EPHRATA — The Ephrata Fire Department has been awarded the title of "Volunteer Fire House of the Year" for 2025 by the Washington State Firefighters Association, significant recognition for the primarily volunteer-based team.  

“This award is very rewarding for me, our department, and our members,” said Fire Chief Jeremy Burns. “Our fire department relies heavily on volunteers—only two of us are career staff. Without their time, effort and commitment to our community, we wouldn’t be much.” 

This is the first time the department has won the award, according to Burns.  

The Ephrata Fire Department boasts a roster of 33 volunteer firefighters, many of whom juggle their service with full-time jobs in various fields, including two members who also serve in the National Guard.  

One of these volunteers played a crucial role in a recent mental health crisis intervention, helping safely negotiate an individual down from a grain silo after nearly three hours of communication. 

“Their commitment to community protection and service is commendable,” Burns said. “These individuals double volunteer their time for the defense of our communities and our nation. They truly are excellent individuals who show remarkable dedication.” 

The department has actively engaged with the Ephrata community through various events, Burns said, including the Sage and Sun Festival, Touch-a-Truck and Trunk or Treat events. The volunteers also conduct fire prevention programs for local schools, reaching preschool through fourth-grade students.  

According to the Washington State Firefighters Association's official statement, “Ephrata Fire Department Volunteers can be found consistently giving back to their community.” 

In addition to community engagement, the Ephrata Fire Department has shown remarkable growth in training and skill development.  

In 2024 alone, the department's volunteers successfully obtained 39 IFSAC certifications in areas including Firefighter 1 and 2, Hazardous Materials Awareness, and Driver Operator.  

Furthermore, Ephrata hosted two Fire Academies that included participation from local agencies, resulting in over 2,000 hours of fire and EMS training. 

“We have a great camaraderie among our volunteers. Their spirit and enthusiasm for helping our community are key to our success in recruiting and retaining members,” Burns said. 

Burns said its dedicated volunteers continue to demonstrate that passion and commitment can make a real difference in public safety and community building. 

“We have just a great group of people that are there for all the right reasons, and that's to serve their community and continue to build their skill set so they're better prepared for the next response,” Burns said.  

    This week at the Washington State Firefighters Association Conference the Ephrata Fire Department was awarded the “Volunteer Fire House of the Year.” Chief Jeremy Burns commended the volunteers that make the department run saying “without their time, effort and commitment to our community, we wouldn’t be much.”