October 21, 2025

GIG HARBOR (WA) – Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One recently requested that the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau (WSRB) re-evaluate the fire protection rating for the Station 57 (Crescent Valley) response area. Following recent staffing enhancements, WSRB issued an improved rating for the area effective September 8, 2025.

The change follows the temporary assignment of personnel to Station 57 while Station 51 is closed for demolition and reconstruction. As part of its review, WSRB also provided an updated map identifying the Crescent Valley response area and its current rating.

What Property Owners Should Know

Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One does not establish WSRB Protection Class ratings or determine homeowners insurance rates. The updated information and map provided on the District's website were supplied by WSRB for reference. Requests for official rating documentation should be directed to WSRB.

Property owners who would like to determine whether the updated rating affects their homeowners insurance are encouraged to:

• Contact their insurance provider and ask them to confirm the current WSRB Protection Class rating for their address.
• If outdated information is being used, ask their insurance provider to contact WSRB for the most current information.
• Contact WSRB directly with questions regarding ratings or official documentation.

Advocating for Accurate Ratings

Fire Chief Dennis Doan has continued to advocate for fair and accurate fire protection ratings for Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One and communities throughout the region. His efforts have included raising concerns about outdated data used in the rating process and advocating for greater oversight of WSRB.

Additional information about these efforts can be found in Gig Harbor Now's article, Letter to the Editor | Chief Doan fighting for fair insurance rates – Gig Harbor Now | A hyperlocal nonprofit newspaper in Gig Harbor

September 8, 2025

GIG HARBOR (WA) – Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One continues to make progress on projects funded by the 2022 voter-approved capital bond.  Beginning the week of September 8, 2025, Station 51 (6711 Kimball Drive) will temporarily close to allow for demolition and reconstruction.

The project is expected to take approximately 18-24 months to complete. The result will be a modern, two-story, 20,740 square-foot facility designed to meet the growing needs of the Gig Harbor community for decades to come.

Station 51: Then and Now
Built in 1979, the current Station 51 is a single-story, 12,000-square-foot building that has undergone only minor remodels over the years, the most recent in 2000.  The new Station 51 has been designed with future growth and safety in mind, featuring:

• Three large pull-through apparatus bays for both current and future apparatus deployment.
• Two smaller bays for command vehicles.
• A dedicated decontamination facility and proper storage for structural firefighting gear.
• Compliance with the new Washington State energy code, including solar panels.
• Updated technology throughout the station.
• Dormitory space with capacity for up to 11 personnel.
• A fire service-themed park plaza welcoming residents and visitors.
• A fire pole for quick access from the second floor to the apparatus bays.

Maintaining Service During Construction
During construction, resources will be strategically re-located to ensure continued emergency coverage across the fire district:

• Engine 51 will relocate to Station 53 at 906 Kamus Dr (Fox Island). The three-person crew will operate as Engine 53.
• Medic 51 will relocate to Station 52 at 2217 Pt. Fosdick Dr. The two-person crew will operate as Medic 52.
• Battalion 51 will relocate to Station 56 at 5210 144th St NW. The single-person crew will continue to operate as Battalion 51. 
• To facilitate better overall coverage for the fire district during the Station 51 temporary closure, Engine 56 will relocate from 5210 144th St NW to Station 57 at 10521 Crescent Valley Dr NW. This three-person crew will operate as Engine 57.

A Commitment to Public Safety
“This project represents a major investment in public safety,” said Fire Chief Dennis Doan. “The new Station 51 will provide improved facilities and resources for our crews and the community we serve.”