Fire Division
The Fire Division of the Sitka Fire Department consists of a Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, 6 career staff engineers, and approximately 15
active volunteer firefighters. An average response to a working fire is
between 10 and 15 firefighters (both volunteer and career). The
division employs a philosophy of fast, aggressive attacks while
maintaining the highest levels of safety. Engineers man the hall around
the clock, and when an alarm is received, they respond with
appropriate apparatus. Firefighters respond directly to the scene, as
they carry their issued bunking gear in their personal vehicles. Because
of this configuration, Sitka is able to have extremely quick response
times to all incidents.
Sitka Fire Department’s three structural response engines each contain
two 1 3/4” cross lays (150’ each), one fast attack 1 3/4” “trash” line
(50’), and one 2 1/2” attack line (150’). In addition to these attack lines,
each engine carries a complement of 2 1/2” and 4” supply line. Each
engine is configured for different responses and therefore may carry
different tools and appliances that are specific to their current
assignments. At a minimum, each engine carries six Scott SCBA’s
The fire division is divided into two companies. A volunteer Captain and
two volunteer Lieutenants manage the division under the direct
supervision of the Fire Chief. Drills are held the first and second
Wednesday of every month with additional specialized training
opportunities often available at least one Saturday or Sunday monthly.
Multi-agency trainings have also been held with agencies such as the
Alaska Department of Transportation, USCG and the U.S. Forest
Service. The division members attend classes, offered around the state,
put on by the State of Alaska Fire Training Services. In addition, the
division routinely takes advantage of other national training and
conference opportunities. Current certifications held by men and
women of the fire division include: Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Rapid
Intervention Technician (RIT), HazMat Technician, and Fire Instructor
I and II.
In 2004, the fire division responded to 268 calls and 238 in 2003. The
division offers services in structural and wild land fire suppression, fire
prevention, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response, and
confined space rescue. The fire division often assists the other three
divisions of the Sitka Fire Department, and is able to call on these
divisions for help when necessary. Most firefighters belong to multiple
divisions within the department, and as a result the Dive Team, Search
and Rescue (SAR), and EMS all have firefighters as members. This
provides valuable cross-training for our firefighters and aids in
teamwork and cooperation in multi-division incidents.
The fire division welcomes any persons interested in becoming a firefighter, and encourages them to stop by the Sitka Fire Department to pick up an application. No previous experience is necessary, as training is provided after becoming a member of the Sitka Fire Department.
Sitka Fire Department
209 Lake St. Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 747-3233