Hoodland Fire District #74 Newsletter

Proudly serving the communities of  Marmot, Cherryville, Brightwood, Wemme, Welches, Zig Zag, Rhododendron, and Government Camp

1. Chief's Message

A word from the Fire Chief

Dear Community Members,

As we move into the fall season (from t-shirts to sweatshirts), we want to thank you for your continued support and engagement with Hoodland Fire District #74. It has been a busy fire season for all of Oregon and while we are nearing the end, I am asking you all to remember we still have a bit to go.

Our dedicated team has been working tirelessly to keep our community safe and informed and as we transition into Fall and then Winter we will strive to continue this commitment. In this newsletter, we’ll share updates on recent activities, upcoming events, and important safety tips. We hope you find it informational and interesting.

Thank you again and stay safe,

James Price

Fire Chief

2. Fire Safety Tips

Preparing for Fall and Winter

• Check Your Heating Systems: Before the cold weather hits, ensure that your heating systems are in good working condition.
• Fireplace and Chimney Safety: Clean your chimney biannually to reduce your risk of chimney fires. Hoodland Fire offers a Chimney Brush Loan Program where residents and property owners can borrow chimney brushes for FREE!
• Smoke Alarms: Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries if needed.
• Fire Extinguisher: Ensure you have a fire extinguisher readily available and know how to use it.

3. Recent News & Events

Highlights from Hoodland Fire District #74

• New Equipment Arrivals: Hoodland Fire purchased a new Type 3 wildland interface engine from Boise Mobile that arrived last month. This purchase was made possible by money the district has saved over the last few years in our Apparatus Reserve Account. The engine is currently being outfitted with equipment and the crews are training on the new engine, once all that is complete the engine will be placed in service. This engine replaces our aging 1996 Type 3 Engine we currently have.
• Neighborhood Chipping Coming Soon - Help us spread the word to find contractor! Hoodland Fire District #74 is seeking a professional contractor to provide Neighborhood Chipping Services through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Interested parties must prepare and submit all required documents no later than 5pm (PST) on October 8, 2024.

4. Training Updates

Summer Training Highlights

This summer has been a busy and productive season for Hoodland Firefighters and EMS personnel. Our volunteers and staff have dedicated countless hours to training, skill-building, and professional development, ensuring our team is ready to serve the community in any emergency. 

• Training Accomplishments:
  • Certifications Completed: Many volunteers and students successfully earned vehicle certifications, completed instructor courses, and achieved firefighter certifications.
  • Rope Rescue Training: Eight paid and volunteer members participated in a comprehensive rope rescue class.
  • Swiftwater Rescue Training: Five members took part in the Swiftwater rescue course, learning the essential skills needed for water-based emergencies.
• Hands-On Training Opportunities:
  • We were fortunate to use a house scheduled for demolition to practice critical skills such as search and rescue, ventilation, and hose deployment.
  • Thanks to donated vehicles, our teams conducted multiple extrication training exercises, enhancing our readiness for vehicle emergencies.
  • Instructors from DPSST provided forcible entry and vehicle fire training using specialized props and equipment, ensuring our teams are prepared for a variety of scenarios.
• Collaborative Drills: In September, Hoodland hosted a joint drill with Clackamas Fire Volunteers. This exercise focused on wildland firefighting and structure protection, further enhancing our ability to respond to these unique challenges. 
• Looking Ahead: We're excited to announce that our next Volunteer Firefighter Academy will begin in October. This academy provides new volunteers with the training and skills they need to join our team and contribute to the safety of our community.

5. Upcoming Events

Mark Your Calendars 

• Hoodland Fire Monthly Board Meeting
  • Date: October 8, 2024
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Location: Main Station, 69634 E Hwy 26, Welches, OR
  • Details: Our Board of Directors meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.  The public is always invited to attend.  If you have something to add, "Persons to be Heard"  is at the beginning of each meeting.  

• Fire Prevention Open House
  • Date: October 12, 2024
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: Main Station, 69634 E Hwy 26, Welches, OR
  • Details: Fun for the whole family!  Fire safety education, fire engine rides, and more.

• Spook Alley
  • Date: October 31, 2024
  • Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location: Hoodland Park Plaza, Hwy 26, Welches, OR
  • Details: Costume contest, food booth, games, prizes and candy!

• Main Station 351 Replacement Project Open House & Fire Station Tour
  • Date: November 7, 2024
  • Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Location: Main Station, 69634 E Hwy 26, Welches, OR
  • Details: Join us for tours of the fire station, learn about the replacement project, and provide feedback.

6. Emergency Preparedness

Be Ready, Stay Safe

• Emergency Kits: Ensure your home has an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and first aid supplies. Emergency Kit information from Ready.gov
• Evacuation Plans: Review your family’s evacuation plan in case of a wildfire or other emergencies. Make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go. Evacuation information from Ready.gov
• Sign Up for Alerts: Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts. Sign Up for Clackamas County Public Alerts
• Create Defensible Space: Learn how to reduce Wildfire Risks in the Home Ignition Zone. NFPA Preparing Homes for Wildfire

7. Member Spotlight

When did you join the team?

April 2023 as a Volunteer and I was then hired as a seasonal firefighter in the summer of 2024! What a wonderful life-enhancing experience it has been for me working at HFD. I have deeply enjoyed providing emergency care for my community and gaining hands-on experience. Additionally, I love being surrounded by the supportive, motivated, and humorous individuals at HFD!

Most memorable moment with HFD?

In mid-July 2024, there was a car/trailer fire near Frog Lake on HWY 26. It was a hot summer day on the mountain with temperatures reaching the high 90s with no clouds in the forecast. When we got on scene there were bystanders curiously stopped and watching as flames bloom throughout the car and trailer. Being a firefighter for Hoodland for over a year, this was my first huge car/trailer fire. I had the opportunity to be on the nozzle extinguishing the fire with Firefighter A/O Jason Kish being my heel. With 500 gallons of water on Engine 351, we were able to extinguish the fire in a swift amount of time. No individuals were injured however the vehicle and trailer were fully engulfed and destroyed in this fire. This moment was empowering for me and I am glad I could implement the knowledge gained from training and my Fire Suppression degree on this call.

How has HFD changed you?

The hands-on experience here at HFD has made me a better EMT and firefighter. My confidence has grown and I am able to provide others with encouragement, knowledge, and inspiration. Representing the Latinx community and women in this male dominate field is one of my hopes while being in this career.

What's your favorite part about being a member of HFD?

The diverse range of calls we may receive and the small, loving community I get to call my new home.

What's your day job?

Currently, I am working as a Full-Time Firefighter/EMT at HFD. During my off-season, I am a crew member at AntFarm for their Leaf Cutters Fuels Reduction team. Here, we cut down trees, limbing, and other fuel reduction activities needed on someone's property in the Mt. Hood area. This is an extremely vital resource for those living in rural areas and I marvel at the mission and vision AntFarm has as a whole. It has been a pleasure being a part of their crew.  

What's your favorite snack?

Peanut butter crackers

8. Contact Information

Stay Connected with Us

• Phone: (503) 622-3256
• Website: www.hoodlandfire.gov
• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and safety tips.
• Address: 69634 E Hwy 26, Welches, OR 97067
• Email: hoodland@hoodlandfire.org

Thank you for your ongoing support!