Spokane County Fire District 13

How We Are Governed

The Fire District is overseen by a Board of Fire Commissioners made up of three elected officials. These Commissioners serve as the community’s representatives and are responsible for the governance, budget, and policy decisions of the District.

The authority and structure of the Board are established by Chapter 52.14 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Fire Commissioners are elected at-large and serve staggered six-year terms to ensure continuity and long-term leadership.

Board Meetings:   The Board of Fire Commissioners meets once a month at 1:00 PM on the third Thursday of each month.

All meetings are open to the public and are held at:  Station 1 – 9324 N Starr Rd, Newman Lake, WA 99025.

We welcome residents to attend and participate in these meetings to stay informed about District matters.

What is a Fire Commissioner? Fire Commissioners are elected by the public to govern the Fire District. Their primary responsibilities include:

§  Approving the annual budget.

§  Establishing and reviewing District policies.

§  Overseeing administrative and operational priorities.

§  Representing the Fire District in community and regional matters.

Commissioners are expected to attend all board meetings and to stay actively engaged in the operations and strategic direction of the District.

How to become a Fire Commissioner? To run for a Fire Commissioner position, candidates must:

§  Be a U.S. citizen.

§  Be a registered voter.

§  Reside within the boundaries of the Fire District.

Commissioner position elections are held every odd year. Prospective candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy with the Spokane county auditor by the beginning of May during the designated filing period. If more than two candidates file for the same seat, a primary election will be held in August, followed by a general election in November.