West Mason Fire Joins MasonEDC Membership!

Mason County, WA – August 25, 2026 – When people think of the fire service, they often picture firefighters responding to house fires. While that is certainly part of the job, West Mason Fire serves as much more than a fire district. Covering 92 square miles throughout the Shelton Valley, Skokomish Valley, the Skokomish Tribe, Dayton, Eells Hill, Mill 5 and surrounding communities, their team is committed to protecting lives, supporting neighboring districts, and preparing for whatever challenge comes next.

"There's not much we can't help you with," shared Fire Chief Matt Welander.

In addition to fire suppression, West Mason Fire provides emergency medical services, advanced life support at emergency scenes, wildland firefighting, technical rescue, and participates in Mason County's Special Operations Team. Their impact extends well beyond district boundaries, often responding to large wildfires and assisting neighboring jurisdictions whenever needed.

One of the things that makes West Mason Fire especially unique is its commitment to developing the next generation of firefighters. With only three paid staff members, and approximately 30 volunteers, the department works tirelessly to recruit, train, and mentor volunteers into successful careers throughout the fire service. Many former volunteers have gone on to careers with fire departments and private ambulance services across the region.

Behind every emergency response is a tremendous amount of preparation. Daily rig checks, equipment inspections, medical supply inventories, and ongoing training ensure crews are ready to respond at a moment's notice while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Partnerships also play a vital role in the department's success. West Mason Fire is currently collaborating with the Skokomish Tribe on efforts to secure funding for a new fire station while also working together on improvements to local water infrastructure that will strengthen fire protection. Longstanding partnerships with organizations like Green Diamond Resource Company have also helped expand resources and improve service for the communities they protect.

Like many rural fire districts, West Mason Fire faces challenges as Mason County continues to grow. Recruiting local volunteers has become increasingly difficult, and the department must balance future growth with maintaining the high level of service residents rely on today. Chief Welander also emphasized the importance of responsible economic development, noting that a healthy tax base and thriving local industry are essential to sustaining public safety services for years to come.

That shared vision is one of the reasons West Mason Fire joined MasonEDC.

"We want to have an impact," Welander explained. "We want to better understand development issues, connect with community stakeholders, and be part of conversations that strengthen Mason County."

Before wrapping up our conversation, we asked Chief Welander a few quick questions.

Favorite place in Mason County? His farm.

Favorite part of the job? Helping people.

One word that describes West Mason Fire? Omni.

And for anyone considering a career in the fire service, his advice is simple:

"Become courageously flexible. If you follow your training, you'll do some crazy things—and you'll be okay."

We are excited to welcome West Mason Fire as a MasonEDC member and look forward to working together to support a safe, resilient, and thriving Mason County.