Outer Island Brigades

The Outer Island Brigade Program brings emergency response capabilities to the remote islands in our district. Community members receive training in basic firefighting, remote medical skills, and much more, enabling them to provide critical initial response while awaiting arrival of additional resources.

Brigade members receiving patient movement training
Brigade members receiving patient movement training

About the Program

San Juan Island Fire & Rescue's Outer Island Division works with community members on remote islands within our district to develop small brigades equipped with response vehicles and equipment. We also welcome community members who provide support roles during incidents.

Since 2024, we've had over 100 community members sign up within the outer islands.

Brigade members learning to operate fire vehicles
Brigade members learning to operate fire vehicles

What Brigade Members Do

Brigade members respond to local incidents and provide initial stabilization until additional resources arrive. Incidents include but are not limited to:

  • Medical incidents
  • Wildfires
  • Structure and vehicle fires
  • Boating accidents

Depending on your interest and availability, you can participate in various ways:

  • Fire Suppression — Basic wildland firefighting techniques and equipment operation
  • Medical Support — First aid and initial medical care
  • Community Support — Assist during incidents without direct emergency response roles
Brigade members practicing wildland fire suppression techniques
Brigade members practicing wildland fire suppression techniques

Training Program

Training sessions are scheduled throughout the spring and summer season, giving community members the knowledge, skills, and ability to respond effectively and safely to local incidents. Training includes:

  • Two online FEMA courses on incident management
  • 6-8 half-day in-person modules held largely on outer islands
  • Advanced remote medical training available annually

Program Activities

  • Training outer island community brigade responders and support members
  • Community fire extinguisher training and defensible space education
  • Working with WA State Parks to mitigate beach fires
  • Defensible space assessments through the WA DNR Wildfire Ready Neighbors program

How to Join Your Community Brigade Program

The process to join SJIF&R as a community brigade member is straightforward:

  1. Submit an application — Complete the online form
  2. Once approved, and training has been completed, you're covered under SJIF&R insurance
  3. Each island brigade has a coordinator as the primary point of contact

Questions about the application process? Contact Training Officer Karl Kuetzing at kkuetzing@sjifire.org.

Islands We Serve

SJIF&R boat picking up a wildland fire crew from the outer islands
SJIF&R boat picking up a wildland fire crew from the outer islands

The Outer Island Division provides coverage to multiple islands within San Juan County Fire District 3, including:

  • Brown Island
  • Henry Island
  • Johns Island
  • Stuart Island
  • Pearl Island
  • Spieden Island

Interested in starting a brigade on your island? Contact us to discuss how we can work together.