Sandpoint, WA – Selkirk Fire & Rescue is warning that budget constraints could force significant cuts next year — including the possibility of having only one firefighter on duty at a time in some parts of Bonner County.
In a statement released by Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong, the department says its preliminary budget for 2026 reflects “difficult decisions” that will need to be made to address ongoing financial challenges. The plan includes selling equipment, eliminating certain programs and, in the Northside District, considering layoffs.
The Westside District had hoped to hire more firefighters with money from Dover’s Urban Renewal Area fund, but Chief Armstrong says those funds fell short of expectations.
Armstrong warned that the budget crunch could leave both Northside and Westside districts with just a single firefighter on duty per shift next year. He also noted that relying on reserve funds or selling equipment to balance the budget is not a long-term solution.
“I’ve been handed a challenging situation, but we still have an obligation to serve the community with the resources we have,” Armstrong said in the statement. “I would like my staff to know I am doing everything I can to protect them, as well as the community.”
According to the statement, the three fire districts are exploring options such as joint staffing arrangements, “quick response vehicles,” and other shared resources to maintain service.
Public hearings on the preliminary budget are scheduled for later this month, and Armstrong says community input will play an important role in deciding how to move forward.
