Year in Review: North Whatcom Fire District

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) responded to 4,607 calls through November 2020. Almost 68 percent of those calls were for emergency medical assistance; 3 percent of the calls were for fires. The remaining 29 percent of calls were for false alarms, public assists and hazardous conditions.

Jason Van der Veen was promoted to fire chief on April 16. Chief Van der Veen has been with the district since 2007.

Fire commissioner Larry McPhail retired in July and Kimberly Calman-McMurray was appointed as the interim commissioner.

Four new career firefighters were hired and three new volunteers joined the district. Up to three career firefighters may be hired in December and will attend the North Bend Academy in January.

The administration staff moved to Northwest Station 72 located on Badger Road in August.

NWFR and the district 4 board of commissioners formed a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) committee and began meeting in August to explore the potential of creating an RFA encompassing both districts.

Due to Covid-19 and the current state guidelines, many of the community events that NWFR looks forward to participating, including parades, school fairs, memorials, Pumpkin Party, Hogs and Horses Car Show, and CPR classes were canceled. The hope is that many of these events will resume in 2021 once the virus is under control. NWFR was able to participate in the Community Assistance Thanksgiving Basket giveaway, multiple “drive-bys” celebrating birthdays and a “salute” to medical first responders in front of PeaceHealth Hospital in April.

NWFR would also like to thank the community for their continued support of fire and medical emergency services. NWFR would like to give special recognition to the dedicated volunteers that serve throughout the district. The district is grateful for your continued commitment and service.