Visible Signs of Progress - New Fire Station

From New Fire Station 6

There is visible evidence of progress on the construction of Hillsboro Fire Department’s new fire station located at 21880 NW Cherry Lane. The contractor, CSI Construction of Portland, has begun site work in preparation for laying a foundation for the 16,000-square foot building that will house an engine company and the Department’s training division.

The addition of this facility is part of the Fire Department’s Strategic Plan that City Council approved to address response times. Our goal is to reach your emergency within four minutes of leaving our station 75% of the time. The need to arrive at fires quickly is obvious—to stop the progression of a fire before it destroys more of your property. The majority of our calls are medical in nature and rapid access of the patient is essential to deliver life-saving medical treatment in the field, as well.

The new fire station is designed to achieve a LEED Gold Certification when completed. The LEED Program (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized green building rating system providing a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction. Building to this standard offers many benefits:

1. The construction process focuses on locally produced and/or locally sourced materials
2. Consumes fewer resources and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions
3. Will be energy efficient, requiring less electricity and water to operate

The completion of the construction project is slated for July 2010.

Safety on the Fire Ground

Mittendorf Truck Ops

Veteran fire ground commander and author John Mittendorf came to Hillsboro Fire Department to provide our firefighters a new perspective on safety. The retired Los Angeles City Fire Department Battalion Chief talked at length this week with our firefighters about changes necessary to avoid unnecessary risks when fighting structure fires. Mittendorf has examined the tasks responsible for the annual loss of over 100 firefighters across the country each year and offered ways to avoid those fatalities.

Citing the deaths of nine firefighters in the South Carolina Sofa Super Store fire in 2007 and the six who perished in the 1999 Worchester, Massachusetts, warehouse fire, Mittendorf discussed critical decisions that all incident commanders must make and where their priorities should be placed. The priorities always start with life safety.

The presentation also looked at apparatus placement at single family residential fires and at multi-story residential and commercial buildings to provide for the maximum use of the aerial ladder aboard the truck. Those placements may be different based on the circumstances.

We are grateful for the knowledge that Retired Chief Mittendorf has shared. We hope that his sharing of his experiences and wisdom will make our firefighters better and safer in the days ahead.

Standpipe Operations

Picture a fire in a multistory building and the stairwell is already compromised by the blaze. How do you get firefighters into the upper stories to fight it? With a ladder, of course! But the task is complicated by having to bring hose along with you to fight the fire. That’s why Hillsboro firefighters this past week have been drilling on what’s called “standpipe operations.”
Standpipes are normally water pipes built into multi-story buildings to help supply firefighting water to the upper stories. In cases where they are installed in buildings or parking structures, firefighters bring hose bundles with them and attach to the pipes. The pipes are either fed by the municipal water supply or by the fire engine attaching to an “FDC” or fire department connection on the exterior of the building. Once attached to the standpipe, they can charge their hoses and advance on the fire.



In multi-story buildings where there are no standpipes, firefighters have to essentially create their own by bringing a larger diameter hose up the ladder to their floor of entry, attaching a gated “Y” valve to split the larger line into two smaller attack lines for maneuverability, and advancing to the fire’s location. The process is not complicated, but requires several critical steps to ensure a smooth fire attack, one of which includes securing the larger diameter hose to the ladder to ensure it doesn’t fall and pull the smaller lines down with it when the lines are charged with water.

Firefighters Are People, Too!

CISM Training by Chaplain Brodehl

Despite their image of America’s bravest, firefighters are human and subject to the emotional toll of seeing tragic and horrific events, sometimes on a daily basis. To ensure they don’t suffer long-term stress-related illness, Hillsboro Fire and Rescue provided training this week about Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).

Hillsboro Fire Chaplain Steve Brodehl provided the program that showed the old philosophy of “just deal with it” often resulted in emotional problems, family discord and addictions. Those add up to an untimely end to a promising career. Today’s concept of CISM is to “talk it out.” That means to discuss with fellow crew members the impact a particularly tragic call had. It could be that the child injured or killed looked like or was the same age as the firefighter’s own children that prompted the emotional impact. Whatever the reason, an open discussion around the dinner table after the call goes a long way toward alleviating the emotional impact a bad call has had.

