DCFD2 to Host Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Aerial Ladder Fire Truck

County and local officials will be participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Douglas County Fire District No.2’s (DCFD2) new aerial ladder truck on Friday, January 31, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Melrose Fire Station #3 located at 2830 Melrose Road in Roseburg.  Part of the ceremony will include two surprise dedications (one for an individual’s life work; and the other to a long time institution of the Melrose community).  Both these special dedications will be reflected permanently on the new aerial ladder truck, and will be unveiled at the ribbon cutting ceremony. 

The new, standard edition fire truck is manufactured by Ferrara Fire Apparatus, mounts a 77-foot Smeal aerial ladder, and it will cost the community about $518,000 (150,000 less than similar new custom built trucks).  Hose nozzles, air packs, prying tools, scene lights, two-way radios, etc. will cost $32,000.  Features include:

• A ladder pipe that allows water to flow at 1,500 gallons per minute.  This is an improvement over what the current model allows.
• “Smart Aerial” technology.  This involves a programmable control of the ladder, allowing gentle starts and stops when raising, lowering, extending or retracting the aerial.
• 1,750 gallons per minute capacity Hale water pump.

The new fire truck replaces a 1992 custom model Pierce truck mounting a 65-foot Telesquirt aerial ladder.  The Telesquirt Company is no longer operating and parts cannot be found, which ultimately forced the decision of the district to replace the old truck after several months out of service in order to continue offering the desired level of fire protection for the community. (more…)

DCFD2 Crews Respond to Residential Structure Fire in Sutherlin

At 7:09 last night fire crews were dispatched to the report of a fully involved house fire, with cars in the driveway, at 327 Kruse St. in Sutherlin.  The first engine arrived on scene at 7:13, and reported a fully involved residential structure with one exposure on fire and a second exposure threatened.  With the help of Sutherlin Police the crews quickly determined that the residents were out of all 3 structures.  The firefighters quickly put hose lines in place to extinguish and protect the exposures.

The firefighters then turned their attention to the fully involved structure.  The fire was brought under control at 7:39 and crew remained on scene for 2 more hours checking for any hidden fire.  Investigators will be on scene this morning to determine the cause of the fire.

The residents of the house and 3 of their dogs escaped without injury; unfortunately a 4^th dog reentered the house and perished.

Douglas County Fire District No. 2 responded with a total of 4 apparatus, 1 staff vehicle, and 22 personnel. Oakland Fire responded with 3 apparatus and 8 personnel.  Fire crews were also assisted by Sutherlin Police, Pacific Power, and Avista Gas.

Green Home Saved by Alert Neighbors

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Yesterday, December 9, 2013 at 01:03 p.m., Douglas County Fire District No.2 firefighters were dispatched to a reported house fire at 1993 Linnell Avenue in Green.   On arrival at the scene at 01:07 p.m. (4 minutes later) firefighters encountered smoke and flames on the back side of the house coming from inside an enclosure used to house a gas water heater, and spreading rapidly up the wall and roof eaves on that area.  Firefighters confirmed talking with neighbors that no one was home and proceeded to aggressively attack the fire to prevent its spread into the attic space, and limit the extent of the damage.  The fire was declared under control at 01:17 p.m. (10 minutes after the initial arrival of fire units at the scene).

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Fire Destroys Mobile Home in Winchester

At 05:11 p.m. on Monday, October 7th, Douglas County Fire District No.2 firefighters were dispatched to a reported mobile home fire at the Pine Wood Mobile Home Park located at 5000 NE Stephens Street in Winchester. On arrival at the scene firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the back area of the mobile home at space #40. Firefighters confirmed that all occupants had exited the house and were able to extinguish the fire that was also threatening two adjacent mobile homes within 16 minutes of their arrival at the scene. However, they remained at the scene for approximately 2 hours clearing smoldering debris.

The fire was discovered by the home owner Lucinda Atterbury in a bedroom on the back side of the mobile home. After alerting her husband and sons, they all exited the home safely, and reported the fire to 911. Ms. Atterbury confirmed that she first saw the fire on the bed of her three year old son.

Fire investigators determined that the fire started when Ms. Atterbury’s 3 year old son ignited a toy while playing with a butane torch type lighter in his bedroom. Fire and smoke damage were extensive throughout the entire mobile home. No injuries were reported.

Initial losses are estimated at $9,000.

DCFD2 responded to this incident with 3 fire engines, 1 ambulance, 2 command units, and 17 firefighters. They were assisted by Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies, Roseburg Police, Pacific Power and Light, and Avista Utilities.

“It is extremely important to keep matches and lighters out of sight and out of the reach of children at all times in order to avoid unfortunate fires like this one, and prevent serious burn injuries said Fire Marshal Josep Pedrola.”

DCFD2 Firefighters and Paramedics Go Pink Again to Fight Breast Cancer

October is celebrated as “National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” Local and State Governments take traditionally prominent steps throughout the month to raise awareness and alert citizens about the devastating effects of this deadly illness.

After a successful first year, DCFD2 Firefighters and Paramedics are holding again a pink T-shirt fundraiser during the month of October. Last year’s campaign raised approximately $2,000 for the Treva Hoffman Foundation, far more than originally expected.

Firefighters from IAFF Local 2091 and Paramedics from IAE&P Local 307 will wear and sell custom designed pink T-shirts with the distinctive Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon, District acronym (DCFD2), and the logo of their respective Unions in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The shirts will sell for $15.00 each. All proceeds will benefit the Treva Hoffman Foundation, which supports advanced cancer research in Oregon and helps provide the valuable resources scientists need to do vital cancer research towards the finding of a cure.

Fire Chief Greg Marlar stated “Often times, even timely diagnosis and treatment are not enough for those affected to beat the disease. That is why Douglas County Fire District No.2 and its Firefighters and Paramedics are joining forces to spread the message that early detection may make a major difference in thousands of lives.”

Breast cancer Awareness T-shirts can be ordered at any DCFD2 Fire Station and at the District’s Headquarters. They can also be ordered by calling 541-673-5503.