East County Fire and Rescue (ECFR) operates as a legally organized fire protection district under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Title 52 and is governed by a five-member board of fire commissioners, each serving a six-year term. As a fire protection district, ECFR is a municipal corporation that is independent from Clark County.

By statute RCW 52.14.010, the board of fire commissioners is responsible for management of the affairs of the district. To that end, the board establishes policy and provides direction to the fire chief who is responsible for the day-to-day operations and fiscal management of the district.