Those close to the fire district have been talking for some time now about a range of challenges the department is facing, and Chief Charlie Krimmert says he plans to report on the status of many aspects of the department in the coming weeks.

His presentations, a series of white papers he will present at upcoming fire board meetings, will help determine the exact needs of the district. He noted there is attention now on the possibility of increasing taxes, but much work is necessary to determine what and if it is necessary.

“I need to do that in an informed, logical manner, and these white papers will get us there,” he said.

The papers will focus on a variety of areas, including the status of the district’s vehicles, buildings and funding.

“We are going to know exactly what we need,” he added.

Krimmert plans to roll the papers out as quickly as possible; he will formally introduce the concept to board members at the meeting on March 28 and begin the series on April 11.

He also plans to form an independent “opportunities and consequences” team to assist in the process.

“The team will further help us ensure that we are representing accurately the district today and its needs for tomorrow,” he said.

He noted that this year is the fire district’s 75th year serving Vashon and Maury Islands.

“With the community’s engagement, this series of white papers will help us make the necessary decisions to make us stronger when we celebrate our 85th anniversary,” he added.

The fire commissioners meet at 6:30 p.m. the second and last Tuesday of the month at Station 55 on Bank Road. The public is welcome.

— Susan Riemer