South Thurston Fire participates in the Washington State All Hazard Mobilization Plan as well as Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). These agreements allow us to provide assistance to other counties and states for wildfires and natural disasters. Every year, we average about 12 responses outside of Thurston county for assistance using either contract. South Thurston has responded to Oregon and California since 2017.
The district is compensated for the use of any equipment while deployed and is reimbursed wages for any career personnel that is deployed as well. The funds we receive from these responses are used for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades on the equipment used on deployment, as well as personal protective equipment and tool replacement.