Polk County Fire District 1

Polk County Fire District No.1 is a combination Career and Volunteer Fire District comprised of four fire stations covering 185 square miles serving a population of approximately 28,000 people in Southeast Polk County and Western Marion County. Designated land uses are varied ranging from urban and suburban areas of Monmouth and Independence, to rural, farm and forestlands in surrounding unincorporated areas, along with a small area of western Marion County.  The cities of Monmouth (Pop. 11,583) and Independence (Pop. 10,170) form the heart of the District, with the communities of Buena Vista, Suver, Airlie, and Pedee forming the rural areas. Some of the major features of the District include Western Oregon University, Independence Airport, the Willamette River, small downtown areas, and city parks that host events. In recent years both cities experienced growth including multi-family, multi-story dwellings, new neighborhoods, a shopping center, and a 75 room hotel.

The Fire District is an Emergency Service delivery system providing Fire Suppression, Basic Prevention/Education, Fire Investigations/Inspections, Fire and EMS Training, and Advanced Life-Support Ambulance. During 2022, the District answered 3,611 calls for service including; 2,727 Medical/Rescue, 50 Fire, 2 Overpressure/Rupture, 55 Hazardous Condition, 359 Public Service, 334 Good Intent, and 84 False Alarms.