Update on our COVID-19 response and post pandemic response and service lessons learned By Bob Jarman, Chair of Fire District #3 Timing is everything. More than one year ago, San Juan Island Fire and Rescue (SJIF&R) and San Juan Island EMS began working through recommendations from the citizens to join emergency services together into one  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders For being one of the smallest counties in Washington, San Juan County has a remarkably robust community healthcare network. Whether it be Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responders, or the clinics, hospital, and provider practices across the islands, a resilient and responsive group  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders On April 5th, following guidance from the Centers For Disease Control and the Washington State Department of Health, we asked islanders to cover their faces when in close proximity to people from outside their household. San Juan County residents listened and for  Continue Reading

Some of the news about COVID-19 is improving, but the latest update from the San Juan County Department of Health is still very cautious: Please understand that one small gathering around a campfire or one low key potluck with just a few friends can cause a major ripple of impacts through our communities. There’s no group of  Continue Reading

This week “COVID-19 Community Conversations” continues with three short videos that highlight efforts from organizations and people peoviding key services and crucial leadership in our community. You can find these videos on our YouTube channel at  San Juan County COVID-19 Response. Or click on the videos below: Norvin Collins, Chief of San Juan Island Fire  Continue Reading

As Washington State approaches the anticipated peak of COVID-19 medical surge cases, San Juan County urges everyone to take more aggressive precautions to protect their families and neighbors when coming to the islands from the mainland. “As cases multiply throughout the state, including Skagit, Island, and Whatcom Counties, islanders traveling back to the islands from  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders We had the opportunity to talk with the fourth San Juan County resident who tested positive and is currently recovering at home from COVID-19. The patient has worked as a firefighter/ EMT for 25 years and has called San Juan Island home  Continue Reading

FRIDAY HARBOR, WA – San Juan Island County Fire District #3 Commissioners joined the Town of Friday Harbor requesting postponement of the scheduled April 28, 2020 election asking voters to annex the Town into the Fire District. Fire District #3 Commissioners requested the postponement due to the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The scheduled  Continue Reading

FRIDAY HARBOR, WA – San Juan Island Fire and Rescue (SJIF&R) continues to adjust emergency operations and preparations needed during the global COVID-19 pandemic. “During the current health crisis emergency SJIF&R continues adapting our emergency response capabilities to meet the needs of our residents and responders,” said SJIF&R Chief Norvin Collins. Within less than 24-hours  Continue Reading

The San Juan County Auditor is seeking volunteers to write an argument against the annexation of the Town of Friday Harbor into San Juan Island Fire & Rescue.  The argument will appear in the Online Voters’ Guide for the upcoming April 2020 Special Election. Both the Town and SJI Fire & Rescue approved resolutions to  Continue Reading

The San Juan County/Town of Friday Harbor Department of Emergency Management is hosting a no-cost, 8 hour training for island businesses to learn more about how to prepare for emergencies and disruption to their business. When: Tuesday March 31st, 8:30am – 5:00pm Where: Friday Harbor (exact location is to be determined) To Register: CLICK HERE  Continue Reading

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer the Washington Basic Boater Education Course. Everyone wishing to learn or share their safe boating skills as well as review our local boating regulations is invited to attend. Upon successful completion of the course, attendees may submit a copy of their individual “Certificate of Accomplishment” with $10 to  Continue Reading

Friday Harbor, WA – Chances are you’ve had it happen to you a few times. First a siren in the distance, and cars start pulling over. You copy them. Soon you see the lights and strain to see what’s happening. It’s an ambulance. You turn to the person next to you and say, “Someone is  Continue Reading

San Juan Island Firefighters Participate in Challenging Fundraiser to Fight Leukemia and Lymphoma FRIDAY HARBOR, WA — On Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Friday Harbor Marketplace from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., four San Juan Island Fire and Rescue firefighters (SJIF&R) will be out in front of the store training and raising funds for the  Continue Reading

On January 25, 2020, SJI Emergency Medical Services (“SJIEMS”) gathered to celebrate the achievements and service of staff and its approximately sixty volunteer EMTs. Interim Chief Karl Kuetzing said “Our volunteers work really hard and enable us to perform far beyond what our budget would otherwise allow. Each volunteer deserves recognition. We try to highlight  Continue Reading

Recent intense rains caused widespread impacts across the islands due to erosion, runoff, and blocked culverts and drains. Those who experienced damage should be aware that there’s more heavy rain in the forecast starting later Tuesday through Friday. It is almost impossible to forecast the sort of high intensity rainfall that we saw a few  Continue Reading