Department News

We’re receiving calls and emails from kind-hearted people asking how they can help the victims of various Oregon wildfires. The following is a list compiled of established charities that have high ratings from Charity Navigator.

• Red Cross Cascades Region. Learn more about donating and volunteering with the Red Cross, which is providing support and assistance at many evacuation shelters, including at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond.
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• Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Their emergency resource map shares contact information for member organizations involved in disaster relief.
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• Wildland Firefighter Foundation. This organization helps families of firefighters killed in the line of duty, as well as assist injured firefighters and their families.
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• GoFundMe: Oregon Fire Victims. The crowdsourcing platform has a centralized hub with verified fundraisers created to help residents who have lost their homes and been displaced by the Oregon fires.

Department News

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. On this Monday, September 14th, we were supposed to be slowly transitioning out of the smoke. But it’s not going to happen. Check out this informative and easy to read explanation as to why clearing the smoke is going to take longer than we expected (or wanted).

 

Department News

This summer you resoundingly said “yes” to our Levy Lid Lift. That tells us that you share our goals of providing effective use of resources, prompt response times, stable service, and developing a healthy, safe and informed community. Now that you said “yes”, we want to show you exactly where your resources go. In other words, we want to be completely transparent.

It’s no secret that our communities are growing; growing faster than most Counties and States in this Country. We now serve 75,000 people over 37 square miles, including Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Felida, Mt. vista, Lake Shore and the Fairgrounds.

Prior to the lid-lift passing we identified where to best make use of this resource. Where are we efficient? Where can we improve? Is our current staffing level correct for our level of calls? We found that over the last decade our call volume increased on average 5%, with 2019 jumping nearly 13%.

So, we decided we needed to hire eight new Firefighters/Paramedics, and two more to cover upcoming retiring members. We started a multi-phase approach to add a Fire Truck to the ranks of our apparatus. Our busiest station, Hazel Dell Station 61, remains unprepared in case of an earthquake. As a result, we’re starting the bid process to make the station earthquake proof and better meet our needs with a remodel.

Currently we need to rely on neighboring fire districts for additional support when needed. Every improvement we’re planning has the end goal of becoming a fully self-sufficient fire service agency.

Besides improvements within the Fire District, we also want to develop a healthy, safe and informed community. We’re redesigning the volunteer program in order to support public information and prevention. Let’s face it, the best fire to face is the one that never starts. We’re going to increase community involvement and develop programs for high risk populations as well as more diverse populations.

Transparency.

It is a big word. But we feel it’s crucial that you know where your money is going. And we pledge to keep you informed as we grow together.

You’ve put your trust in us, and that is greatly appreciated.

Department News

Due to seasonal dry conditions all land clearing and residential burning in Clark County is restricted until further notice.

The Fire Marshal also is rescinding all burning permits issued prior to the ban. Permits can be reissued or extended when the ban is lifted. The burning restrictions do not apply to federally managed lands.

To have predictable and consistent burn bans, Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania counties jointly implement a policy to ban outdoor burning from July 15 through Sept. 30 each year. Designating this period was based on years of information about fuel conditions. However, in extreme fire hazard conditions, a ban can begin sooner or end later.

Recreational campfires on forest lands are allowed only in improved fire pits in designated campgrounds, such as commercial campgrounds and local, county and state parks. On private land, recreational fires are permitted when built according to the following regulations:

• Recreational fires must be in a metal-, stone- or masonry-lined fire pit such as those in improved campgrounds or available at home and garden stores.
• Size may not exceed 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet in height.
• Fires must be at least 25 feet from a structure or other combustible material and have at least 20 feet of clearance from overhead fuels such as tree limbs, patio covers or carports.
• Fires must be attended at all times by a responsible person at least 16 years old who has the ability and tools to extinguish the fire. Tools include a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.
• Portable outdoor fireplaces, also known as patio fireplaces, designed to burn solid wood should not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material and must always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Completely extinguish recreational fires by covering them with water or moist soil and stirring with a shovel until all parts are cool to the touch.
• Self-contained camp stoves are a safe and easy alternative to campfires.

Department News

As of 8:30 p.m., August 4th, the Levy Lid Lift proposal appears to be getting a thumbs up from voters. The proposition is passing by nearly 67%. “We are grateful for everyone who participated in the election,” says Fire Chief Kristan Maurer. “We appreciate the support during such an uncertain time for our community, state and nation.” After successful certification, funds from the lid lift will fund additional personnel to respond to higher call volumes and pay some costs associated with COVID-19. Funding will also be used to improve firefighter training, earthquake-proof our busiest station in Hazel Dell, and add or replace aging apparatus.