Oregon Now Ranked Second in the Nation for Number of Firewise USA Communities

With 290 Firewise USA sites in good standing, the Oregon Department of Forestry is proud that the state is ranked #2 in the nation for number of Firewise USA sites. In 2023, Oregon added 39 new sites creating more fire-adapted communities. Along with being #2 as a state last year, Oregon is also home to the #4 and #5 counties with the most sites in the nation: Jackson County with 75 sites and Deschutes County with 73. Firewise USA is a program that helps guide communities in the process of protecting their homes and neighborhoods from wildfire. The program is run by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and co-sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters and US Forest Service. The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for administering the program in Oregon and is a resource to help communities create a wildfire protection plan, find grants to fund projects and give expert advice. This work is not done alone. Through the help of ODF's partners -- like the Oregon State Fire Marshal, community coordinators and local fire departments -- they all work together to complete assessments and help the community develop action plans for implementing wildfire risk reduction activities. ...Read more

GP Police & Firefighters Active in Community Protection as Season Changed to Spring

Grants Pass police officers and firefighters were active in community protection as the seasons changed from winter to spring. According to the Weekly Report filed by Grants Pass City Manager Aaron Cubic, police officers responded to a total of 880 calls for service along with 244 officer-initiated calls last week, which resulted in 43 arrests, 60 citations, 22 warnings and one highly-intoxicated person being lodged at the Sobering Center. Cubic also reported that officers conducted a total of 37 traffic stops and made 32 referrals to the Oregon Department of Human Services. The GPPD Community Response Team (CRT) made a total of 136 contacts with potential trouble-makers while arresting seven people, citing 18 more and warning 37 others. The CRT unit also trespassed 13 individuals, posted 92 transient camps and removed trash from four campsites. Grants Pass Fire & Rescue responded to a total of 113 calls last week including 40 for emergency medical service, four for reports of fire or smoke, 11 lift assists, two rescue situations, six assists to other agencies and three false alarms. The 9-1-1 Dispatch Center fielded a total of 1,115 emergency calls. ...Read more

Rural Metro Hosted Successful Fire Training and Flag Retirement on Murphy Creek Road

Rural Metro Fire Department hosted a successful "live" fire training event on Murphy Creek Road this past weekend. After approximately two months of preparation on a donated structure slated for demolition, firefighters from several agencies gathered at the location Saturday to learn more about the science and behavior of fire, water supply, hose management techniques, and the principles of ventilation and air flow paths. For nearly a dozen firefighters, this was their first "live" fire training exercise. Despite the rain and muddy conditions, crews completed the training successfully and the building was left to burn completely. Before the final ignition, an American Flag Retirement Ceremony was conducted for more than 85 flags collected from the community over the past couple of weeks. The ceremony included a few words by one of the chief officers, the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence as six firefighters walked final flags into the center of the building to join the other flags in their final resting place. ...Read more