Company officers can also organize an informal Defusing session within a few hours of the incident to help facilitate the frank and open discussion of the toll a tragic call has taken. These sessions are voluntary.

If more than a couple of crew members are still feeling impacted by a call for more than a day or two, a closed-session Debriefing can be ordered by the Chief. Attendance is mandatory. This session is led by a facilitator from outside the department who may be aided by chaplains, also from outside the department.

HFD invests heavily in training firefighters to provide the best possible service for our citizens. We want to ensure the firefighters retire mentally and physically healthy and capable of continuing to invest in their families and our community after their career as a firefighter ends.

Fire Prevention Week Open House

Hillsboro Fire and Rescue kicked off National Fire Prevention Week with an open house at Fire Station 1 on Saturday, October 3rd. More than 300 people showed up to pick up safety information, tour the station, climb aboard fire engines, play games, and see demonstrations. Kids particularly liked the miniature fire engine built by HFD Engineer Mike Banta. There was a line most of the day waiting to crawl into the tiny cab and blow the siren. Take a look at our photos of the event.



Fire Prevention Week is organized each year to bring awareness to the most serious fire safety issues. This year's theme: Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned. It points out the simple yet necessary habits to avoid tradegies: Test the bath water before putting a baby in it; use short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking on the stove top; set your hot water heater to no more than 120-degrees(F); and have a three-foot kid-free zone around your stove.

Additionally, this year's focus included adult burn prevention. One of the most common and preventable severe burns in Oregon is adult males using gasoline to start burn piles, barbeques or cleaning car parts. The unexpected explosion that occurs when an ignition source, such as a lit match, finds accumulating gas fumes has sent many men to the area's burn center. Please avoid using gasoline for anything other than a fuel for motorized equipment and vehicles.

Thermal Imaging Camera Drills

TIC

Thermal imaging cameras (TICs) have been around for years and have been a valuable tool for firefighters. Some are helmet-mounted. Most are hand-held devices that measure the differences in temperature of objects in its viewing path. TICs help firefighters see through dark, smoky rooms to find the seat of the fire that is often hidden by the smoke, and most importantly, find victims or injured firefighters who may only have only minutes to live.

All firefighters have been taught the basics of how to use Thermal Imaging Cameras. Hillsboro Fire & Rescue crews are undergoing advanced training on how to better use this tool in the early stages of the fire, particularly during fire attack. It is another way in which HFD continues to improve on existing skills and provide faster and better service to our citizens.

This week's drill is being conducted at a home that is slated for demolition later this fall. The home may be used in a few months for a live fire drill. If so, we'll be sure to bring you photos of that drill here on this blog.

Mass Casualty/Decon Equipment Drill

With so many high technology manufacturing plants within the City of Hillsboro, Hillsboro Fire and Rescue must be ready to respond to possible spills or leaks of the toxic chemicals that are sometimes used in these companies' processes. Due to the large numbers of employees at these plants, there is a potential for mass casualties in the event of an accident. Hillsboro Fire and Rescue has a MASS CASUALTY DECONTAMINATION TRAILER in its fleet of apparatus that can bring the necessary additional equipment to help decontaminate workers who may have come in contact with any chemicals. The unit is also outfitted to respond to terrorism incidents, with chemcial, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) to provide triage and treatment equipment. Hillsboro Firefighters practiced setting up and operating the equipment this week.

The trailer carries additional trauma kits, radiological detection equipment, chemcial spash protection suits, and other gear. It also is equipped with two diesel-powered water heaters that can heat water coming from a fire engine so that it can be sprayed on patients who may have come in contact with chemical, biological or radiological materials. A tent that provides for modesty and protection from the weather allows patients to walk into one end, disrobe, walk through soapy and then rinse water, and emerge from the other end in temporary issued garments.

