Military veteran and seasoned fire service professional takes the helm

BRUSH PRAIRIE — On Jan. 22, Clark County Fire District 3 marked a milestone as Chris Drone was sworn in as the new fire chief.

Drone succeeds Chief Scott Sorenson, who retired at the end of 2024 after many years of dedicated service. Drone, a key member of the District 3 team since 2017, brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to community safety.

Drone joined Fire District 3 as its first fire marshal, concentrating on fire prevention and injury reduction. Before his tenure at District 3, he served as a plans examiner and lead deputy fire marshal with the City of Vancouver.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Drone holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Washington State University and two associate degrees. Additionally, he is a licensed fire protection engineer, holds multiple certifications, and is an active member of several professional organizations.

Fire Chief Drone shared his vision for the future of the department. “Thanks to the unwavering support of our community, I look forward to expanding District 3’s capabilities and ensuring we continue to provide high-quality emergency services,” he said. “It’s an honor to lead this exceptional organization, and I am eager to build on our foundation of service and safety.”

For more information about Fire District 3, visit www.fire3.org or contact the district at (360) 892-2331.

Clark County Fire District 3 provides fire and life safety services to over 46,000 people in east Clark County, including the City of Battle Ground. Fifty-seven full-time and 10 volunteer emergency personnel responded to 5,175 calls in 2023. Fire District 3 operates under a balanced budget and has a long history of passing its financial and accountability audits by the state. More information on Fire District 3 can be found at www.fire3.org.