June 24, 2025 – Lookingglass, Oregon

The Lookingglass Rural Fire District (LRFD) is honored to celebrate 61 years of committed emergency service to the community of Lookingglass and the surrounding rural areas. Since our founding on June 24, 1964, LRFD has embodied the spirit of volunteerism, resilience, and local pride. What began as a grassroots initiative in the face of tragedy has grown into a vital public safety agency protecting more than 3,500 residents.

Our Origin Story: Built by the Community

The roots of LRFD trace back to 1963 when a devastating house fire claimed a local home as neighbors stood helpless, without access to fire protection. This heartbreaking loss galvanized the community. In less than a year, residents banded together, fueled by urgency and unity, to form what would become the Lookingglass Rural Fire District.

With early support from the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) and Winston-Dillard Fire Department (now Central Douglas Fire & Rescue), the newly formed district acquired its first loaner fire engine. Local residents contributed labor, funds, and supplies, door-to-door, to bring the station to life. From these humble beginnings, a legacy of public service and volunteer strength was born.

Our Station’s Evolution

The original LRFD station was located inside the Lookingglass Grange Hall, where volunteers trained and launched responses. Not long after, a community-minded landowner donated the parcel at 7438 Lookingglass Rd, where our first independent station was constructed.

As our response area and needs grew, LRFD acquired the former Douglas County Road Maintenance Shop at 7173 Lookingglass Rd. This site continues to serve as our central station. Since acquiring the facility, it has been:

• Seismically retrofitted to meet earthquake safety standards
• Equipped with a natural gas-powered backup generator, funded through grants after the 2019 "Snowmageddon" storm

These upgrades have improved our resilience and readiness for emergencies.

From 20 Miles to 160 Square Miles

LRFD originally served a 20-mile radius from the heart of Lookingglass. Today, our coverage spans 160 square miles, thanks to mutual aid agreements and evolving service needs. Our primary and initial response areas now extend into neighboring communities, protecting over 3,500 residents.

Meet Our Team

LRFD currently operates with:

• 15 adult volunteers (ages 18 and up)
• 3 cadets (ages 14–17)

Our volunteers train rigorously in firefighting, EMS, rescue operations, and wildland response. Many hold advanced certifications, including:

• NFPA Firefighter I
• HazMat Operations
• Wildland Firefighter Type 2
• Rope Rescue Operations
• Vehicle Extrication Awareness & Operations

Cadet Program

Our Cadet Program allows youth (ages 14-17) to begin hands-on emergency services training. Participants receive classroom instruction, learn operational protocols, and can start earning certifications, all preparing them for full volunteer roles at age 18.

Fiscal Responsibility: Doing More with Less

One of LRFD’s proudest distinctions is how much we accomplish on a limited budget.

1. Property Tax Support

We operate on a permanent tax rate of $0.5077 per $1,000 of assessed property value—the lowest fire district rate in Douglas County. This generates approximately $80,000 annually and must cover:

• Training programs
• NFPA-compliant gear and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Vehicle and equipment maintenance
• Utilities, insurance, and facility upkeep

Neighboring District Tax Rates:

Fire DistrictRate   ($/1,000)  Notes

Lookingglass RFD - 0.5077  Static 

Camas Valley RFD - 0.6937 + 2.4606  Includes voter-approved levy

Tenmile RFD - 2.3189   Supports full-time staffing

Central Douglas (Winston)~15.84  Merged service area

Roseburg (DCFD #2)~3.1651  Urban service rate

Despite inflation, equipment wear, and modern challenges, our tax rate has not increased since 1964.

2. The Value and Risk of Volunteer Service

Our all-volunteer model saves the community over $400,000 each year. However, it comes with unique challenges:

• No full-time, scheduled staffing
• Potential for delayed response times
• Limited crew size depending on availability

Our volunteers balance emergency service with jobs, families, and everyday commitments. Their service is selfless, but not without limits.

3. Grant Funding: Essential, Not Guaranteed

We actively pursue grants to bridge our funding gap, including:

• SAFER Grant – funds our full-time Recruitment & Retention Officer
• VFA Grant – helps purchase wildland PPE and gear
• CWDG Grant – supports wildfire mitigation and hazard reduction

While these grants are crucial, they are not guaranteed. In their absence, our only option is to draw from limited reserve funds. If a major piece of apparatus fails without grant or reserve coverage, our response capacity could be compromised.

A Grateful Reflection: 61 Years Strong

As we reflect on more than six decades of service, we do so with deep gratitude and a clear vision for the future.

To our community: Thank you for your steadfast support, encouragement, and partnership over 61 years. Your belief in our mission makes our work possible.

To our neighboring fire districts: Thank you for your collaboration—whether on emergency calls, training nights, or routine station life. Your support strengthens us all. We look forward to continuing these bonds and building new ones across the region.

To our volunteers and cadets: Your commitment, sacrifice, and heart define LRFD. Your efforts are seen, valued, and appreciated.

How to Support LRFD

Interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more?

Check us out on facebook or nextdoor.com
Call the Station: (541) 679-5555
Duty Officer Cell: (541) 580-6130
Visit Us: 7173 Lookingglass Rd, Roseburg, OR 97471

Here’s to another year of service, growth, and partnership. Thank you for standing with us.

Lookingglass Rural Fire District
Serving with Pride Since 1964