Fire Chief continues to meet with community about levy failure

Stop by your local fire station or attend a Coffee with the Chief and share your concerns

BRUSH PRAIRIE, WASH. — Fire Chief Scott Sorenson has been meeting with community members to learn why voters did not approve a fire levy lid lift in the August election. There are four more opportunities for community members to meet with the chief and share their concerns. The lid lift would have funded additional personnel to respond to higher call volumes and reduce response times.

“We heard voters, and as a result, we need to plan a path forward,” Fire Chief Sorenson said. “We have always delivered projects we promised on time and on budget. This vote was a surprise to us. I welcome the opportunity to meet with residents and learn more about their concerns with our latest funding request.”

Fire Chief Sorenson will be available Tuesdays at the following stations in-person at 9 a.m. and at 7 p.m. He will also be available each date at 11 a.m. via Zoom. (Find the Zoom link at http://www.fire3.org)

  • Oct. 17 at Station 34, 24812 NE Rawson Rd. in Brush Prairie
  • Oct. 24 at Station 35, 505 SW First St. in Battle Ground

He will also be available by appointment or at a Coffee with the Chief on the following dates:

  • Monday, November 6, at 11 a.m. at Founder’s Mercantile and Coffee, 317 E. Main St.
  • Monday, December 4, at 11 a.m. at Devs Coffee Bar Battle Ground, 316 E. Main St.

In August, Clark County Fire District 3 asked voters for a fire levy lid lift to improve the safety of the community and its firefighters. The fire district responded to 4,917 calls in 2022 – of which 73 percent were for emergency medical services (EMS). Higher call volumes are leading to longer response times.

The levy lid lift would have hired additional personnel to have three-person engine companies respond and meet industry best safety practices for residents. The current staffing model of two-person engine companies prevents firefighters from entering buildings to begin rescue operations unless another engine company is on scene. This delays response times in critical emergencies.

The lid lift would have also funded station improvements to allow for quicker response times in the Rawson Road/Elkhorn/Summer Hill areas, replace aging apparatus, and fund technical training for firefighters. Currently, Fire District 3 relies on mutual aid for special rescue services which takes longer to arrive.

The levy lid lift failure may result in reduced staffing. Other cuts may include not replacing apparatus and medical equipment and eliminating technical training for firefighters. These funding decisions are still being discussed by the Board of Fire Commissioners.

To schedule an appointment with Fire Chief Scott Sorenson, email scott@fire3.org or call 360-989-7375.

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Clark County Fire District 3 provides fire and life safety services to 46,000 people in east Clark County, including the city of Battle Ground. Fifty-seven full-time and 10 volunteer emergency personnel responded to 4,917 calls in 2022. 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.

Fire Chief visits fire stations to hear from community about levy failure

Stop by your local fire station or attend a Coffee with the Chief and share your concerns

BRUSH PRAIRIE, WASH. — Fire Chief Scott Sorenson wants to hear from community members and learn why voters did not approve a fire levy lid lift in the August election. The lid lift would have funded additional personnel to respond to higher call volumes and reduce response times.

“We heard voters, and as a result, we need to plan a path forward,” Fire Chief Sorenson said. “We have always delivered projects we promised on time and on budget. This vote was a surprise to us. I welcome the opportunity to meet with residents and learn more about their concerns with our latest funding request.”

Fire Chief Sorenson will be available Tuesdays at the following stations in-person at 9 a.m. and at 7 p.m. He will also be available each date at 11 a.m. via Zoom. (Find the Zoom link at www.fire3.org)

·       Sept. 26 at Station 31, 17718 NE 159th St. in Brush Prairie

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81023414222?pwd=V290TzJQQTBzVXJFTXBiUndkM05kQT09 Meeting ID: 810 2341 4222 Passcode: 770382

·       Oct. 3 at Station 32, 21503 NE 227th Ave. in Battle Ground

·       Oct. 10 at Station 33, 18209 NE 259th St. in Battle Ground

·       Oct. 17 at Station 34, 24812 NE Rawson Rd. in Brush Prairie

·       Oct. 24 at Station 35, 505 SW First St. in Battle Ground

He will also be available by appointment or at a Coffee with the Chief on the following dates:

·       Monday, October 2, at 11 a.m. at Blue Castle Coffee, 802 SE 14th Ave.

·       Monday, November 6, at 11 a.m. at Founder’s Mercantile and Coffee, 317 E. Main St.

·       Monday, December 4, at 11 a.m. at Devs Coffee Bar Battle Ground, 316 E. Main St.

In August, Clark County Fire District 3 asked voters for a fire levy lid lift to improve the safety of the community and its firefighters. The fire district responded to 4,917 calls in 2022 – of which 73 percent were for emergency medical services (EMS). Higher call volumes are leading to longer response times.

