About

Exists to make a positive difference in our community.

The Marion County Fire District No. 1 has a rich history. Like most fire departments, it started on the backs of dedicated citizens that found a need to protect their families, friends, and businesses from fire. It began as a single all volunteer station (Four Corners Fire Department) in 1939. That one volunteer station merged with the Brooks Rural Fire District in 1968, creating Marion County Fire District No. 1. Since that time, it has grown to include stations at Four Corners, Middle Grove, Pratum, Macleay, Brooks, Clear Lake, Labish Center, and the Chemeketa Fire Station.
A group of nine firefighters, wearing helmets and gear, pose on and around a fire truck labeled "E715." They are outdoors with overcast skies. Eight are standing or sitting on the truck, while one is seated in front. A training tower is in the background.

The Marion County Fire District is an organization which is known and trusted by our community, respected by our peers and united in the accomplishment of our mission.

MCFD No. 1 exists to make a positive difference in our community.

We accomplish this by:

  1. Rapid Response
  2. Taking Appropriate Action
  3. Producing a Beneficial Result

Marion County Fire District No. 1 Beginning

What began as a single volunteer station (Four Corners Fire Department) in 1939 has grown to include eight stations and employs 60+ career personnel with a volunteer force of 60 to 75. The District has a response area of 80+ square miles, a growing population of 50,000+ residents, and an annual call volume of over 10,000 responses.

The Marion County Fire District No. 1 is not part of the city or the county but instead is a “special service district” that provides fire and emergency service to residents in unincorporated Marion County. The fire district is run by an elected volunteer board comprised of residents of the fire district.

Marion County Fire District No. 1 Today

Since the fire district’s inception, much of the once sparsely populated farmland area is now divided into sprawling housing complexes and businesses. An estimated 50,000 citizens live within Marion County Fire District No. 1’s boundaries. The rapid increase in population has forced the district to experience many growing pains. The challenges that it has faced include increased call volume, increased numbers of paid personnel, the need for newer and larger equipment, and higher demands for training. The district currently employs 47 personnel; however, like many departments, the backbone of the district remains the 75 or so dedicated volunteers who selflessly donate their time to protect their community. The district provides fire/rescue response from eight fire stations, handling over 6,300 calls each year.

The district has adopted a “paramilitary” command model that is headed by the Fire Chief and governed by an elected five-member Board of Directors. The district provides 24-hour advanced life support ambulance service to an area slightly larger than its fire protection boundaries, as well as a backup ambulance to surrounding areas. We currently offer three full-time paramedic advanced life support ambulances for the community.

Where Marion County Fire District No. 1 Serves

MCFD No. 1 provides emergency services to citizens in 88 square miles of unincorporated residential, commercial, and agricultural property bordering the cities of Salem Oregon, and Keizer Oregon.

Map showing fire district boundaries around Salem, Oregon. Different colored regions indicate various fire districts: Salem FD, Marion County No. 1 FD, Keizer FD, surrounded overlaid with fire station icons. Roads and towns are labeled.