September is Preparedness Month

If all utilities were cut off to your home, would you be able to survive without outside help for a week? How about three days? If not, now is the time to start your Emergency Kit.

Think about it for a moment. If we had a violent earthquake.... If we had a repeat of the 1964 windstorm.... If....

Your emergency kit and a family communication plan would be your most important asset. Don't let the thought of creating an emergency kit overwhelm you. You can do it in short segments by visiting the Take Five to Survive website.

Otherwise, you'll need the following in one location, preferably in one or more containers that can be quickly retrieved:

Water - One gallon per person per day for three days minimum (7 days is better if you have the space.) Don't forget your pets!

Food - Nonperishable food the whole family will eat for three days (7 is better). Canned meats, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars and a manual can opener. Again, don't forget the pet food.

Medicines - An additional supply of critical medicines (such as heart or asthma meds)

Radio - Battery-powered or hand-cranked portable radio with NOAA weather radio tone alert and extra batteries.

Flashlight(s) - One for each person with spare batteries.

First Aid Kit - Start with a small one and add to it. Include a first aid book on dealing with common traumas and first aid issues.

Whistle - You'll need it to signal for help if you are trapped or lost.

Protective Gear - Dust mask because that will likely be a major issue following an earthquake. Plastic sheeting and duct tape for sheltering in place for a chemical leak.

Personal sanitation - Moist towelettes and garbage bags for sanitation use if the water and sewer lines are severed.

Tools - Wrench and/or pliers to turn off utilities, if necessary.

Documents - Copies of important family documents (birth certificates, home mortgage and insurance contracts, wills, banking records, etc.)

Cash - With power outages, ATMs and banks may not be able to dispense cash. You may not be able to make credit or debit card purchases. Cash will be your only means of making a purchase of possibly valuable resources.

And finally, the family communication plan is critical, with so many families having two income-earners, active children and distant family members. Visit the Take Five to Survive website.

You will always rest easier if you PREPARE, PLAN, and STAY INFORMED.

Hillsboro Firefighters Help on the Microwave Fire

One engine company from Hillsboro Fire and Rescue was mobilized along with other crews from Washington County to help fight the Microwave Fire last week. Our firefighters were used to help defend the homes in the areas between the fire and the heart of Mosier, a town of about 450 residents in the Columbia River Gorge. Hillsboro Firefighters remained on the fire lines for just over a day. They returned home late Saturday night.

Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Drill

Firefighters must be prepared for any type incident, no matter how large. A mass casualty incident is any incident involving ten or more patients. Firefighters must quickly determine the number of patients, the extent of their injuries, and determine how many additional resources will be needed to handle this situation.

The biggest task of the first arriving responders is to get control of the scene and ensure the responders' and patients' safety. Often bystanders are attempting to help or watch. Police officers may be needed to secure the scene to provide firefighters/medics and the ambulance personnel the space to work.

The next step is Triage. Triage is the process of firefighter/medics determining the severity of each patient's injuries and assigning a simple Red, Yellow, Green tag to each patient. Red represents a traumatic injury that is immediately life-threatening and requires the quickest transport to a hospital emergency department. Yellow, represents moderate injuries that may become more serious over time, but can be transported within several hours. And Green represents the minor injuries of what are called the "walking wounded." They would be transported to hospitals only after all the more serious patients have been cared for.

A Treatment Area will require multiple crews to provide initial treatment and stabilization of patients before they can be transported. A Transportation Officer will coordinate the loading and destination off each ambulance.

An MCI with 30 patients would easily require as many as ten engine companies or about 40 firefighters. The Incident Commander requests additional resources as needed by ordering additional alarms.

Pump and Roll

Most urban and many suburban fire engines must remain parked when they pump water. However, Hillsboro is surrounded by wheat fields and has a significant wildland/urban interface area where forest and field meet developed residential areas and commercial buildings. To fight fast moving field fires, firefighters must be able to move quickly along the fire line. Hillsboro fire engines are built to allow them to pump water while moving. This week's drill at the Washington County Fairgrounds is designed to give our firefighters practice with the skill of pump and roll fire fighting.