The levy lid lift would have hired additional personnel to have three-person engine companies respond and meet industry best safety practices for residents. The current staffing model of two-person engine companies prevents firefighters from entering buildings to begin rescue operations unless another engine company is on scene. This delays response times in critical emergencies.

The lid lift would have also funded station improvements to allow for quicker response times in the Rawson Road/Elkhorn/Summer Hill areas, replace aging apparatus, and fund technical training for firefighters. Currently, Fire District 3 relies on mutual aid for special rescue services which takes longer to arrive.

The levy lid lift failure may result in reduced staffing. Other cuts may include not replacing apparatus and medical equipment and eliminating technical training for firefighters. These funding decisions are still being discussed by the Board of Fire Commissioners.

“We need help and it’s hard for us to say that,” Chief Sorenson said. “However, I would be doing a disservice to our community and my position as fire chief if I didn’t.”

To schedule an appointment with Fire Chief Scott Sorenson, email scott@fire3.org or call 360-989-7375.

Window Safety

Parents and caregivers, balancing fresh air and safety is key, especially when it comes to our little adventurers. Safeguard your home ensuring all windows properly latch and are secure to prevent falling. Consider installing window opening control devices that are listed in accordance with ASTM F2090. While these are important to prevent falls, in the event of a fire, an escape through a window could also save a life. Teach your children about window safety as they grow, while also establishing an emergency escape plan that may include a window as an exit. Practice unlatching windows or removing stops/guards that are designated as secondary emergency exits on upper floors.  A few additional tips to prevent window falls:

  • When young children are around, keep windows closed and secured to prevent falls  
  • Always supervise children and keep areas around windows free of furniture that may enable climbing.
  • Encourage play away from windows and balconies.
  • Window screens are meant for bugs – they won’t prevent a fall and may create a false sense of security

Please contact the Fire Marshal at 360-642-5086 if you have any questions regarding the proper placement and operation of window guards and latches.

Lighter and Match Safety

We all know that curiosity is a natural part of a child’s growth journey, and sometimes that curiosity might lead them to explore objects like lighters and matches. Here are some essential tips to keep your little ones safe around fire-related items.

  • Make sure lighters and matches are stored high up and out of your child’s sight and reach. A locked cabinet is a great option to prevent access.
  • Invest in childproofing tools to secure areas where you store lighters and matches.
  • Teach your kids about fire safety from a young age. Lighters and matches are not toys. Explain that these items are tools for adults only.

Lastly, teach your children what to do in case of a fire emergency. Help them understand that fire is not a toy, and knowing how to respond appropriately is crucial. Let’s keep those curious minds safe and sound.

Fire levy lid lift next steps

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the August 1, 2023, primary election. We are disappointed with the results, but we respect the decision of the voters. We will continue to provide the highest level of service within budget.

The next step is for staff to meet with the Board of Fire Commissioners to discuss how we plan to move forward. All board meetings are open to the public and we welcome your ideas and participation.

As always, we will continue to keep you updated here as decisions are made.

Fire District 3 is on the August primary ballot

Fire levy lid lift proposal would fund additional personnel to respond to growing demand for service

BRUSH PRAIRIE, WASH. — Clark County Fire District 3 is asking voters for a fire levy lid lift on the August 1, 2023, primary election ballot. The purpose of the lid lift is to improve the safety of the community and its firefighters. Ballots begin arriving in mailboxes July 14.


In 2022, Fire District 3 responded to 4,917 calls – of which 73 percent were for emergency medical service (EMS). The population has grown 26 percent in the last 10 years and this growth is driving higher call volumes.


“We don’t control growth, but we have to serve it,” Fire Chief Scott Sorenson said. “We require additional personnel to keep up with safety requirements to meet the emergency service needs of our community.”


The levy lid lift would hire additional personnel to respond to higher call volumes and meet industry best practices. The fire district would be able to fund three-person engine companies. The current staffing model of two-person engine companies prevents firefighters from entering buildings to begin rescue operations unless another engine company is on scene. This can delay response times.


The lid lift would also fund:

  • Renovation of Station 34 in the Rawson Road/Elkhorn/Summer Hill area to provide full-time 24-hour staffing to allow for quicker response times
  • Replacement of a fire engine, ambulance and other smaller equipment that have reached the end of their useful lives
  • Technical training (swift water, high angles, and ropes) to decrease the reliance on outside agency help and improve efficiency districtwide


The fire levy lid lift is $0.29 per $1,000 of assessed property value and will cost an additional $12.08 per month or $145 per year for the owner of a $500,000 home.


Ballots must be postmarked by August 1, 2023, or placed in a ballot box by 8 p.m. on Election Day to count.

