reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.04 - Annexation. › 52.04.141 - Annexation of contiguous territory not in same county.

RCW 52.04.141
Annexation of contiguous territory not in same county.
Any attempted annexation in 1987 and thereafter by a fire protection district of contiguous territory, that is located in a county other than the county in which the fire protection district was located, is validated where the annexation would have occurred if the territory had been located in the same county as the fire protection district. The effective date of such annexations occurring in 1987 shall be February 1, 1988, for purposes of establishing the boundaries of taxing districts for purposes of imposing property taxes as provided in RCW 84.09.030.
Any reference to a county official of the county in which a fire protection district is located or proposed to be located shall be deemed to refer to the appropriate county official of each county in which the fire protection district is located or proposed to be located.
[ 1988 c 274 § 12.]
NOTES:
Purpose—Severability—1988 c 274: See notes following RCW 84.52.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.04 - Annexation. › 52.04.151 - Annexation of territory not in same county—District name.

RCW 52.04.151
Annexation of territory not in same county—District name.
Any fire protection district located in a single county that annexes territory in another county shall be identified by the name of each county in which the fire protection district is located, listed alphabetically, followed by a number that is the next highest number available for a fire protection district in the one of these counties that has the greatest number of fire protection districts.
[ 1989 c 63 § 12.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.04 - Annexation. › 52.04.161 - Newly incorporated city or town deemed annexed by district—Withdrawal.

RCW 52.04.161
Newly incorporated city or town deemed annexed by district—Withdrawal.
If the area of a newly incorporated city or town is located in one or more fire protection districts, the city or town is deemed to have been annexed by the fire protection district or districts effective immediately on the city's or town's official date of incorporation, unless the city or town council adopts a resolution during the interim transition period precluding the annexation of the newly incorporated city or town by the fire protection district or districts. The newly incorporated city or town shall remain annexed to the fire protection district or districts for the remainder of the year of the city's or town's official date of incorporation, or through the following year if such extension is approved by resolution adopted by the city or town council and by the board or boards of fire commissioners, and shall be withdrawn from the fire protection district or districts at the end of this period, unless a ballot proposition is adopted by the voters providing for annexation of the city or town to one fire protection district or providing for the fire protection district or districts to annex only that area of the city or town located within the district. Such election shall be held pursuant to RCW 52.04.071 where possible, provided that in annexations to more than one fire protection district, the qualified elector shall reside within the boundaries of the appropriate fire protection district or in that area of the city located within the district.
If the city or town is withdrawn from the fire protection district or districts, the maximum rate of the first property tax levy that is imposed by the city or town after the withdrawal is calculated as if the city or town never had been annexed by the fire protection district or districts.
[ 2003 c 253 § 1; 1993 c 262 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.04 - Annexation. › 52.04.171 - Annexation of property subject to excess levy—Repayment of voter-approved indebtedness.

RCW 52.04.171
Annexation of property subject to excess levy—Repayment of voter-approved indebtedness.
All property located within the boundaries of a city, or town annexing into a fire protection district, which property is subject to an excess levy by the city or town for the repayment of voter-approved indebtedness for fire protection related capital improvements incurred prior to the effective date of the annexation, is exempt from voter-approved excess property taxes levied by the annexing fire protection district for the repayment of indebtedness issued prior to the effective date of the annexation.
[ 2017 c 326 § 9; 2010 c 63 § 1.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2010 c 63: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 15, 2010]." [ 2010 c 63 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.06 - Merger. › 52.06.001 - Actions subject to review by boundary review board.

RCW 52.06.001
Actions subject to review by boundary review board.
Actions taken under chapter 52.06 RCW may be subject to potential review by a boundary review board under chapter 36.93 RCW.
[ 1989 c 84 § 43.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.06 - Merger. › 52.06.010 - Merger of districts authorized—Review—Definition.

RCW 52.06.010
Merger of districts authorized—Review—Definition.
(1) A fire protection district may merge with another fire protection district located within a reasonable proximity, on such terms and conditions as they agree upon, in the manner provided in this title. The fire protection districts may be located in different counties. The district desiring to merge with another district, or the district from which it is proposed that a portion of the district be merged with another district, shall be called the "merging district." The district into which the merger is to be made shall be called the "merger district." The merger of any districts under chapter 52.06 RCW is subject to potential review by the boundary review board or boards of the county in which the merging district, or the portion of the merging district that is proposed to be merged with another district, is located.
(2) For the purposes of this section, "reasonable proximity" means geographical areas near enough to each other so that governance, management, and services can be delivered effectively.
[ 2017 c 326 § 10; 1989 c 63 § 13; 1984 c 230 § 57; 1947 c 254 § 12; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-151a. Formerly RCW 52.24.010.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.06 - Merger. › 52.06.020 - Petition—Contents.