In some cases, it is much safer and more effective for firefighters to remain inside the fire engine while moving forward and directing a stream of water at the flames. At other time, especially during mop up, firefighters with hand lines may need to walk quickly along the line to extinguish remaining hot spots. In either case, they need practice at performing these maneuvers.

In cases where the engine can travel no further due to terrain, firefighters may need to deploy a progressive hose lay. That means pulling a fire hose to its full length, then clamping the hose at that point and adding a Y-connector and another small diameter hose to extend their reach. All this is done without shutting down the water flow from the pumper. This allows firefighters to quickly get water to rugged terrain where no vehicle can reach and provides the flexibility to add another line at the Y-connector, if needed.

Are Your Kids Safe at College?

If you have one or more teenagers headed off to college near or far, now is a good time to talk with them about fire safety! Since January 2000, 134 students have died in fires that occured both on and off campus. There were four common factors in all of these fires:

1. A lack of automatic fire sprinklers
2. Missing or disabled smoke alarms
3. Careless disposal of smoking materials
4. Impaired judgement from alcohol consumption

If your teen's college or university holds fire safety classes for its students, encourage your young scholar's attendance. If the school doesn't offer fire safety classes, talk to the administrators about how the addition of this education opportunity may save lives. For more on National Campus Fire Safety Month (September), visit http://www.campusfiresafetymonth.org/.

Aircraft Firefighting and Rescue

Since Hillsboro has a terrific asset in the form of a general aviation airport, Hillsboro Fire and Rescue is tasked with responding to aircraft incidents both on and off of the Port of Portland-Hillsboro Airport property. The Port has dedicated firefighters and equipment only at PDX. Our firefighters must be prepared for fires and rescue situations at the airport buildings and all types of emergencies from medical events aboard aircraft, fighting aircraft fires and rescuing crash patients.

This week, Hillsboro Firefighters are undergoing aircraft fire and rescue procedure refresher training for corporate aircraft. Global Aviation and the Port of Portland Fire Department teamed up to provide this training. Captain Chris Bryant of the Port's Fire Department provided a firefighter's perspective on approaching and dealing with aircraft in emergency situations. Global Aviation's Vice President and Director of Maintenance, Brian Lockhart, gave technical information regarding the vulnerabilities and hazards of corporate jet aircraft. The goal is to save lives and preserve property at aircraft incidents. Our thanks go to both Global and the Port for their assistance in this training.

Helping our Neighbors

Mutual aid is the term in the fire service for helping our neighboring fire agencies. Washington County Fire District 2, which borders Hillsboro on the north and south, had back-to-back field fires on Monday along with another fire involving two RV trailers that threatened a barn. That required the cooperation of numerous agencies to cover all of the bases. Our participation included engine companies, brush rigs, and a chief officer.

Hillsboro Fire Department responds to all incidents under a "closest resource" agreement, also known as Automatic Aid. Which ever agency has the closest resource responds to the incident. In the cases of the three fires on Monday, Hillsboro firefighters assisted peers from the main jurisdiction, Washington County Fire District 2, along with Cornelius Fire, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, and Forest Grove Fire Department. Banks Fire Department also provided assistance and back-filled some of the empty fire stations resulting from this trio of incidents. No one was injured. Flames reached at least 10 feet high in freshly harvested wheat stalks. The smoke column was visible for miles on the Robinson Road fire.

