SPRINGFIELD – City officials announced on Thursday last week that Eugene-Springfield Fire will transition into two separate fire and emergency medical services departments over the next two years, after 16 years as a functionally consolidated department.
In 2010, a functional consolidation was established through the Eugene-Springfield Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). Four years later, the Eugene-Springfield Fire (ESF) Department was established, merging services and resources from both cities.
In a June 30 letter from Eugene City Manager Jenny Haruyama to Springfield City Manager Nancy Newton, the IGA was entered into with several objectives, including creating a partnership that would reduce inefficiencies and costs for both cities. By those measures, the agreement has been successful and has provided significant value to the communities.
“The shared values that have guided Eugene-Springfield Fire remain unchanged,” said Fire Chief Mike Caven in a joint press release from the cities of Springfield and Eugene. “Our firefighters, paramedics, and emergency responders remain dedicated to protecting our community and will continue serving residents without interruption throughout this process. Our top priority is maintaining services for residents.”
Haruyama pointed out that over the years both cities have faced increasing challenges associated with the functionally consolidated model, and the joint release noted that the two cities have different infrastructure needs, resource constraints, and long-term priorities.
On Sept. 2, 2025, an estimated 40 members of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 851 attended a Springfield City Council meeting to advocate for a separate district.
“We are restrained by organizational paralysis–two councils, two budgets, which are continually under-resourced, and too many opinions on how to run a comprehensive fire department,” said firefighter Garrett Corbari during the meeting.
Although ESF functions as a single organization, it operates under two forms of governance. During city council meetings last year, officials discussed the idea of a district, but disagreed on whether it would have been the best option. At the time, Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon had asked IAFF for patience on the subject.
“Rather than directing public funds toward the start-up costs and administrative overhead of a new governmental entity, transitioning to independent departments allows both cities to invest directly in the firefighters, equipment, and fire stations residents depend on,” read the joint release.
The transition to independent departments will happen over the next two years, and emergency response in both cities will not be disrupted. Each city will have dedicated governance, budgetary control, and long-term planning capacity for its fire and emergency medical services.
Firefighters and paramedics will continue to serve the community, and regional cooperation and mutual aid agreements among Springfield, Eugene, and neighboring agencies will be maintained. The specific details of staffing assignments and operations are still to be determined.
“My hope is that this notification is received in the spirit in which it is intended – not as an ending, but as the beginning of a new chapter in the partnership between our communities,” Haruyama said.
Springfield City Manager Nancy Newton responded to the notice, expressing gratitude for the framing of the discussion in a “collaborative spirit.”
She noted Springfield City Council’s previous discussions regarding governance and said the board is willing to continue the conversation with Eugene counterparts about the appropriate path forward.
“Regardless of the future service delivery model, there is significant value in maintaining our strong working relationship and ensuring that residents continue to receive exceptional service through effective coordination and mutual support,” Newton said.
Other districts struggle, too
Meanwhile, the Lane Fire Authority, which serves western Lane County communities, including Junction City and Veneta, is enacting operational changes to address budget constraints after the recent defeat of the Local Option Levy. The levy, which aimed to extend fire funding for five years, fell short by just 421 votes at the May polls.
Effective immediately, several positions have been eliminated or reduced within the organization, including:
- 3 Fire & EMS Training Positions
- 1.75 Maintenance Positions
- 2 Full-Time Single-Role Paramedics
- 1 Part-Time Single-Role Paramedic
- Public Education Coordinator / Public Information Officer
- Executive Secretary
These changes have resulted in the following service modifications:
- Two peak-hour ambulance units will be taken out of service, although two 24-hour Advanced Life Support ambulances will remain operational.
- The cancellation of both the Spring and Fall Volunteer Academies will hinder the recruitment and training of new volunteer firefighters and EMTs.
- Public CPR classes will conclude on July 1.
- Services such as portable fire extinguisher training, defensible space assessments, community presentations, school programs, station tours, and field trips are no longer available.
- Walk-in assistance at the front office has been discontinued, and phone response times may be delayed. Community members are advised to call 911 for emergencies.
- For non-emergency inquiries, assistance can be requested through a contact form on LaneFire.org.
- There will be extended response times for general questions and non-emergency requests.
- Printed copies of burn regulations will no longer be distributed; however, current regulations are accessible online.
The Lane Fire Authority officials say they remain committed to preserving essential fire and emergency medical services despite these operational challenges.
