotlight: Victim of car crash to be bedridden for monthsJessica White was critically injured in a crash in east Vancouver and is now the focus of a GoFundMe campaign to help with living expenses.
- Clark County Fire District 3 chief to host community coffee hour May 1Fire Chief Chris Drone will host a community coffee hour May 1 in Battle Ground to answer questions and share updates about Clark County Fire District 3.
- 2025 Home & Garden Idea Fair to be held April 26-27Clark Public Utilities will host the 2025 Home & Garden Idea Fair April 26–27 at the Clark County Event Center in Ridgefield, featuring vendors, family fun, and one of the largest plant sales in the region.