News

Effective Friday, July 17th, all campfires & recreational fires are prohibited

PEND OREILLE COUNTY BURNING CONTROLS IN EFFECT The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced a ban on campfires as of Friday, July 17th, on all lands protected from wildfire by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Pend Oreille County. Therefore, in accordance with Pend Oreille County Burning Control Ordinance 2011-3: “Whenever the Washington [...]

2026-07-16T22:33:55-07:00July 16th, 2026|Categories: News|Tags: , , , , |

Press Release – July 4th Incident, Chelan Hills Fire

South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue was busy over the weekend of the 4th. We responded to brush fires, structure fires, traffic accidents, and medical calls. A major incident in the afternoon on the 4th resulted in three severely injured patients which were initially transported by ground, two later flown out by LifeFlight. A separate incident [...]

SPOFR Welcomes Lt. Jeff Littlefield

Our next SPOFR career Lieutenant to introduce is Lt. Jeff Littlefield! Lt. Littlefield is a certified EMT and a respected training expert throughout the region. He brings more than two decades of experience serving in Idaho and Washington and has already made a positive impact by motivating our crews. He has also used his training connections [...]

2026-07-02T19:31:48-07:00July 2nd, 2026|Categories: News|Tags: , , |

Updated Pend Oreille County Burning Controls

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced a ban on all outdoor Rule Burns (Debris Burns) and burning without a DNR permit in all of Pend Oreille County effective at 12:01 a.m. July 3, 2026. Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds. Therefore, in accordance with Pend Oreille County Burning Control Ordinance 2011-3: “Whenever the Washington [...]

2026-07-01T22:50:34-07:00July 1st, 2026|Categories: News|Tags: , , , , |

SPOFR Welcomes Lt./Paramedic Marie Balak

Our first career Lieutenant/Paramedic to introduce is Marie Balak! Lt./Paramedic Marie Goltara Balak recently relocated to the area with her husband following his decorated career as a Navy aviator. A proud mother of a young son, Marie is excited to bring her incredibly diverse skill set to South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue. Marie has worked [...]

2026-07-01T22:17:22-07:00June 29th, 2026|Categories: News|Tags: , , , |

Meet SPOFR’s New Lieutenants: Leadership Ready to Serve

South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue is proud to welcome our newest Lieutenants following the successful completion of Lieutenant Orientation Week 2026. Please join us in welcoming Lieutenant Marie Balak, Lieutenant Jeff Littlefield, and Lieutenant Steven Bailey to their new leadership roles within the organization. They join Lieutenant Jeff Borrero, who was promoted last year and [...]

2026-06-11T11:55:07-07:00June 11th, 2026|Categories: News|Tags: , , , , |

Pend Oreille County Burning Controls In Effect

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that all outdoor Rule Burns (Debris Burns) in South/Mid Pend Oreille County are prohibited effective at 12:01 a.m. May 29, 2026. Burning with a DNR Permit is allowed subject to the conditions on the permit. Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds. There are currently no burning restrictions [...]

2026-05-28T17:17:25-07:00May 28th, 2026|Categories: News|Tags: , , , , |

DNR Burning Restrictions Go Into Effect Friday, May 29, 2026

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will announce outdoor burning restrictions effective May 29 at 0001 hours. No rule burning will be allowed in the Methow, Valley, Highlands, Foothills, and Upper Basin FDRAs on DNR jurisdiction lands. Campfires will only be allowed in approved designated campgrounds. Daily updates on burn restrictions are available at [...]

2026-05-27T15:16:38-07:00May 27th, 2026|Categories: News|Tags: , , , , |

Pend Oreille County Fire Danger Increased to Moderate in Foothills Region

The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the fire danger in Pend Oreille County's Foothill region increased to “Moderate”. Effective 5/22/26 at 0001 hours: If you have a written permit, burning is allowed subject to the conditions of your permit. Rule burns, not to exceed 10 feet in diameter, are allowed for forest debris [...]

2026-05-23T13:21:16-07:00May 22nd, 2026|Categories: News|Tags: , , , , |
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