Handling the Heat

With temperatures rising past 100-degrees this week, you may wonder where to go to cool down. The City of Hillsboro is encouraging citizens who don't have air conditioning and need a place to cool down to stop in at one of the following cooling stations:

Tyson Recreation Center
1880 NE Griffin Oaks Street
5 pm - 9 pm (extended hours, M-F)

Hillsboro Senior Center
750 SE 8th Avenue
9 am to 9 pm (extended hours, M-F)

Main Library
2850 Brookwood Parkway
10 am to 8 pm (M-F)

Shute Park Branch Library
775 SE 10th Avenue
10 am - 8 pm (M-W)
10 am - 6 pm (Th-F)

West Police Precinct
250 SE 10th Avenue
3 pm - 9 pm (M-F)

The following Hillsboro churches will also be open his week for those needing a place to cool down:

Sonrise Church
6701 NE Campus Drive
12 pm - 5 pm

Westport Church
20085 NW Tanasbourne Drive
10 am - 4 pm (Tue, Thu & Fri)

Everyone is welcome at any of the cooling stations. However, children should be accompanied by an adult.

Special Skills for Pediatric Care

Just as adult clothes don’t fit children, emergency medical procedures and medicine doses are different for kids. That’s why Hillsboro Firefighters undergo annual mandatory training on pediatric pre-hospital care. As you know, a fire engine is dispatched any time you call for an ambulance. Strategically located to fight fire, the firefighters are also trained emergency medical technicians (EMT) and often arrive at your medical emergency prior to an ambulance. They can begin life-saving treatment and can often have a patient ready to transport by the time the ambulance arrives. This training helps them recognize the clinical situations that children present with their specific illnesses, traumatic injuries and, in the cases of infants, their inability to communicate to responders about what is wrong.

This week and next week, trainers are presenting a full day of classroom refresher training along with a full day series of skill stations. Each station is designed to test emergency medical skills such as: intubation (insertion of a mechanical breathing tube) and airway management, injury immobilization, and medication dosage calculations for the different age and size children. The emergencies include respiratory issues, traumas, altered levels of consciousness, seizures, burns and toxic exposures along with a host of chronic and acute diseases. The firefighters not only study the physiological aspect of trauma, but the psychological characteristics exhibited by children involved in disasters. Through the use of case lectures, videos, hands-on skill stations using practice props and group scenarios, the firefighters polish their skills at assessment and managing ill or injured children prior to their trip to a hospital.

Prepared for the Hot Weather

From Hot Days Response

On hot, dry and windy days like those forcast for this week, Hillsboro firefighter/medics leave their normal, ambulance-style, response vehicle in the fire station and respond with a brush fire fighting vehicle. The smaller, four-wheel drive vehicle is able to drive out into fields and over rough terrain where the heavy fire engines cannot travel. The Brush Rigs, as they are called, carry smaller amounts of water, but also have brush fire fighting tools, as well as the medical equipment normally carried on Rescue 1.

From Hot Days Response

The quicker response of BR-1 can often make the difference in stopping a brush fire when it is still small. All firefighters are trained to fight both structure fires and brush fires.

Misplaced Security Light Causes Mooberry Elementary Fire

Hillsboro Fire Investigators say a school security light removed from its position and placed face down against roofing material is the most likely cause of the early Friday (7/17/09) one-alarm fire at Mooberry Elementary School's kindergarten building located at 1230 NE 10th Avenue
View Larger Map. Investigators found the remains of a 400-watt mercury vapor light that was connected to a timer. Roofing contractors who had been working on the building told investigators they removed the light fixture from its position, left it connected to its wiring, and placed it face down against tar paper. They were unaware the light was on a timer.

Investigators say the light came on at about 10 pm and heated the tar paper to the point it began a fire on the roof deck. The fire burned slowly in the roofing material, ignited materials in the void space above the ceiling, and caused burning debris to drop down into the classroom area. That is when the smoke produced finally triggered the alarm system.

Fire damage to the roof and one classroom is extensive with heavy smoke, heat and water damage occurring to the remainder of the building. Damage estimate is $500,000.

Smoke Alarm Recall - Kidde Brand Dual Sensor PI2000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Kidde Model PI2000 Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms

Units: About 94,000

Manufacturer: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., of Mebane, N.C.

Hazard: An electrostatic discharge can damage the unit, causing it not to warn consumers of a fire.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reported incidents of smoke alarm malfunctions involving electrostatic discharge during installation. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Kidde dual sensor smoke alarms model PI2000. The alarms can be identified by two buttons, “HUSH” and “PUSH AND HOLD TO TEST WEEKLY,” which are located on the front/center of the alarm. The model number and date code are on the back of the smoke alarm. Only date codes 2008 Aug.01 through 2009 May 04 are included in this recall.

