Spokane County Fire District 5 announced the appointment of Kawika Castilliano as its new fire chief during a Tuesday meeting in Nine Mile Falls. Castilliano, who has been on the job for about a week, emphasized a commitment to accessibility, saying he wants residents to feel free to bring questions, concerns, and ideas directly to district leadership.
Background and community concerns
The leadership change follows lingering community frustration over the district’s response to the August 1 Autumn Lane fire. At the time, the fire was led by former chief Scott Lynch. Some local volunteers reported that they were fighting the blaze on the front lines without timely assistance from district crews. Lynch contended that the district was never dispatched to the incident, while county commissioners noted that crews have the authority to self‑dispatch when resources are needed.
Chief Castilliano’s experience
Castilliano brings a blend of military and fire‑service experience to the role. He served in the U.S. Army with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan before beginning his career in fire protection in western Washington. His résumé includes both operational command and community‑engagement positions, which he says will help him “turn the page” for District 5.
Commitments and upcoming outreach
In his introductory remarks, Castilliano told residents, “I hear you, and one of my priorities is to improve those services as we move forward. This is a new beginning. If you give me the opportunity, I will do everything within my power to deliver.” He highlighted two immediate goals: strengthening communication channels with the public and reviewing response protocols to ensure timely assistance in future emergencies.
To foster direct dialogue, Castilliano announced a Christmas open‑house event at the District 5 headquarters on December 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The gathering will give community members a chance to meet firefighters, tour facilities, and discuss safety concerns in an informal setting. Residents are encouraged to attend and can reach the chief’s office at 509‑570‑6798 for questions.
What this means for Nine Mile Falls
The appointment signals a proactive response by district leadership to address the criticism that surfaced after the Autumn Lane fire. By placing a chief with a clear focus on transparency and community partnership, District 5 aims to rebuild trust and demonstrate that resident safety remains its top priority.
Local officials and fire personnel alike expressed optimism that the new leadership will bring fresh perspectives while maintaining the district’s core mission of protecting life and property across Spokane County.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
