Jackson County Fire District #6
Historical Data

     Evans Valley Fire District #6 is the result of nearly forty years of effort, building and evolution. The district was originally formed by community volunteers to provide fire protection in the rural Evans Valley. Neighbors purchased the first fire engine with donated funds. It was a 1936 Pirsch. The first volunteer Fire Chief for the valley was Bill Simmons. He was also involved in the formation of the district. Board meetings were held at the Alaskan Cafe, next to the covered bridge in Wimer.

     In 1963 the district was officially registered with the state and given the name "Evans Valley Rural Fire Protection District No. 4-206". Soon after, the first fire station was built on leased land from the Wimer Grange. This was another community project with mostly donated materials and labor. This station is still in use today to house our wildland engines. In 1964 the district purchased a 1953 Maxim engine. They now had two engines and would work at acquiring a water tender.

     By 1970 the district had developed enough to earn an ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating of 9b, which resulted in a significant savings to those who insured their homes from fire.

     In 1978 the District was given a new tax base by the voters. This allowed the District to hire a permanent Fire Chief and to begin work on improving its ISO rating. Scott Lochard was hired as the first permanent Fire Chief. By the end of 1979, the District had improved enough to earn an ISO class 8 rating. In 1981 a serial levy was approved to build a new fire station. Again in 1985, the people of the Evans Valley approved money and a new fire engine and remanufactured water tender were purchased.

     Today the fire district has two permanent employees, one seasonal employee, ten volunteer firefighters, and twelve support services volunteers. This district was formed and operated by volunteers and must continue to utilize these great people for the departments existence. The fire district is always actively looking for volunteers.

District Formation

     County Court of the State of Oregon Jackson County
     Evans Valley Rural Fire Protection District
     March 15, 1963

Initial Board Members

     John Goldt
     Harold L. Wilson
     Jack Hurley
     William H. Simmons
     Richard H. Taylor

     When the election held to form district 124 votes were cast in favor of formation and 16 votes were cast against such formation.

County Assessors Office

   Total Valuation of real property
      350,350.00
   Total Valuation of personal property
      42,350.00

Total Valuation of all property in the district

      $392,600.00
   About the price of a nice home in Wimer today