The Wading River Fire District, like all fire districts, consists of; five commissioners, district manager, district secretary, district treasurer, senior houseman, maintenance mechanics, paramedics, EMTs, volunteer fire fighters and volunteer EMTs. The fire district is a political subdivision within New York State and operates as a municipality, independent from the town(s) it resides in.

The district covers an area of 9.8 square miles, within the Towns of Riverhead and Brookhaven. The population as of the most recent census is 8,195. Four main roadways pass through within the district; State Route 25 (Middle Country Rd), SR 25A, Sound Ave and the northern section of the William Floyd Parkway. Also within the fire district are two (2) Shoreham-Wading River schools, the Little Flower Children Services Campus, AHRC Complex, Calverton National Cemetery, portions of Brookhaven State Park & Otis Pike Preserve, Lewin Farms, Wildwood State Park, Camp Wauwepex, Camp Dewolfe,   a U.S. Army Reserve Center, Brookhaven Recreation Center (BMX track), The Inn at East Wind, several Shopping plaza's and the defunct Shoreham power plant.  Large portions of land within the fire district are environmentally protected areas, including 209 acres of marsh land and 15 acres of beach barrier with the Long Island Sound in addition to a portion of the Pine Barrens. The fire district is mainly a residential community, with most of the commercial areas along the SR-25A corridor.We currently maintain two firehouses; Main/HQ- Wading River Fire Department building at 1503 North Country Rd. and station 2 at 700 Hulse Landing Rd. (CR 54). The fire district offices are located within the main firehouse. 

All fire districts in New York State are governed by laws set forth by the state legislature. The New York State Town, General Municipal, Public Health and Public Officers are just a few of these laws. The board also must follow and remain compliant with Federal and State Rules and Regulations including those of the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration, PESH (Public Employee Safety and Health, DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation), EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). DOL/FLSA (Department of Labor/Wages and the Fair Standards Act), DOH (Department of Homeland Security). DOH (Department of Health Services), and Suffolk County Civil Service.

The fire district is subject to an annual audit by an independent certified accountant.  The New York State Comptroller may also audit the records of the fire district at any time and make suggestions for improved financial operations, if areas of concern are found.

Meetings of the Board of Fire Commissioners, work sessions and public hearings are conducted in a public forum at the main house located at 1503 N Country Rd. The agenda for meetings will be posted on the website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting and the minutes once approved and finalized by the Board of Fire Commissioners will also be available on the website.