Lookingglass Rural Fire District is proud to announce that, thanks to funding through the Oregon State Fire Marshal Staffing Grant, LRFD has begun staffing two paid volunteers on duty each day.

The staffing program officially began on June 26, 2026, with LRFD transitioning to an adjusted schedule of 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. beginning July 3, 2026. These hours were selected because they fall during peak fire activity periods and closely align with Douglas Forest Protective Association staffing schedules during fire season.

LRFD will also be upstaffing for the Fourth of July holiday to help provide additional readiness during a time of increased fire risk.

This staffing opportunity has already shown its value. On July 1, 2026, LRFD was dispatched to a reported structure fire. Because volunteers were staffed at the station, crews were able to respond quickly, arrive on scene, and knock the fire down in under 11 minutes from dispatch.

As a typically non-staffed volunteer station, it can normally take 6–10 minutes for volunteers to arrive at the station before an apparatus can respond. Having staffed volunteers on duty during peak hours improves response capability and strengthens LRFD’s ability to serve the Lookingglass community.

LRFD is extremely thankful to the Oregon State Fire Marshal for this staffing opportunity. We will continue to look for and pursue ways to improve emergency response, increase readiness, and better serve the community we are honored to protect.