RCW 52.06.020
Petition—Contents.
To effect such a merger, a petition to merge shall be filed with the board of the merger district by the commissioners of the merging district. The commissioners of the merging district may sign and file the petition on their own initiative, and they shall file a petition when it is signed by ten percent of the registered voters resident in the merging district who voted in the last general municipal election and presented to the board of commissioners. The petition shall state the reasons for the merger, state the terms and conditions under which the merger is proposed, and request the merger.
[ 1990 c 259 § 13; 1984 c 230 § 58; 1947 c 254 § 13; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-151b. Formerly RCW 52.24.020.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.06 - Merger. › 52.06.030 - Action on petition—Special election.

RCW 52.06.030
Action on petition—Special election.
The board of the merger district may, by resolution, reject or approve the petition as presented, or it may modify the terms and conditions of the proposed merger, and shall transmit the petition, together with a copy of its resolution to the merging district.
If the petition is approved as presented or as modified, the board of the merging district shall send an elector-signed petition, if there is one, to the auditor or auditors of the county or counties in which the merging district is located, who shall within thirty days examine the signatures and certify to the sufficiency or insufficiency of the signatures. If the merging district is located in more than one county, the auditor of the county within which the largest portion of the merging district is located shall be the lead auditor. Each other auditor shall certify to the lead auditor the number of valid signatures and the number of registered voters of the merging district who reside in the county. The lead auditor shall certify as to the sufficiency or insufficiency of the signatures. No signatures may be withdrawn from the petition after the filing. A certificate of sufficiency shall be provided to the board of the merging district, which shall adopt a resolution requesting the county auditor or auditors to call a special election, as provided in RCW 29A.04.330, for the purpose of presenting the question of merging the districts to the voters of the merging district.
If there is no elector-signed petition, the merging district board shall adopt a resolution requesting the county auditor or auditors to call a special election in the merging district, as specified under RCW 29A.04.330, for the purpose of presenting the question of the merger to the electors.
[ 2015 c 53 § 74; 1989 c 63 § 14; 1984 c 230 § 59; 1947 c 254 § 14; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-151c. Formerly RCW 52.24.030.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.06 - Merger. › 52.06.050 - Vote required—Status after favorable vote.

RCW 52.06.050
Vote required—Status after favorable vote.
The board of the merging district shall notify the board of the merger district of the results of the election. If a majority of the votes cast at the election favor the merger, the respective district boards shall adopt concurrent resolutions, declaring the districts merged, under the name of the merger district. Thereupon the districts are merged into one district, under the name of the merger district; the merging district is dissolved without further proceedings; and the boundaries of the merger district are thereby extended to include all the area of the merging district. Thereafter the legal existence cannot be questioned by any person by reason of any defect in the proceedings had for the merger.
[ 1995 c 79 § 1; 1947 c 254 § 16; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-151e. Formerly RCW 52.24.050.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.06 - Merger. › 52.06.060 - Merger by petition.

RCW 52.06.060
Merger by petition.
If three-fifths of all the qualified electors in the merging district sign the petition to merge, no election on the question of the merger is necessary and the auditor, or lead auditor if the merging district is located in more than a single county, shall return the petition, together with a certificate of sufficiency to the board of the merging district. The boards of the respective districts shall then adopt resolutions declaring the districts merged in the same manner and to the same effect as if the merger had been authorized by an election.
[ 1989 c 63 § 15; 1984 c 230 § 61; 1947 c 254 § 17; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-151f. Formerly RCW 52.24.060.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.06 - Merger. › 52.06.070 - Obligations of merged districts.

