Our Services

Since the establishment of the Coupeville Volunteer Fire Department in 1928, fire and rescue services in Central Whidbey Island have changed considerably. Initially formed by community members as a defense against fire, we are now an all hazards service providing fire protection, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and rescue service. In addition, we have moved to establish prevention at the core of our service to the community.

Community Risk Reduction (CRR) involves both proactive prevention and education along with effective emergency response to reduce harm from fire, accidents, illness, and natural hazards. Table 1 illustrates CWIFR’s proactive and response services.

CWIFR Services

Proactive	Response
Fire and Medical Community Education Fire and Life Safety Inspections (Commercial) Home Fire Safety Surveys Wildfire Safety Surveys (New!) Address Sign Program Hydrant Inspection and Testing Pre-Incident Planning.	Fire Suppression (Structural and Vegetation) Emergency Medical Services (EMS)in partnership with Whidbey General Hospital EMS Technical Level Marine Rescue Operational Level Hazardous Materials Response Operational Level Technical Rescue (rescue from height, confined spaces, trenches, or collapsed buildings)

Many of the emergency service operations provided by CWIFR are done in partnership with other agencies.  CWIFR has automatic and mutual aid agreements in place with each fire agency on Whidbey Island in order to ensure the delivery of timely and effective emergency services. 

The department routinely interacts with the Island County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO), Whidbey General Emergency Medical Services (WGH EMS), and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).  Response to large scale disasters often begins with fire, rescue, & EMS services, but expands to include a wider range of resources.  During large scale emergencies such as landslides, CWIFR also works closely with the Island County Department of Emergency Management.