When most people dial 911, they assume a fire truck will arrive within minutes — no questions asked. In much of the country, that assumption holds. But if you live in unincorporated Josephine County, the reality of fire response is more complicated than you might expect.

Understanding how fire protection actually works in this part of Southern Oregon can help you make informed decisions about keeping your home and family safe.

If you've been researching fire protection options for your home in Josephine County, you've probably come across a few different names. Rural Metro Fire Department, volunteer companies, the Oregon Department of Forestry — it can be hard to sort out who does what, and more importantly, what level of protection you're actually getting.