SKFR Under Strain: 5 Critical Facts About South Kitsap Fire And Rescue’s Rising 2025 Call Volume
South Kitsap Fire and Rescue (SKFR), the primary emergency services provider for an estimated 80,925 citizens in Kitsap County, is currently navigating a period of unprecedented operational demand, a challenge underscored by continuously rising emergency call volumes in late 2025. This district, which operates without ongoing county, state, or federal funding, relies heavily on local voter-approved levies to sustain its critical fire and medical services. The strain on resources is a central focus for the Board of Fire Commissioners and Chief Officers as they manage the increasing need for emergency medical services (EMS), which now account for the vast majority of all responses.
The operational reality for SKFR crews is demanding: they are responding to approximately 33 emergency calls every day, a rate that far exceeds the less than 9,000 annual calls seen when the current daily staffing level of 19 was established over a decade ago. This significant operational gap highlights the district’s reliance on efficient resource management, community support, and innovative programs like the new Community Connect platform to maintain a commitment to excellence for the South Kitsap community.
South Kitsap Fire and Rescue: Leadership and Operational Profile (Late 2025)
South Kitsap Fire and Rescue, officially known as Kitsap County Fire Protection District No. 7, is governed by a board of five elected Fire Commissioners who oversee the district’s strategic direction, financial stability, and general operations. The day-to-day emergency operations and administration are managed by a dedicated team of Chief Officers and support staff.
Key Personnel and Governance
- Fire Chief: Jeff Faucett. Chief Faucett began his career in 1992 and joined SKFR in 1998, rising through the ranks to lead the district.
- Deputy Chief of Emergency Services: Goodwin. This position oversees the critical Emergency Services Section, which includes career firefighters, the volunteer firefighter program, and fire prevention.
- Executive Assistant: Collins.
- Emergency Services Assistant: Mooney.
- Board of Fire Commissioners (5 Elected Positions): The board is responsible for financial oversight and policy setting, ensuring the district meets the needs of its residents.
- Commissioner (Position 1): Gerry Preuss (appointed March 2006).
- Commissioner (Position 3): Mike Eslava (Incumbent in 2023 election).
- Other Commissioners: The board includes three additional elected officials, with Paul Golnik being a long-serving member.
District Scope and Funding Model
- Population Served: An estimated 80,925 residents.
- Funding Source: The vast majority of the annual budget is derived from two separate, voter-approved property tax levies: the Fire Levy and the EMS Levy. SKFR receives no sustained county, state, or federal funding.
- Operational Sections: The district is divided into the Emergency Services Section and the Administration Section, both working to fulfill the mission of providing prompt and professional emergency response.
The Crisis of Capacity: SKFR’s Rising Call Volume and EMS Dominance
The most pressing operational challenge facing South Kitsap Fire and Rescue in late 2025 is the dramatic and sustained increase in emergency call volume, particularly for medical incidents. This trend is not unique to the area but is amplified by the district’s fixed staffing levels and reliance on local funding.
The Call Volume Surge: Key Statistics
The district’s current operational tempo is straining resources, a situation clearly illustrated by a comparison of historical and current response data:
- Current Estimated Annual Calls: Crews are responding to approximately 33 calls per day, which projects to over 12,000 total emergency responses annually.
- Historical Baseline: The daily staffing of 19 emergency personnel was established back in 2013 when the district was running less than 9,000 calls per year. This represents an increase of over 33% in call volume since the staffing baseline was set.
- EMS Dominance: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls consistently account for the largest percentage of responses, currently ranging from 68% to 71% of all emergency incidents. This high volume of medical aid necessitates constant resource allocation, including the recent acquisition of a new ambulance thanks to a community home donation.
The combination of a growing population (80,925 citizens) and a high frequency of simultaneous emergency calls means that SKFR must utilize all available resources, including its dedicated Volunteer Firefighter Program, to meet the demand. The district’s financial strategy is critical; the voter-approved EMS Levy is essential for funding the personnel and equipment necessary to maintain ambulance transport and paramedic services.
Innovative Solutions and Community Engagement in 2025
In response to these operational pressures, South Kitsap Fire and Rescue has prioritized initiatives aimed at optimizing response efficiency and strengthening community resilience. These efforts focus on leveraging technology and proactive engagement to better serve the Port Orchard and surrounding areas.
The Community Connect Program
One of the most significant recent rollouts is the Community Connect program. This free, secure, and user-friendly online platform allows residents to provide crucial, pre-incident information about their households directly to first responders. The goal is to enhance safety and improve response outcomes.
- Critical Information Sharing: Residents can detail important facts such as the location of bedrooms, the presence of vulnerable individuals (e.g., those with mobility issues or medical conditions), the storage of hazardous materials (e.g., oxygen tanks), and contact information for emergency key holders.
- Enhanced Response: By having this data en route, SKFR firefighters and paramedics can make faster, more informed decisions, potentially saving critical seconds during an emergency.
- Proactive Safety: The program is part of a broader commitment to emergency preparedness and disaster planning within the South Kitsap region.
Joint Operations and Future Outlook
SKFR is also focused on collaborative operational strategies to maximize efficiency. The district has engaged in joint efforts with neighboring departments, such as Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue, particularly regarding the bulk purchasing of EMS supplies and apparatus. This interlocal agreement helps control costs and ensures the availability of essential emergency resources across Kitsap County.
Looking ahead to 2025, SKFR continues its tradition of community interaction through events like the Volunteer Firefighter Association Spaghetti Feed and the "Inside South Kitsap Fire and Rescue" open house, scheduled for August 2025. These events provide transparency, raise vital funds, and encourage public support for the district’s mission. The strategic focus remains on managing the financial impact of rising service demands while maintaining a high level of excellence in emergency services for every citizen.
How SKFR is Funded and Maintained
Understanding the financial structure of South Kitsap Fire and Rescue is key to grasping its operational constraints and successes. The district’s funding model is entirely localized, making community voting on levies a direct determinant of service levels.
The Two Tax Levies
Daily emergency operations are sustained by two primary property tax levies:
- Fire Levy: This funds the core firefighting services, apparatus maintenance, and fire prevention programs.
- EMS Levy: This is crucial for funding emergency medical services, including paramedic staffing, medical supplies, and ambulance operations.
The total levy rate is capped, and the district must carefully manage its budget within these constraints, a challenge amplified by continuous cost increases and the growing complexity of emergency calls. The 2022 resolution to place a fire levy lid lift on the ballot was a necessary measure to address the rising costs and increased service demands, demonstrating the constant financial pressure on the district. SKFR’s commitment to financial transparency is evident in its publicly available annual reports, operating budgets, and service level reports, which detail how taxpayer funds are utilized to protect the community.
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