RCW 52.06.070
Obligations of merged districts.
None of the obligations of the merged districts or of a local improvement district located in the merged districts may be affected by the merger and dissolution, and all land liable to be assessed to pay any of the indebtedness shall remain liable to the same extent as if the districts had not been merged and any assessments previously levied against the land shall remain unimpaired and shall be collected in the same manner as if the districts had not merged. The commissioners of the merged district shall have all the powers of the two districts to levy, assess, and cause to be collected all assessments against any land in both districts that may be necessary to pay for the indebtedness thereof, and until the assessments are collected and all indebtedness of the districts paid, separate funds shall be maintained for each district as were maintained before the merger: PROVIDED, That the board of the merged district may, with the consent of the creditors of the districts merged, cancel any or all assessments previously levied, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the merger, so that the lands in the respective districts bear their fair and proportionate share of the indebtedness.
[ 1984 c 230 § 62; 1947 c 254 § 18; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-151g. Formerly RCW 52.24.070.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.06 - Merger. › 52.06.080 - Delivery of property and funds.

RCW 52.06.080
Delivery of property and funds.
The commissioners of the merging district shall, upon completion of the merger, transfer, convey, and deliver to the merged district all property and funds of the merging district, together with all interest in and right to collect any assessments previously levied.
[ 1984 c 230 § 63; 1947 c 254 § 19; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-151h. Formerly RCW 52.24.080.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.06 - Merger. › 52.06.090 - Merger of part of district with a district within reasonable proximity.

RCW 52.06.090
Merger of part of district with a district within reasonable proximity.
A part of one district may be transferred and merged with a district located within reasonable proximity if the area can be better served by the merged district. To effect such a merger, a petition, signed by a majority of the commissioners of the merging district or signed by not less than fifteen percent of the qualified electors residing in the area to be merged, shall be filed with the commissioners of the merging district, if signed by electors, or with the commissioners of the merger district if signed by commissioners of the merging district. If the commissioners of the merging district approve the petition, the petition shall be presented to the commissioners of the merger district. If the commissioners of the merger district approve the petition, an election shall be called in the area to be merged.
In the event that either board of fire district commissioners does not approve the petition, the partial merger must not proceed.
A majority of the votes cast is necessary to approve the transfer.
[ 2018 c 28 § 2; 2014 c 25 § 1; 1989 c 63 § 16; 1984 c 230 § 64; 1965 ex.s. c 18 § 2; 1963 c 42 § 1; 1953 c 176 § 5. Formerly RCW 52.24.090.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.06 - Merger. › 52.06.100 - Merger of part of district with adjacent district—When election unnecessary.

RCW 52.06.100
Merger of part of district with adjacent district—When election unnecessary.
If the partial merger petition has been approved by the commissioners of the merging district and the merger district and if three-fifths of the qualified electors in the area to be merged sign a petition to merge the districts, no election on the question of the merger is necessary, in which case the auditor or lead auditor shall return the petition, together with a certificate of sufficiency, to the board of the merger district. The board of the merger district shall then adopt a resolution declaring the portion of the district merged in the same manner and to the same effect as if the same had been authorized by an election.
[ 2014 c 25 § 2; 1989 c 63 § 17; 1984 c 230 § 65; 1953 c 176 § 6. Formerly RCW 52.24.100.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.06 - Merger. › 52.06.110 - Transfer of employees.

RCW 52.06.110
Transfer of employees.
When any portion of a fire protection district merges with another fire protection district, any employee of the merging district who (1) was at the time of merger employed exclusively or principally in performing the powers, duties, and functions which are to be performed by the merger district (2) will, as a direct consequence of the merger, be separated from the employ of the merging district, and (3) can perform the duties and meet the minimum requirements of the position to be filled, then such employee may transfer employment to the merger district as provided in this section and RCW 52.06.120 and 52.06.130.
For purposes of this section and RCW 52.06.120 and 52.06.130, employee means an individual whose employment with a fire protection district has been terminated because the fire protection district merged with another fire protection district for purposes of fire protection.
[ 1986 c 254 § 13.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.06 - Merger. › 52.06.130 - Transfer of employees—Notice—Time limitation.

RCW 52.06.130
Transfer of employees—Notice—Time limitation.
If, as a result of merging of districts any employee is laid off who is eligible to transfer to the merger district under this section and RCW 52.06.110 and 52.06.120, the merging district shall notify the employee of the right to transfer and the employee shall have ninety days to transfer employment to the merger district.
[ 1986 c 254 § 15.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.06 - Merger. › 52.06.140 - Merger of districts located in different counties—District name.

RCW 52.06.140
Merger of districts located in different counties—District name.
A merger fire protection district located in a single county, that merged with a merging fire protection district located in another county or counties, shall be identified by the name of each county in which the fire protection district is located, listed alphabetically, followed by a number that is the next highest number available for a fire protection district in the one of these counties that has the greatest number of fire protection districts.
This section does not apply to partial mergers under RCW 52.06.090.
[ 2014 c 25 § 3; 1989 c 63 § 18.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.06 - Merger. › 52.06.150 - Merger of districts located in same county—District name.