Sold at: Retail, department, and hardware stores and through electrical distributors nationwide from August 2008 through May 2009 for between $30 and $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should contact Kidde immediately to receive a free replacement smoke alarm.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kidde toll-free at (877) 524-2086 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.kidde.com

Bathroom Exhaust Fan Safety

In the past four weeks, Hillsboro Fire Department has responded to two residential fires that investigators say were caused by faulty bathroom exhaust fans. Both fires caused sufficient damage to force the families to move out while the home was being repaired. A couple of neighbors asked us what actions they should take to ensure the same thing doesn't happen in their own homes.

The answer is two fold:
1. Keep it clean and lubricated. Most people don't think about the accumulation of dust that occurs beyond the plastic or metal grill or housing visible from where you stand. Over a period of years, dust can accumulate causing the motor to work harder and even seize. That seized light-weight motor continues to generate heat, yet doesn't pull enough amperage to trip the circuit breaker. After enough time, sufficient heat will be generated to ignite the lint, wiring, plastic fan blades or housing. Solution: Periodically, shut off the circuit breaker and remove the fan cover or housing. Clean the fan's motor to ensure air flow can cool the windings. Clean the fan blades to reduce the drag on the motor. Reassemble and restore the circuit breaker to its normal position.

2. If it gets noisy, replace it. Over time, all electric motors will fail. If you have been in your home for 15 or 20 years and have noticed the noise level of a fan increasing or a vibration occuring, have it replaced by a qualified electrician. For information on selecting a replacement exhaust fan, visit ConsumerReports.org.

Water Safety at Shute Park

Hillsboro Fire and Rescue is proud to participate with Hillsboro Parks and Recreation Department's Summer Outpost program at Shute Park. The program provides activities, games and education along with a light lunch for local children. They served over 400 kids today who came out to play. About 65 of those kids and parents gatherd around as Hillsboro Firefighters talked about water safety.

Firefighter and Swift Water Rescue Technician Brent Wellington talked about safety tips at the pool as well as at the ocean, lakes or rivers. The key messages were children should learn to swim and should always be supervised when near or in the water. Any children not able to swim should wear a personal floatation device(PFD) when near or in the water.

Lieutenant Jason Blount, a resue boat operator showed the kids the equipment carried on HFD's Rescue Boat-1. The equipment includes a throw ring, a bag full of rope for thowing to a person in distress, and the dry suits that rescuers wear when in the chilly Oregon rivers and lakes.

HFD has already responed to at least two water rescue calls this season. In one incident, a six year old child was saved by the quick application of CPR by a bystander. We hope you play safely when on, near or on the water.

Hot Weather Ahead

From Hot Weather

When the mercury approaches 90-degrees in Oregon, many people call it blazing hot! If you came from the South, that may sound silly. But, for those of us who are acclimated to Oregon's mild temperatures, a 90-degree+ day brings along some hazards that you should be considering when planning outdoor activities.

1. You can't do as much in the heat as you do in the cooler temperatures. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of cool (not cold) water to keep yourself hydrated. Heat exhaustion is the result of too much exertion during high temperatures. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are:
Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue
Headache
Weakness
Muscle cramps
Dizziness

Usually, people experience symptoms of heat exhaustion before exhibiting signs of a heat stroke. But, not always. Symptoms of heat stroke may appear rapidly or slowly. A heat stroke is a true medical emergency. You should call 9-1-1 immediately if you suspect a heat stroke. Left untreated, heat stroke can be fatal. Symptoms include:
High body temperature
The absence of sweating with hot red or flushed dry skin
Rapid pulse
Difficulty breathing
Hallucinations
Strange behavior
Confusion
Agitations
Disorientation
Seizure
Coma

TREATMENT:
Get the patient to a shady area and remove clothing.
Cool the patient as soon as possible. Spray the patient with water and fan to promote evaporation on the skin.
Place ice bags under the arm pits and groin.

