For many islanders, it is a long-standing tradition to come to UW Friday Harbor Labs (FHL) on the 4th of July to sit on the breakwater or bluffs to watch the fireworks in the harbor – it’s one of the best viewing sites!  So we are saddened to announce that this year, access to the FHL  Continue Reading

Here at San Juan Island EMS we have long had a robust public outreach and paramedicine program. During the COVID-19 outbreak it continues to be a priority, though how we do things has by necessity changed. The office is currently closed to the public, but you can call us at 360-378-5152. Some years ago, frustrated  Continue Reading

The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce is partnering again with the Town of Friday Harbor, Kings Market and the Port of Friday Harbor to sponsor the fireworks display for the 4th of July. We have made the determination that the 2020 Fourth of July fireworks display over the harbor adjacent to the Town of  Continue Reading

If you are suffering from the effects of domestic violence or sexual abuse, you are invited to take part in a women’s group which will lead you towards the love and care you desire for yourself and others. This 8 week course begins on June 23rd, 2020 and runs from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. The  Continue Reading

All permits issued for burning commercial or residential burns are expiring as the burn season has come to a close. Campfires, burning charcoal or firewood, remain allowed in contained campfire bowls, stoves, or rings remain allowed in sizes up to 3 foot in diameter.  Please check burning rules frequently for burn risk notifications and burn  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders With roots dating back to the Civil War, Memorial Day is a time for our nation to remember and honor military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. In addition, Memorial Day weekend is the traditional kick-off to  Continue Reading

As you may have heard, asian hornets (a.k.a: Murder Hornets) have found their way to the United States and have been detected in Washington. They are an invasive species and will decimate honey bee hives. If you would like to help the State of Washington, here is a project you can do on your property  Continue Reading

We have all had to adapt to the COVID-19 virus. It has changed how we interact with each other. Here in San Juan County the American Red Cross maintains an active local unit. We want to let our fellow residents know that if any of you face displacement from your home because of a personal  Continue Reading

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office is seeing a rise in both online and mail fraud in recent months. With millions of Americans filing for unemployment, tax season extended and upon us, and stimulus checks coming in the mail those who prey upon unsuspecting citizens are taking advantage. We are currently seeing a rise in  Continue Reading

This week in a Special Board Meeting the hospital district, in a unanimous vote, suspended the integration of San Juan Island EMS and San Juan Island Fire and Rescue. This project was initiated in 2018 with a Citizen’s Advisory Group, making this action a significant change for the district.  All interagency discussion, planning, or steering  Continue Reading

San Juan Island Fire and Rescue’s (SJIF&R) Commission Chairman Jarman and commissioners are disappointed by the actions taken last night by Public Hospital District’s (PHD) to cease the creation of a single all hazard emergency services agency. The timing and actions of the PHD Board’s unilateral decision in the middle of a global health pandemic  Continue Reading

In the SJI Update Mailbag this afternoon there’s a letter from Richard Grout… Dear Editor: Tuesday evening the San Juan Public Hospital District (PHD) Commissioners took an action we should all applaud. They voted unanimously to withdraw the agreement concerning integration of the San Juan Island Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and Fire District #3 and  Continue Reading

Here’s a note from Brendan Cowan at SJ Dept. of Emergency Management… On Friday Governor Inslee extended his Stay at Home Order through at least May 31st. Below is a chart highlighting the basics of his phased plan for reopening. The devil is in the details of course, and the next few days will provide  Continue Reading

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