RCW 52.06.150
Merger of districts located in same county—District name.
A fire protection district resulting from the merger of two or more fire protection districts located in the same county shall be identified by the name of the county and the number of the merger fire protection district. However, the fire protection district resulting from such a merger shall be identified by the number of the merging district or one of the merging districts if a resolution providing for this number change is adopted by the board of fire commissioners of the district resulting from the merger or if resolutions providing for this number change are adopted by each of the boards of fire commissioners of the districts proposed to be merged.
[ 1992 c 74 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.08 - Withdrawal. › 52.08.001 - Actions subject to review by boundary review board.

RCW 52.08.001
Actions subject to review by boundary review board.
Actions taken under chapter 52.08 RCW may be subject to potential review by a boundary review board under chapter 36.93 RCW.
[ 1989 c 84 § 44.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.08 - Withdrawal. › 52.08.011 - Withdrawal authorized.

RCW 52.08.011
Withdrawal authorized.
Territory within a fire protection district may be withdrawn from the district in the same manner provided by law for withdrawal of territory from water-sewer districts, as provided by chapter 57.28 RCW.
[ 1999 c 153 § 61; 1984 c 230 § 54; 1955 c 111 § 1. Formerly RCW 52.22.010.]
NOTES:
Part headings not law—1999 c 153: See note following RCW 57.04.050.
Withdrawal or reannexation of areas: RCW 52.04.056.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.08 - Withdrawal. › 52.08.021 - Withdrawal by incorporation of part of district.

RCW 52.08.021
Withdrawal by incorporation of part of district.
The incorporation of any previously unincorporated land lying within a fire protection district shall operate to automatically withdraw such lands from the fire protection district.
[ 1959 c 237 § 5; 1955 c 111 § 2. Formerly RCW 52.22.020.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.08 - Withdrawal. › 52.08.025 - City may not be included within district—Exceptions—Withdrawal of city.

RCW 52.08.025
City may not be included within district—Exceptions—Withdrawal of city.
Effective January 1, 1960, every city or town, or portion thereof, which is situated within the boundaries of a fire protection district shall become automatically removed from such fire protection district, and no fire protection district shall thereafter include any city or town, or portion thereof, within its boundaries except as provided for in RCW 52.02.020, 52.04.061, 52.04.071, 52.04.081, 52.04.101, and 52.04.161.
However, if the area which incorporates or is annexed includes all of a fire protection district, the fire protection district, for purposes of imposing regular property taxes, shall continue in existence: (1)(a) Until the first day of January in the year in which the initial property tax collections of the newly incorporated city or town will be made, if a resolution is adopted under RCW 52.04.161 precluding annexation of the city or town to the district; (b) until the city or town is withdrawn from the fire protection district, if no such resolution is adopted and no ballot proposition under RCW 52.04.161 is approved; or (c) indefinitely, if such a ballot proposition is approved; or (2) until the first day of January in the year the annexing city or town will collect its property taxes imposed on the newly annexed area. The members of the city or town council or commission shall act as the board of commissioners to impose, receive, and expend these property taxes.
[ 1993 c 262 § 2; 1986 c 234 § 35; 1985 c 7 § 119; 1979 ex.s. c 179 § 6; 1959 c 237 § 6. Formerly RCW 52.22.030.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.08 - Withdrawal. › 52.08.035 - City withdrawn to determine fire and emergency medical protection methods—Contracts—Joint operations—Sale, lease, etc., of property.

RCW 52.08.035
City withdrawn to determine fire and emergency medical protection methods—Contracts—Joint operations—Sale, lease, etc., of property.
A city or town encompassing territory withdrawn under chapter 52.08 RCW shall determine the most effective and feasible fire protection and emergency medical protection for the withdrawn territory, or any part thereof, and the legislative authority of the city or town and the commissioners of the fire protection district may, without limitation of any other powers provided by law:
(1) Enter into contracts to the same extent as fire protection districts and cities and towns may enter into contracts under authority of *RCW 52.12.031(3), and
(2) Sell, purchase, rent, lease, or exchange property of every nature.
[ 1984 c 230 § 55; 1959 c 237 § 8. Formerly RCW 52.22.040.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 52.12.031 was amended by 2019 c 402 § 1, changing subsection (3) to subsection (4).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.08 - Withdrawal. › 52.08.041 - Taxes and assessments unaffected.

