West Thurston Regional Fire Authority is a dynamic and multifaceted department with a sprawling coverage area of 158 square miles, spanning approximately 22% of Thurston County’s 722-square-mile expanse. Comprising three former departments – District #1 (Rochester), founded in 1947, District #14 (Grand Mound), founded in 1964, and Littlerock Fire Rescue, founded in 1957 – West Thurston was born out of a shared vision and mission, officially merging in 2001 and solidifying its regional presence with another merger in 2009.
Employing a dedicated team of 31 full-time career members, West Thurston operates from three fully staffed stations and a battalion-only station. Stations 1-1 (Grand Mound), 1-2 (Littlerock), and 1-3 (Rochester) employ a cross-staffing model, empowering firefighters to adeptly select the appropriate apparatus, be it an aid unit, engine, brush, or tender, based on the specific nature of each emergency. This strategic approach ensures a versatile and effective response to the diverse array of incidents that West Thurston encounters.
Battalion 1-6, headquartered at Station 1-6 in Maytown, serves as a full-time command unit, overseeing large-scale incidents and rapid responses. This battalion plays a pivotal role in coordinating resources and strategies to address emergencies efficiently.
With an annual response to an average of 3,400 emergencies, West Thurston experiences a significant demand for its services, reflecting the district’s rapid population growth and ongoing development. Over the past decade, this surge in population and infrastructure has led to a 40% increase in emergencies, underscoring the critical role West Thurston plays in safeguarding the community.
As West Thurston continues to evolve, the department remains committed to its core mission of ensuring the safety and well-being of the community through proactive emergency response, community engagement, and a dedication to excellence in fire and rescue services.