The legal authority behind your fire district.

Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District operates as an independent special district under Oregon law. The District’s primary enabling statute is Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 478 — Rural Fire Protection Districts.

This chapter establishes the legal framework for rural fire protection districts, including formation, governance, powers and duties, fire protection services, emergency medical services, and district finances.

Primary Governing Statute

View ORS Chapter 478 — Rural Fire Protection Districts

Key provisions include:

• ORS 478.010: Formation of rural fire protection districts.
• ORS 478.210: Board of Directors organization and terms.
• ORS 478.250: Board meetings and officers.
• ORS 478.260: Fire chief, fire department facilities, and emergency medical services.
• ORS 478.300: Agreements for services and authority concerning open burning and fire permits.
• ORS 478.410: Authority concerning taxation, borrowing, bonds, and fees.

General Special District Laws

The District is also subject to applicable provisions of ORS Chapter 198 — Special Districts Generally, including provisions concerning district organization, boundary changes, and adoption of ordinances.

View ORS Chapter 198 — Special Districts Generally

Official Legislative Source

The links above direct visitors to the Oregon Legislature’s official statutory publications. These statutes should be read together with applicable amendments and other state and federal laws governing district activities.

For questions about district governance or assistance accessing these materials, please contact:

Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District
541-922-3718