Urban growth management legislation in the state of Oregon provides both benefits and challenges to the urban service providers around the state. Areas on the fringes of growing cities present special challenges to the providers of fire and rescue services. Annexation practices, particularly noncontiguous annexations, can make it difficult to provide efficient and effective service to these areas. This study used a descriptive research methodology to explore the following questions: 1. How are incorporated cities in Oregon currently providing fire protection services to the urban transition areas within their urban growth boundaries? 2.What are the primary issues and how are they addressed in intergovernmental agreements for the provision of these services? A survey was conducted of fire departments in Oregon to determine annexation practices in their cities, as well as methods used to provide service to newly annexed properties in the urban transition area. In addition, intergovernmental agreements from these cities were studied to identify the common elements and issues addressed. It was found that many cities in Oregon provide service to outlying areas through intergovernmental agreements, that very few cities frequently approve noncontiguous annexations, and those that do are likely to have consolidated the city fire department and rural district to respond to the problem. Eugene was found to be unusual in its approval of noncontiguous annexations and contracting with rural districts to provide service in those areas.Recommendations include: 1. Fire service leaders should understand growth management policies and use available plans in fire service planning. 2. Fire chiefs should provide recommendations to city councils and boundary commissions regarding the impact of annexation practices. 3. Municipal fire departments should cooperate with neighboring fire districts to develop solutions and to plan for transition to service by the city. 4. Fire service providers should consider intergovernmental agreements and cooperative planning during the transition from rural to urban service levels.