Fire Department · Combination
Thurston County Fire Protection District 8
Olympia, WA · Thurston County
No active openings right now
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South Bay Fire District 8 protects the communities of Johnson Point, South Bay, Boston Harbor, and North Olympia in Thurston County, Washington. The district covers about 33 square miles and serves more than 12,000 residents, running over 1,000 calls per year.
Founded in April 1953 by a group of neighbors with 35 charter members and a borrowed 1939 Ford pickup, the department has grown into a combination agency of more than 60 volunteers and staff. On January 1, 2015, the neighboring North Olympia Thurston County Fire 7 merged into the district.
Operations run out of two staffed stations — the main Station 8-1 on Shincke Road NE and Station 8-3 in the Boston Harbor area — each housing a pumper, water tender, and rescue unit. The roster blends career leadership and firefighters with a strong volunteer responder and support corps.
South Bay Fire is a combination department that relies heavily on volunteers, and many of its career firefighters and lieutenants started as volunteers and advanced into full-time roles. The district maintains a Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator and actively welcomes new members, including volunteer responders and support-staff positions.
The website encourages prospective members to apply, but does not publish a formal firefighter hiring process, requirements, or salary online. Interested candidates should contact the district directly for current openings and application details.
Does South Bay Fire use volunteers?
Yes. The district is a combination department with more than 60 volunteers and staff, and it maintains a Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator who welcomes new volunteer responders and support-staff members.
Can volunteers become full-time firefighters here?
Yes. Many of the district's career firefighters and lieutenants began as volunteers and were later hired into full-time positions after advancing through the ranks.
How do I apply to join?
The department encourages interested candidates to apply and contact the district directly. Reach the main office at (360) 491-5320 or 3506 Shincke Road NE, Olympia, WA 98506.
How large is the department and what does it cover?
South Bay Fire operates two staffed stations covering about 33 square miles and more than 12,000 residents across Johnson Point, South Bay, Boston Harbor, and North Olympia, running over 1,000 calls a year.