CLARKSTON, WA – On Friday, August 15, the Clarkston Professional Firefighters Local 2299 reminded the public that the department is operating with only three firefighters on duty.

The union noted that if two calls occur at the same time, the second response may be delayed until an off-duty firefighter can arrive to staff an apparatus with two firefighters or medical providers.

Since January 1, the Clarkston Fire Department has been at minimum staffing 15% of the time. Firefighters continue to call for additional staffing to improve safety for both the community and personnel.

They reiterated that while crews are ready to respond at all hours, limited staffing can impact how quickly multiple emergencies are addressed.