RCW 52.08.041
Taxes and assessments unaffected.
The provisions of RCW 57.28.110 shall apply to territory withdrawn from a fire protection district under the provision of chapter 52.08 RCW.
[ 1985 c 7 § 120; 1959 c 237 § 7. Formerly RCW 52.22.050.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.08 - Withdrawal. › 52.08.051 - Commissioners residing in territory withdrawn—Vacancy created.

RCW 52.08.051
Commissioners residing in territory withdrawn—Vacancy created.
Fire protection district commissioners residing in territory withdrawn from a fire protection district shall be replaced in the manner provided for the filling of vacancies in RCW 52.14.050.
[ 1984 c 230 § 56; 1959 c 237 § 9. Formerly RCW 52.22.060.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.10 - Dissolution. › 52.10.001 - Actions subject to review by boundary review board.

RCW 52.10.001
Actions subject to review by boundary review board.
Actions taken under chapter 52.10 RCW may be subject to potential review by a boundary review board under chapter 36.93 RCW.
[ 1989 c 84 § 45.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.10 - Dissolution. › 52.10.010 - Dissolution—Election method.

RCW 52.10.010
Dissolution—Election method.
Fire protection districts may be dissolved by a majority vote of the registered electors of the district at an election conducted by the election officials of the county or counties in which the district is located in accordance with the general election laws of the state. The proceedings for dissolution may be initiated by the adoption of a resolution by the board of commissioners of the district calling for the dissolution. The dissolution of the district shall not cancel outstanding obligations of the district or of a local improvement district within the district, and the county legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties in which the district was located may make annual levies against the lands within the district until the obligations of the districts are paid. When the obligations are fully paid, all moneys in district funds and all collections of unpaid district taxes shall be transferred to the expense fund of the county. Where the fire protection district that was dissolved was located in more than one county, the amount of money transferred to the expense fund of each county shall be in direct proportion to the amount of assessed valuation of the fire protection district that was located in each county at the time of its dissolution.
[ 1989 c 63 § 19; 1984 c 230 § 15; 1939 c 34 § 46; RRS § 5654-146. Formerly RCW 52.04.155.]
NOTES:
Dissolution of special purpose districts: Chapters 36.96 and 53.48 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.011 - Status.

RCW 52.12.011
Status.
Fire protection districts created under this title are political subdivisions of the state and shall be held to be municipal corporations within the laws and Constitution of the state of Washington. A fire protection district shall constitute a body corporate and possess all the usual powers of a corporation for public purposes as well as all other powers that may now or hereafter be specifically conferred by law.
[ 1984 c 230 § 18; 1967 c 164 § 5; 1939 c 34 § 15; RRS § 5654-115. Formerly RCW 52.08.010.]
NOTES:
Purpose—Severability—1967 c 164: See notes following RCW 4.96.010.
Tortious conduct of political subdivisions, municipal corporations, and quasi municipal corporations, liability for damages: Chapter 4.96 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.021 - General powers.

RCW 52.12.021
General powers.
Fire protection districts have full authority to carry out their purposes and to that end may acquire, purchase, hold, lease, manage, occupy, and sell real and personal property, or any interest therein, to enter into and to perform any and all necessary contracts, to appoint and employ the necessary officers, agents, and employees, to sue and be sued, to exercise the right of eminent domain, to levy and enforce the collection of assessments and special taxes in the manner and subject to the limitations provided in this title against the lands within the district for district revenues, and to do any and all lawful acts required and expedient to carry out the purpose of this title.
[ 1984 c 230 § 19; 1939 c 34 § 16; RRS § 5654-116. Formerly RCW 52.08.020.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.036 - Community revitalization financing—Public improvements.

RCW 52.12.036
Community revitalization financing—Public improvements.
In addition to other authority that a fire protection district possesses, a fire protection district may provide any public improvement as defined under RCW 39.89.020, but this additional authority is limited to participating in the financing of the public improvements as provided under RCW 39.89.050.
This section does not limit the authority of a fire protection district to otherwise participate in the public improvements if that authority exists elsewhere.
[ 2001 c 212 § 17.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.041 - Eminent domain.