Clark County Fire District 3 provides fire and life safety services to 46,000 people in east Clark County, including the city of Battle Ground. Fifty-seven full-time and 10 volunteer emergency personnel responded to 4,917 calls in 2022. 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 http://www.fire3.org.

View this press release in PDF form here:

Fire District 3 is on the August primary ballot – July 14, 2023

Fire levy lid lift on August primary election ballot


Community members invited to Q&A session and Open Houses to learn more

Clark County Fire District 3 invites the community to learn more about the fire levy lid lift that will be on the August 1, 2023, primary election ballot. The purpose of the lid lift is to improve the safety of the community and its firefighters.

Learn more at one of the following public events:

  • Wednesday, July 12, from 6-7 pm at Station 31, 17718 NE 159th St. (Q&A session)
  • Saturday, July 29, from 10-1 pm at Station 32, 21503 NE 227th Ave. (Open House)
  • Saturday, July 29, from 1-4 pm at Station 33, 18209 NE 259th St. (Open House)

Fire Chief Scott Sorenson will be available at each event to answer any questions.

The fire levy lid lift would hire additional personnel to respond to higher call volumes and meet industry best practices. The fire district would be able to fund three-person engine companies. The current staffing model of two-person companies prevents firefighters from entering buildings to begin rescue operations unless another engine company is on scene. This can delay emergency response times.

The lid lift would also fund:

  • Renovation of Station 34 in the Rawson Road/Elkhorn/Summer Hill area to provide full-time 24-hour staffing to allow for quicker response times
  • Replacement of a fire engine, ambulance and other smaller equipment that have reached the end of their serviceable lives
  • Technical training (swift water, high angles, and ropes) to decrease the reliance on outside agency help and improve efficiency districtwide

The fire levy lid lift is $0.29 per $1,000 of assessed property value and will cost an additional $12.08 per month or $145 per year for the owner of a $500,000 home.

“We fund all projects on time and within budget,” Chief Sorenson said. “We are proud of our track record of keeping our promises to taxpayers and I hope you will join us to learn more about this important ballot measure.”


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Clark County Fire District 3 provides fire and life safety services to 46,000 people in east Clark County, including the city of Battle Ground. Fifty-seven full-time and 10 volunteer emergency personnel responded to 4,917 calls in 2022. 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.

Celebrate Safely on the Fourth of July

Clark County Fire District 3 is prepared to respond to an increase in calls on the Fourth of July.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually. Sparklers account for roughly one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.

“We’re monitoring the weather closely for increased fire risk this time of year, especially in our suburban-wildland interface areas,” said Fire Marshal Chris Drone. “If you choose to celebrate the holiday with fireworks, please do so as safely as possible.”

For those that are lighting off consumer fireworks in areas where it is legal, please follow these tips to reduce fire risk and injury: 

  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks and older children should use them only under close adult supervision
  • Find an area to light of fireworks that is away from people, buildings, and flammable material
  • Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person, and don’t hold them in your hands
  • Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
  • Never ignite devices in a container
  • Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks, instead soak them thoroughly in water
  • Keep a charged hose and a bucket of water nearby
  • Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

Additional safety tips can be found on the fire district’s website at www.fire3.org. 

Fire District 3 does not make rules or regulations about fireworks, nor does it do any enforcement.  The county and city councils are responsible for making and enforcing laws. The fire district is responsible for putting out fires and responding to calls for emergency medical service. Please call 9-1-1 to dispatch emergency responders if you see a fire or a person is injured.

Celebrate Safely on the Fourth of July

BRUSH PRAIRIE, WA— Clark County Fire District 3 is prepared to respond to an increase in calls on the Fourth of July.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually. Sparklers account for roughly one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.

“We’re monitoring the weather closely for increased fire risk this time of year, especially in our suburban-wildland interface areas,” said Fire Marshal Chris Drone. “If you choose to celebrate the holiday with fireworks, please do so as safely as possible.”

For those that are lighting off consumer fireworks in areas where it is legal, please follow these tips to reduce fire risk and injury: 

  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks and older children should use them only under close adult supervision
  • Find an area to light of fireworks that is away from people, buildings, and flammable material
  • Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person, and don’t hold them in your hands
  • Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
  • Never ignite devices in a container
  • Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks, instead soak them thoroughly in water
  • Keep a charged hose and a bucket of water nearby
  • Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

Additional safety tips can be found on the fire district’s website at www.fire3.org. 

Fire District 3 does not make rules or regulations about fireworks, nor does it do any enforcement.  The county and city councils are responsible for making and enforcing laws. The fire district is responsible for putting out fires and responding to calls for emergency medical service. Please call 9-1-1 to dispatch emergency responders if you see a fire or a person is injured.