Q: Is my fire and emergency service changing?
No. The quality, speed, and professionalism of your emergency response will not change. When you call 911, a highly trained firefighter or paramedic is still on the way.
Q: Why is this happening?
Springfield and Eugene have operated a shared fire department since 2010. While that partnership has worked well in many ways, the two cities have grown to have different infrastructure needs, resources, and long-term priorities. Separate departments allow each city to plan and invest in ways that best serve their own community. Think of it as two good partners who have decided they can each do their best work independently.
Q: What happens to the firefighters?
Your firefighters and paramedics will continue to serve this community. This is a change in how the department is governed and administered, not a change in staffing. The people who respond to emergencies in your neighborhood will continue to do exactly that.
Q: Will Springfield still work with Eugene on big emergencies?
Yes. Automatic aid between Springfield and Eugene will remain strong and seamless. The operational capability both departments have built together does not stop at a city boundary when time is the enemy in a fire or life-threatening emergency. Both cities will maintain formal agreements to support each other on major incidents, wildfires, and other large-scale events. That cooperation does not go away.
Q: Will my taxes go up?
There is no tax increase associated with this announcement. The financial details of the transition will be developed through a public planning process and will come back to the City Council for review and approval. Each city is committed to responsible, transparent budgeting.
Q: When will this happen?
The transition is expected to take up to two years. City leadership is beginning the planning process now, and a detailed roadmap with clear milestones will be developed and shared publicly as it becomes available. Throughout that period, service quality will be protected and our community will be kept informed at every step.
Q: Who do I contact with questions?
You can reach the City of Springfield at 541-726-3700 or visit https://springfield-or.gov/ for updates. The PIO office is available to answer media inquiries at publicaffairs@springfield-or.gov.
