Clark County Fire Chief Explains 'More Than Fire' Slogan

Firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics serve the community in many ways beyond just responding to fires.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Clark County Fire District 3 Chief Chris Drone explains how the department's slogan 'More than fire' reflects their expanded role in medical response, prevention, and community engagement. He notes that 72% of their roughly 5,000 annual calls are medical emergencies, and the firefighters are trained to treat every patient with compassion. Beyond emergency response, the department is deeply engaged in the community through fire prevention education, life-safety programs for seniors, wildland fire risk assessments, and staffing local events.

Why it matters

The 'More than fire' slogan highlights how modern fire departments have evolved beyond just responding to burning buildings. By emphasizing their medical response capabilities and community engagement, the fire district is working to build trust and demonstrate their value to residents beyond just traditional firefighting duties.

The details

Chief Chris Drone says the 'More than fire' slogan reflects how firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics in Clark County Fire District 3 serve the community. About 72% of their roughly 5,000 annual calls are medical emergencies, not fires. The department trains crews to treat every patient like family, show compassion, and go above and beyond. Beyond emergency response, the firefighters are deeply engaged in the community through fire prevention education, life-safety programs for seniors, wildland fire risk assessments, and staffing more than 20 local events each year.

  • Clark County Fire District 3 responds to roughly 5,000 calls per year.

The players

Chris Drone

Chief of Clark County Fire District 3.

Clark County Fire District 3

A fire department serving east Clark County, Washington.

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What they’re saying

“As Fire Chief of Clark County Fire District 3, I'm often asked what our slogan, 'More than fire,' means. It is a simple phrase, but it reflects how our firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics serve this community every day.”

— Chris Drone, Fire Chief (clarkcountytoday.com)

“For many people, 'the fire department' still brings to mind hoses, sirens, and burning buildings. The reality is that modern fire service is much broader. About 72% of our roughly 5,000 annual calls are medical. We are medics and EMTs as much as we are firefighters, and we respond to all hazards, from medical emergencies and car crashes to technical rescues and fires.”

— Chris Drone, Fire Chief (clarkcountytoday.com)

“'More than fire' also describes how our personnel approach every call. We train our crews to treat every patient like family, to listen, to show compassion, and to go above and beyond whenever they see an opportunity to help. That commitment to professionalism, teamwork, and integrity is what sets our district apart and has earned the trust of our community.”

— Chris Drone, Fire Chief (clarkcountytoday.com)

The takeaway

This story highlights how modern fire departments have expanded their role beyond just responding to fires, with a greater focus on medical emergencies, community engagement, and prevention. By emphasizing their 'More than fire' approach, the Clark County Fire District 3 is working to build trust and demonstrate their value to residents in new ways.