Sandpoint, WA - Selkirk Fire & Rescue is warning that budget constraints could force significant cuts next year — including the possibility of having only one firefighter on duty at a time in some parts of Bonner County.

In a statement released by Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong, the department says its preliminary budget for 2026 reflects “difficult decisions” that will need to be made to address ongoing financial challenges. The plan includes selling equipment, eliminating certain programs and, in the Northside District, considering layoffs.

The Westside District had hoped to hire more firefighters with money from Dover’s Urban Renewal Area fund, but Chief Armstrong says those funds fell short of expectations.

Armstrong warned that the budget crunch could leave both Northside and Westside

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