09/04/2026
HISTORIC CONSOLIDATION APPROVED
September 1 marked a historic moment for Blaine County. The boards of the Ketchum Fire District and BC South Fire Protection District approved an agreement to consolidate the two districts and form Blaine County Fire & Rescue.
“This is a historic moment for Blaine County, and I am proud to have been selected to lead such an outstanding group of people,” said Blaine County Fire & Rescue Chief Crawley. “Our members deserve the credit for what the public is already seeing.”
Since July 1, personnel from Ketchum, Hailey and BC South have been operating together under a joint powers agreement. Through joint operations, shared staffing and cross-training, our members have demonstrated what consolidation looks like in the field while maintaining a consistent standard of professionalism.
Under Idaho law, the consolidation will become effective 30 days after the boards’ approval unless a petition objecting to the consolidation is filed during that period. The petition must be signed by at least 25 percent of the qualified electors of either fire protection district. If a qualifying petition is filed, the consolidation will be decided through a public election.
Hailey voters are also expected to consider a separate ballot measure in November that will determine whether the Hailey Fire Department formally joins Blaine County Fire & Rescue. Until then, Hailey personnel will continue operating alongside the other participating agencies under the joint powers agreement.
“This milestone is worth celebrating, but our work is not finished,” Chief Crawley said. “We will continue working together, serving professionally and earning the public’s trust.”
We are proud of how far we have come and look forward to continuing to serve our communities together.
