Message from the Yamhill Fire Protection District Board of Directors

The Yamhill Fire Protection District Board of Directors would like to inform our community that the Flying M Substation has officially been dissolved following action taken at the June Board meeting.  Equipment will be moved on August 1, 2026.

The future of the substation had been under discussion for several months. During the May Board meeting, Directors voted to table the discussion while additional information was gathered and operational needs were reviewed. Following that review, the Board voted at its June meeting to officially dissolve the substation.

This decision was not made lightly. Over the past several years, the substation has faced significant challenges, including the financial impact of replacing two tent structures that collapsed due to severe weather. In addition, volunteer participation and response from the substation have remained limited, making it increasingly difficult to justify the continued investment of District resources at that location.

As part of the Board's responsibility to ensure the most effective use of taxpayer resources, operational trends were also considered. Several District vehicles currently see little to no regular use, and response models have evolved. The District is seeing fewer single-person responses, which is a positive trend for both firefighter safety and patient care.

The District has also transitioned to utilizing brush rigs and fire engines for many medical calls instead of Car 4. Responding with a staffed fire apparatus rather than a single SUV provides additional personnel, equipment, and capabilities, allowing firefighters to better serve patients and the community.

The Board remains committed to providing the highest level of service possible while responsibly managing District resources. Equipment and assets associated with the Flying M Substation will be evaluated and reassigned where they can best support emergency response throughout the District.

The Board would also like to extend its sincere appreciation to the Mitchell and Reber families for their generosity and support throughout the years the Flying M Substation was in operation. Their willingness to provide the use of their property played an important role in helping the District serve that area, and we are grateful for their partnership and commitment to our community.

Finally, we thank the volunteers who dedicated their time and service to the Flying M Substation over the years. Your commitment to protecting our community has been greatly appreciated and will always be recognized.

We understand this change may generate questions. Community members are welcome to attend any regularly scheduled Board meeting or contact the Yamhill Fire Protection District Board with any questions regarding this decision.