The Point Roberts Fire Department was established in 1953 to provide reliable local fire suppression. In the past, donations funded the purchase of the necessary vehicles, equipment, and training to provide Point Roberts with a modern firefighting service. Today, the District is supported by a tax levy.
In 1957 the Point Roberts Fire Department became known as Whatcom County Fire District 5 and opened the Julius Fire Station as the first official Fire Station in Point Roberts. In 1972 several individuals active in the Department formed the Point Roberts Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated, to establish and operate the Firefighters bingo. The Firefighters Bingo generated thousands of dollars for the department, paying for a new engine in 1979 and purchasing the property at 2030 Benson Road, currently the Mather Fire Station and Thompson Hall.
Beginning in 1978 Whatcom County Fire District 5 began offering emergency medical services. Since then, the District has obtained two ambulances and offers Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at the Intermediate Life Support (ILS) and Paramedic levels when available, allowing for a more acute response with advanced medications and skill sets. The District is also supported by county medic units, Airlift Northwest, Ferndale Fire Department (WCFD7) and North Whatcom Fire Rescue (NWFRS) to assist in fire related emergencies as well as the care and transport of the most serious medical and trauma patients.
Today your Firefighters do a lot more than fight fires. Every Firefighter is trained to National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards in structural firefighting. They are also cross trained to different levels of medical response. Firefighters handle all types of fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents and other calls for service.
Your Firefighters also provide proactive services for the safety and well-being of the public. We start teaching fire safety in elementary school and continue through secondary education.
The District is dedicated to providing you the best possible service through public education, recruit training and continuing education in the emergency medical and fire disciplines.