Applegate Fire District is located in the heart of the Applegate Valley, a scenic region in Southern Oregon renowned for its distinctive wine country and breathtaking natural landscapes. Nestled along the Applegate River, the valley is home to small, independent producers who craft wines that reflect the character of the land rather than follow commercial trends. This rural area is celebrated not only for its viticulture but also for its diverse terrain and rich agricultural heritage.
About Us
Our Mission/Vision
Our History
For over 40 years
A Long History
Since 1980, Applegate Fire District has proudly served and protected more than 10,000 residents and visitors across 181 square miles in rural Jackson and Josephine counties.
Our combination force of 14 full-time staff, one part-time professional, and a team of dedicated volunteers—stands ready at seven fire stations strategically located throughout the district.
From medical emergencies and structure or wildland fires to motor-vehicle accidents, rope and water rescues, and public assists, we’re here and on call 24/7.
We also partner with local schools and community groups to deliver hands-on fire-safety education and prevention programs.
How We Staff
Applegate Fire District operates with a combination of career staff, students, apprentices, and dedicated community volunteers.
- Station 53 in Ruch serves as our central hub and is staffed 24/7 to ensure consistent emergency response.
- Station 51, located in Applegate, is primarily staffed by students and apprentices. While these personnel are gaining valuable hands-on experience, the station may be unstaffed during school hours.
- Our remaining five stations are volunteer-based, with responders answering calls from their homes as needed.
During the work week, our administrative team provides critical support for incident response, supplemental staffing, fire prevention, apparatus maintenance, and overall district operations.
Governance & Budget
Applegate Fire District is organized as a Special District under ORS Chapter 478. It was originally formed as the Applegate Lions Volunteer Fire Department in May of 1980. The District is governed by an elected five-member Board of Directors that meet on the third Wednesday of every month at the Training Building in Ruch at 4:00 pm. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend meetings.
The District has a permanent tax rate of $1.6787 per $1,000 of assessed value. In addition, the District has a local option tax rate of $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed value, for a total tax rate of $2.9287 per $1,000 of assessed value. The local option tax is crucial for funding the District’s budget, particularly for staffing and equipment.