RCW 52.12.041
Eminent domain.
The taking and damaging of property or property rights by a fire protection district to carry out the purposes of its organization are declared to be for a public use. A district organized under this title may exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire property or property rights either inside or outside the district, for the use of the district. A district exercising the power of eminent domain shall proceed in the name of the district in the manner provided by law for the appropriation of real property or of real property rights by private corporations.
[ 1984 c 230 § 20; 1939 c 34 § 18; RRS § 5654-118. Formerly RCW 52.08.040.]
NOTES:
Eminent domain: State Constitution Art. 1 § 16 (Amendment 9); chapter 8.20 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.051 - Condemnation proceedings.

RCW 52.12.051
Condemnation proceedings.
A fire protection district may unite in a single action, proceedings to condemn property which is held by separate owners. Two or more condemnation suits instituted separately may also, in the discretion of the court, upon a motion of an interested party, be consolidated into a single action. In these cases, the jury shall render separate verdicts for each tract of land in different ownership. A finding of the jury or decree of the court as to damages shall not in any manner be construed to abridge or destroy the right of the district to levy and collect taxes for district purposes against the uncondemned land situated within the district. The title acquired by a fire protection district in condemnation proceedings shall be the fee simple title or a lesser estate as designated in the decree of appropriation.
[ 1984 c 230 § 21; 1939 c 34 § 19; RRS § 5654-119. Formerly RCW 52.08.050.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.061 - Contracts, promissory notes, deeds of trust, and mortgages for purchase of property—Limit on indebtedness—Election, when.

RCW 52.12.061
Contracts, promissory notes, deeds of trust, and mortgages for purchase of property—Limit on indebtedness—Election, when.
Fire protection districts may execute executory conditional sales contracts, installment promissory notes secured by a deed of trust, or mortgages with a governmental entity or a private party for the purchase or sale of any real or personal property, or property rights: PROVIDED, That the purchase price specified in a contract or promissory note to purchase property does not result in a total indebtedness in excess of three-eighths of one percent of the value of the taxable property in the fire protection district: PROVIDED FURTHER, That if a proposed purchase contract or promissory note would result in a total indebtedness in excess of that amount, a proposition to determine whether that contract or promissory note may be executed shall be submitted to the voters for approval or rejection in the same manner that bond issues for capital purposes are submitted to the voters: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That a fire protection district may jointly execute contracts, promissory notes, deeds of trust, or mortgages authorized by this section with any governmental entity.
The term "value of the taxable property" shall have the meaning set forth in RCW 39.36.015.
[ 1984 c 230 § 27; 1970 ex.s. c 42 § 29; 1965 c 21 § 1. Formerly RCW 52.08.080.]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective date—1970 ex.s. c 42: See notes following RCW 39.36.015.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.071 - Liability insurance for officials and employees.

RCW 52.12.071
Liability insurance for officials and employees.
The board of commissioners of each fire district may purchase liability insurance with limits it deems reasonable for the purpose of protecting its officials and employees against liability for personal or bodily injuries and property damage arising from their acts or omissions while performing or in good faith purporting to perform their official duties.
[ 1984 c 230 § 28; 1973 c 125 § 3. Formerly RCW 52.08.090.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.101 - Burning permits authorized—Resolution.

RCW 52.12.101
Burning permits authorized—Resolution.
In any district in which the commissioners have adopted and published a resolution assuming the authority of issuing burning permits, a person, firm, or corporation shall not start, permit, or cause to be started or permitted an open fire on any land within a fire protection district, without a written permit issued by the district under terms and conditions as the district establishes by resolution. A fire district shall not assume authority to issue a burning permit for a fire on any forest or cut over land, except as otherwise provided by law. A fire district shall have the authority to revoke a permit issued by the district for the protection of life or property or to prevent or abate the nuisances caused by such burning.
[ 1987 c 21 § 1; 1984 c 229 § 1; 1947 c 254 § 20; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-151i. Formerly RCW 52.28.010.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.102 - Burning permits—Resolution to be published and posted.

RCW 52.12.102
Burning permits—Resolution to be published and posted.
The commissioners of a district may adopt a resolution authorizing the district to issue fire permits and establishing the terms and conditions under which the permit shall be issued. Notice of the resolution shall be published once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper published in the county and of general circulation in the district and post it in three public places in the district. The affidavit of publication by the publisher and of the clerk of the district of the posting shall be filed in the records of the district. Ten days after the posting and the last publication, the resolution shall take effect.
[ 1984 c 229 § 2; 1947 c 254 § 21; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-151j. Formerly RCW 52.28.020.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.103 - Burning permits—Issuance—Contents.

