OVERVIEW OF THE DISTRICT
The District consists of a unique thirteen square mile area of the Central Oregon Coastline including the coastal communities of Siletz Keys, Salishan, Gleneden Beach, Lincoln Beach, Boiler Bay, Depoe Bay, Miroco, and Otter Rock.  The District includes rocky ocean cliffs along Oregon’s Highway 101, moderate density vacation and condominium complexes, residential and commercial construction, and rugged undeveloped terrain with only logging roads for access. 

Career staff provide fire protection, rescue, and emergency medical services from three stations; Depoe Bay (Station 21) at the District’s center, Gleneden Beach (Station 22) near the northern end of the District, and Otter Rock (Station 23) at the far southern end of the District. 

Currently, the District employs fifteen career staff, which include a Fire Chief, Division Chief, three Captains, three Engineers, 6 Firefighters, and an Administrative Assistant.  The District is extremely proud of the career staff who provide service to the District.  Their service, commitment, and courage are appreciated and respected by those we serve.

Population Changes

The coastal seasonal population shift and the District’s geography present major challenges. This huge population increase combined with the single main transportation route through a long and narrow coverage area creates a tremendous barrier to traffic.  Accessing the District’s customers during peak traffic times is the major concern of the District and a major reason why the District maintains three fire stations within a thirteen square mile response area.

While the District’s total permanent population is about 8,000, on any spring or summer weekend, tourists often increase the daytime population to ten times that number. 

Geography

The Pacific Ocean runs the length of the District’s western edge.  District personnel often work alongside Coast Guard personnel to provide rescue and recovery along the cliffs and beaches.  The southern end of the District is dominated by Cape Foul Weather.  There, Highway 101 passes over an exposed headland where unpredictable weather conditions combine with the only passing lane for several miles.  The result is a high volume of automobile accidents along that stretch of roadway.  Elsewhere in the District, Highway 101 curves through ocean front commercial and residential areas with a lot of pedestrian traffic.

There is critical infrastructure within the District, including Highway 101.  There are seven bridges within the District.  Any loss of these bridges, through natural or man-made disaster, would cripple transportation along the coast.  The closest major north-south highway corridor is Interstate 5, approximately 60 miles inland.  There are also several retail and marine fueling stations, power substations, and municipal water supplies within the District’s immediate response area.

Funding

The majority of district funding comes from county property taxes.