To preserve public safety without imposing immediate new taxes, the recently established Josephine County Rural Fire Protection District has entered into a formal service agreement with Rural/Metro Fire Department, Inc., securing uninterrupted all-hazard fire protection for thousands of residents across the region.
The agreement, signed Monday July 7th, allows Rural Metro Fire—an entity that has long served the area on a subscription-based model—to continue delivering fire suppression, medical emergency response, and other essential services within the district’s boundaries. Those boundaries mirror the company’s historical coverage area, ensuring continuity for existing customers and clarity for newcomers.
At the heart of this development is a pragmatic solution to a complex problem: how to establish a rural fire protection district in Josephine County without a dedicated tax base. For now, fire protection will remain voluntary and subscription-based, allowing residents to opt in without the financial weight of a new property tax assessment—at least until voters decide otherwise.
“This agreement allows us to maintain the current level of fire and emergency services without placing additional financial burden on taxpayers,” said Mark Jones, President of the district’s Board of Directors. “Residents will notice no change in service and should continue subscribing with Rural Metro Fire as they have in the past.”
The new district’s formation follows years of discussion about how best to secure emergency services in areas of Josephine County where no public fire department exists. The county has historically relied on private entities like Rural Metro to provide fire protection outside city limits—a model that, while functional, has left some residents concerned about equity, funding, and long-term sustainability.
With the creation of the district and the signing of the new agreement, supporters believe they’ve found a middle path: preserving critical emergency coverage while also laying the groundwork for future public infrastructure.
Under the current structure, Rural Metro Fire will remain the contracted provider for all-hazard services, including structural fire response, wildland suppression, vehicle accidents, and basic life support medical services. Their staff of trained firefighters and emergency personnel will continue to respond to 911 calls within the district’s jurisdiction, backed by established equipment and regional dispatch coordination.
Meanwhile, the Josephine County Rural Fire Protection District Board is tasked with charting the district’s administrative and operational future. In its early stages, this includes developing an interim office, identifying staffing solutions, and outlining a strategy to support the district’s long-term needs. That path may eventually lead to the development of a formal tax-based model—subject to public vote—but for now, the board is focused on transparency, efficiency, and community engagement.
For residents currently subscribing—or considering subscribing—to Rural Metro Fire, the process remains unchanged. Households and businesses are encouraged to contact Rural Metro directly at (541) 474-1218 for subscription information, rates, and service details.
Public involvement remains a key part of the new district’s development. The Board has scheduled its next public meeting for July 14 at 10:00 a.m., to be held at the Parkway Fire Station, 800 E. Park Street, Grants Pass. Community members are encouraged to attend to ask questions, share feedback, or learn more about the district’s goals and structure.
The creation of the Josephine County Rural Fire Protection District marks a significant chapter in the region’s approach to rural emergency services. As wildfires, medical emergencies, and infrastructure challenges continue to rise across Southern Oregon, ensuring consistent, coordinated fire protection remains a priority. Through this partnership, county leaders hope to offer a service model that’s both financially sensible and community-driven—while ultimately leaving the final decision about funding in the hands of the voters.
As the district grows and evolves, its leadership remains focused on one clear mission: protecting lives and property in rural Josephine County with reliability, accountability, and a vision for the future.