RCW 52.12.103
Burning permits—Issuance—Contents.
Burning permits may be issued upon request, by the persons authorized by the commissioners when the issuing officer deems it appropriate. The permit shall designate the premises and the exact location where the fire may be started and permitted, the nature of the material to be burned, the time limit of the permit, and may contain any special requirements and conditions pertaining to the fire and the control of the fire as the issuing officer deems appropriate.
[ 1984 c 229 § 3; 1947 c 254 § 22; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-151k. Formerly RCW 52.28.030.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.104 - Burning permits—Duties of permittee.

RCW 52.12.104
Burning permits—Duties of permittee.
The permittee shall comply with the terms and conditions of the permit, and shall maintain a responsible person in charge of the fire at all times who shall maintain the fire under control, not permit it to spread to other property or structures, and extinguish the fire when the authorized burning is completed or when directed by district personnel. The possession of a permit shall not relieve the permittee from liability for damages resulting from the fire for which the permittee may otherwise be liable.
[ 1984 c 229 § 4; 1947 c 254 § 23; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-151l. Formerly RCW 52.28.040.]
NOTES:
Crimes relating to fires: Chapter 9A.48 RCW.
Liability for fire damage: RCW 4.24.040, 4.24.050, 4.24.060, 76.04.495, 76.04.750.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.105 - Burning permits—Penalty.

RCW 52.12.105
Burning permits—Penalty.
The violation of or failure to comply with any provision of this chapter pertaining to fire permits, or of any term or condition of the permit, is a misdemeanor.
[ 1947 c 254 § 24; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-151m. Formerly RCW 52.28.050.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.106 - Burning permits—Penalty.

RCW 52.12.106
Burning permits—Penalty.
The violation of or failure to comply with any provision of this chapter pertaining to fire permits, or of any term or condition of the permit, is a misdemeanor.
[ 1984 c 229 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.108 - Burning permits—Liability for fire suppression costs.

RCW 52.12.108
Burning permits—Liability for fire suppression costs.
If a person starts a fire without a permit or if a permit holder fails to comply with any provision of this chapter pertaining to fire permits, or of any term or condition of the permit, and as a result of that failure the district is required to suppress a fire, the person or permit holder is liable to the district to reimburse it for the costs of the fire suppression services.
[ 1984 c 229 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.111 - Use of equipment and personnel beyond district boundaries—Governmental function.

RCW 52.12.111
Use of equipment and personnel beyond district boundaries—Governmental function.
A fire protection district may permit, under conditions prescribed by the fire commissioners of the district, the use of its equipment and personnel beyond the boundaries of the district. Any use made of the equipment or personnel under this section shall be deemed an exercise of a governmental function of the district.
[ 1984 c 230 § 77; 1980 c 43 § 1; 1969 c 88 § 2. Formerly RCW 52.36.025.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.121 - Use of equipment and personnel outside district—Duty of firefighter deemed duty for district—Benefits not impaired.

RCW 52.12.121
Use of equipment and personnel outside district—Duty of firefighter deemed duty for district—Benefits not impaired.
If a firefighter engages in any duty outside the boundaries of the district the duty shall be considered as part of the duty as firefighter for the district, and a firefighter who is injured while engaged in duties outside the boundaries of the district shall be entitled to the same benefits that the firefighter or the firefighter's dependents would be entitled to receive if the injury occurred within the district.
[ 1984 c 230 § 78; 1969 c 88 § 3. Formerly RCW 52.36.027.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.125 - Reimbursement for fire suppression costs on state lands—Limitations.

RCW 52.12.125
Reimbursement for fire suppression costs on state lands—Limitations.
Fire protection districts in proximity to land protected by a state agency are encouraged to enter into mutually beneficial contracts covering reciprocal response arrangements. In the absence of such a contractual agreement, a fire protection district that takes immediate action on such land outside of its jurisdictional boundaries, if such immediate response could prevent the spread of the fire onto lands protected by the district, shall be reimbursed by the state agency for its reasonable fire suppression costs that are incurred until the responsible agency takes charge, but in no event shall the costs exceed a twenty-four hour period. A fire protection district suppressing a fire on such lands shall as soon as practicable notify the responsible agency. The state agency shall not be responsible to pay such reimbursement if it is not so notified.
Reasonable efforts shall be taken to protect evidence of the fire's origin. The state agency shall not be responsible to pay such reimbursement if reasonable efforts are not taken to protect such evidence.
Requests for reimbursement shall be submitted within thirty days of the complete suppression of the fire. Reasonable costs submitted for reimbursement include all salaries and expenses of personnel, equipment, and supplies and shall take into consideration the amount of compensation, if any, paid by the fire protection district to its firefighters.
[ 1986 c 311 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.131 - Emergency medical services—Establishment and collection of charges.

