Ryan Reese - WSCFF 1st District

08/13/2026

I had the fortunate opportunity to second the nomination of Tim Hoover as our next IAFF 7th District Vice President at the IAFF 58th Convention.

Tim has been a longtime friend, a trusted labor leader, and someone I have had the privilege of working alongside for many years. His commitment to our members and the labor movement has been demonstrated through decades of service, from leadership within his own Local, to his work with the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, and throughout the IAFF 7th District.

Those of us who know Tim know the kind of leader he is. He listens, he does the work, he understands the issues our Locals face, and most importantly, he never forgets who he represents. His experience, relationships, and work ethic have prepared him well for this next chapter of service to our members.

There is no question that Tim has some big shoes to fill. The 7th District has a proud history of strong leadership and advocacy. I am confident Tim has the tools, experience, and determination to build upon that foundation while putting his own mark on the position.

It was an honor to stand before our brothers and sisters and second his nomination, but it means even more to be able to call Tim a friend.

Congratulations to IAFF 7th District Vice President-Elect Tim Hoover. I look forward to seeing what you accomplish on behalf of the members and Locals of the Magnificent 7th!

International Association of Fire Fighters Washington State Council of Fire Fighters Ricky Walsh - IAFF 7th District

08/12/2026

This morning at the IAFF 58th Convention, delegates considered Resolution 54, “Support for Research into Occupational Neurodegenerative Disorders Among Fire Fighters.”

Brother Chris Miller of East County Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 2444, is attending his first IAFF Convention. Speaking before the delegates, Brother Miller shared his family’s long lineage in the fire service and his own experience after being diagnosed with dystonia ten years ago.

Brother Miller demonstrated what our union is all about: having a voice and ensuring that voice is heard, whether you come from one of the IAFF’s smallest locals or its largest.

Resolution 54 passed unanimously.

Well done, Brother Miller. Your courage honors those who came before you and helps lay the foundation for those who will follow.

Washington State Council of Fire Fighters International Association of Fire Fighters East Clark Professional Fire Fighters

06/28/2026

We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and fellow firefighters affected by the tragic loss of three wildland firefighters in the line of duty while responding to the Knowles and Gore Fires along the Colorado-Utah border.

We also keep the two injured firefighters in our thoughts as they recover from their injuries.

Every line-of-duty death is felt throughout the fire service. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and the USDA Forest Service as they mourn this unimaginable loss.

We honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of these firefighters.

Please keep their families, crews, and all those impacted in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is devastated to share that three wildland firefighters lost their lives on Saturday, June 27, as part of an interagency response to the Knowles and Gore fires along the Colorado-Utah border. Additionally, two crew members were injured in the line of duty and have been transported to a hospital.

Our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends, and fellow crewmates during this incredibly difficult time.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service stands united with the USDA Forest Service in grief and in our unwavering support for the loved ones left behind. Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Additional details will be shared as they are able to be released.

03/09/2026

Strong Mutual Aid Response in Kelso This Weekend

Several fire departments across the WSCFF 1st District responded this weekend to a working commercial fire at the Red Lion Hotel in Kelso, Washington.

Firefighters quickly arrived on scene, evacuated all hotel guests and employees, and began coordinated fire suppression efforts to bring the incident under control. Thanks to the swift actions and professionalism of the responding crews, no injuries have been reported.

Incidents like this highlight the courage, training, and teamwork that define the fire service. Commercial structure fires present complex challenges, and the successful outcome of this incident reflects the strength of the mutual aid system across Southwest Washington.

Agencies responding included:
Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue
Longview Fire Department
Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue
Columbia River Fire & Rescue
Cowlitz County Fire District 6 (Castle Rock)
Cowlitz County Fire District 5 (Kalama)
Lewis County Fire

Assisting agencies included Kelso Police Department, Cowlitz County Public Works, and Cowlitz County Public Utilities.

The response serves as a reminder that strong partnerships between departments save lives and protect communities. When firefighters from multiple jurisdictions train together and respond together, our communities are safer because of it.

We are grateful for the dedication of all responders who worked this incident and for the continued commitment to protecting the residents and visitors of the 1st District.

Thank you to all who responded.

03/04/2026

The WSCFF 1st District is proud to see the R.A. Long High School boys basketball team heading to the State Tournament.

Moments like this remind us how strong our communities are when everyone rallies behind their hometown teams. Great work by the Longview Fire Department and IAFF Local 828, helping send these athletes off and showing their support.

Best of luck to the Lumberjacks as they represent Longview on the state stage. Firefighters across the 1st District will be cheering you on.

Go get it done, Jacks!

02/09/2026

At 2:01 PM this afternoon, crews from Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue and Clark County Fire District 6 responded to a reported structure fire.

Units arrived to a working fire in a small outbuilding on the north side of the home. Thanks to a quick, coordinated attack, firefighters stopped the fire fast and prevented extension into the main residence. The fire was knocked down with no injuries reported.

While many families across the region were settling in to watch the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, the sisters and brothers of IAFF Local 452 and IAFF Local 3674 were on duty, protecting homes, protecting lives, and serving their community.

That’s the fire service.
That’s union firefighters.
The commitment never pauses.

Stay safe, enjoy the game, and Go Hawks!

— WSCFF 1st District

02/06/2026

Training is a labor issue. Safety is a labor issue. Time with our families is a labor issue.

For years, firefighters and EMS professionals in Southwest Washington have been forced to travel 100+ miles to complete required training. That means unpaid hours on the road, increased risk, higher costs to our agencies, and less time with our families and in the communities we serve.

This $1,000,000 investment to build a new fire service training facility in Lewis County is a real, tangible win for working firefighters and first responders. Keeping training closer to home improves safety, reduces burnout, strengthens regional cooperation, and ensures our members are better prepared to go home at the end of every shift.

This didn’t happen by accident. It happened because labor stayed engaged, built relationships, and made our voices heard.

The WSCFF 1st District believes in holding elected leaders accountable, and also recognizing them when they deliver for working people. We appreciate Marie Gluesenkamp Perez for listening to firefighters, understanding the realities of the job, and securing funding that directly supports public safety workers across Southwest Washington.

This is why unions matter.
This is why political engagement matters.
And this is why we fight, not just for wages and benefits, but for safety, training, and dignity on the job.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters – 1st District!

Today we pause to reflect on the strength of our fire service family, the communities we serve, and the unwavering commitment of our members across Washington State.

Whether you’re spending today around the table with loved ones or on shift protecting others, please know how grateful we are for your dedication, sacrifice, and service.

Wishing you and your families a safe, restful, and meaningful Thanksgiving.

Stay safe, stay connected, and thank you for all you do.

— Ryan

07/25/2024

Friends,

I need your support for Kevin Van De Wege, as he runs for the Commissioner of Public Lands, position!

Kevin Van De Wege has announced his run for Commissioner of Public Lands. With a strong background in environmental policy and a career in the fire service, Kevin is uniquely positioned to protect our natural resources and ensure community safety.

As a firefighter, Kevin has firsthand experience with the challenges of land management and fire prevention. His dedication to public service and understanding of sustainable land practices make him an ideal candidate for this role.

Let's support a candidate who combines environmental expertise with practical fire service experience. Together, we can ensure a safer, greener future for Washington's public lands.

As a Washington firefighter for over 25 years, Kevin is the ONLY candidate with the experience we need to prevent the spread of dangerous wildfires.

05/12/2024

Today, we celebrate the incredible women who hold the title of 'Mom.' Thank you for your unwavering love, guidance, and support. And to our firefighter moms, your bravery and selflessness in both family and service are unmatched. Happy Mother's Day!