RCW 52.12.131
Emergency medical services—Establishment and collection of charges.
Any fire protection district which provides emergency medical services, may by resolution establish and collect reasonable charges for these services in order to reimburse the district for its costs of providing emergency medical services.
[ 1984 c 230 § 81; 1975 c 64 § 1. Formerly RCW 52.36.090.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.135 - Interlocal agreements for ambulance services.

RCW 52.12.135
Interlocal agreements for ambulance services.
(1) A rural fire protection district organized under this title may enter into a contract pursuant to chapter 39.34 RCW with a contiguous city for the furnishing by the city to the fire protection district or districts of emergency medical services in the form of ambulance services, provided that the contract may not provide for the establishment of any ambulance service that would compete with any existing, private ambulance service. The fire protection district or districts may impose a monthly utility service charge on each developed residential property located in the portion of the fire protection district or districts served pursuant to the contract in an amount equal to the amount imposed by the city on similar city developed residential property. Developed residential property includes single-family residences, apartments, manufactured homes, mobile homes, and trailers available for occupancy for a continuous period greater than thirty days. A fire protection district or districts may contract with the contiguous city or with any other governmental entity pursuant to chapter 39.34 RCW for the billing and collection services related to the monthly utility service charge for ambulance service. A city providing ambulance services to a fire protection district or districts under a contract entered into pursuant to this subsection may charge individuals actually using the ambulance services reasonable rates and charges for the ambulance services.
(2) For purposes of this section, "rural" means a population density within the fire protection district or districts as a whole of ten or fewer persons per square mile.
[ 2003 c 209 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.140 - Hazardous materials response teams.

RCW 52.12.140
Hazardous materials response teams.
Fire protection districts may cooperate and participate with counties, cities, or towns in providing hazardous materials response teams under the county, city, or town emergency management plan provided for in RCW 38.52.070. The participation and cooperation shall be pursuant to an agreement or contract entered into under chapter 39.34 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 § 49.]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.12 - Powers—Burning Permits. › 52.12.150 - Setting fires for firefighter instruction—When burning permit not required—Notice, inspection required.

RCW 52.12.150
Setting fires for firefighter instruction—When burning permit not required—Notice, inspection required.
Without obtaining a permit issued under RCW 70A.15.5090, fire protection district firefighters may set fire to structures located outside of urban growth areas in counties that plan under the requirements of RCW 36.70A.040, and outside of any city with a population of ten thousand or more in all other counties, for instruction in methods of firefighting, if all of the following conditions are met:
(1) In consideration of prevailing air patterns, the fire is unlikely to cause air pollution in areas of sensitivity downwind of the proposed fire location;
(2) The fire is not located in an area that is declared to be in an air pollution episode or any stage of an impaired air quality as defined in RCW 70A.15.6010 and 70A.15.3580;
(3) Nuisance laws are applicable to the fire, including nuisances related to the unreasonable interference with the enjoyment of life and property and the depositing of particulate matter or ash on other property;
(4) Notice of the fire is provided to the owners of property adjoining the property on which the fire will occur, to other persons who potentially will be impacted by the fire, and to additional persons in a broader manner as specifically requested by the local air pollution control agency or the department of ecology;
(5) Each structure that is proposed to be set on fire must be identified specifically as a structure to be set on fire. Each other structure on the same parcel of property that is not proposed to be set on fire must be identified specifically as a structure not to be set on fire; and
(6) Before setting a structure on fire, a good-faith inspection is conducted by the fire agency or fire protection district conducting the training fire to determine if materials containing asbestos are present, the inspection is documented in writing and forwarded to the appropriate local air authority or the department of ecology if there is no local air authority, and asbestos that is found is removed as required by state and federal laws.
[ 2021 c 65 § 58; 2000 c 199 § 1; 1994 c 28 § 1.]
NOTES:
Explanatory statement—2021 c 65: See note following RCW 53.54.030.