PREVENTION:
Avoid strenuous exercise or work during the heat of the day.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Take frequent breaks.
Wear a hat when in the sun.
Wear light weight, light colored clothing.

The populations who most at risk of heat exhaustion and stroke are:
Infants
Elderly (especially those with chronic diseases)
Athletes
Outdoor workers

2. The second issue during hot weather is FIRE. Several successive days of high temperatures and low humidity dry out the fuels, such as grasses and brush. The rising temperatures put the fuels closer to their ignition point.

Please be careful with fire. If you plan to camp, follow safety rules regarding care and extinguishment of campfires. Use your ashtray not the roadway for discarded smoking materials. Remember what "Smokey" says, "Only you can prevent forest fires."

Keep it Legal and Safe on the 4th!

As you plan your 4th of July Holiday, remember that Oregon law restricts the type of fireworks that are legal to possess and use. Illegal fireworks are those that fly, explode or shoot projectiles. They include but are not limited to M-80s, cherry bombs, bottle rockets, Roman cancles and firecrackers. Legal fireworks are descirbed as snakes, sparklers, fountains and spinning ground wheels.

Parents, there are three things you should be aware of at this time of year:
1. Adults should be the only ones handling fireworks. What your child does with fireworks can financially impact you! If another person is injured or property damage occurs, you can be held financially liable for damages. Your homeowners insurance may not provide coverage if you or your children knowingly used illegal fireworks that result in personal injury or property damage.

2. You face the loss of the illegal fireworks through confication if you are caught by law enforcement offciers using illegal fireworks. Additionally, you face a fine of up to $500 for use and/or possession of illegal fireworks. Fireworks that have been modified or homemade come under the classification of "manufacture of an explosive device" and you can be charged with a felony for doing so.

3. And finally, from a role model perspective, participating in or condoning your children's use of illegal fireworks sends a message to the young that it is okay to select which laws are okay to break.

Please be a good role model this year. Have a safe holiday and enjoy only Oregon legal fireworks! For national statistics on fireworks injuries and more, visit:
The FEMA website on Fireworks.

This Is Never A Good Sight!

Jean Lane Fire

It's a missing smoke alarm. The Rojas family is lucky to be alive today after 24-year old Thomas Junior awoke to find smoke in his home at 1943 SW Jean Lane. He roused his wife, two small children, father and brother and all escaped unharmed. The fire, confined to the master bathroom of their three-bedroom ranch home, did about $40,000 in damage. The younger Rojas tried to extinguish the flames with a garden hose, which helped keep the flames in check until Hillsboro Firefighters arrived shortly before 3:00 am Tuesday morning, June 23rd. They quickly doused the flames.

The family's smoke alarm had begun chirping, indicating it had a dead battery. They removed the alarm, intending to replace it, thinking that nothing was going to happen in the interim.

The cause of the fire is believed to be the exhaust fan in the bathroom. Here are the safety tips for the day:

* Never go to bed without working smoke alarms.
* If your exhaust fan has begun getting louder, it should be checked or replaced by a qualified electrical contractor.

If you are worried about what type of alarm to buy, ionization or photoelectric, consider an alarm with both types in a single unit. There is more on that at the US Fire Administration web site.

Training Burn

On Thursday, June 18th, Hillsboro Firefighters conducted a training burn at 26180 NW Evergreen Road. The drills are part of live fire training all firefighters are required to have annually. Training officers set fires in several donated construction site office trailers to provide firefighters with experience in understanding fire behavior and practice tactics in dealing with mobile home fires which build and spread rapidly. Later, firefighters dealt with practice burns in a shop building on the property and capped off the day with training five new volunteer firefighters in the four bedroom, 1950s vintage home on the property.

While firefighters practice in putting out fires, you would be wise in using this reminder to practice your home escape plan with your whole family. Sit down tonight and sketch out the footprint of your home showing the doors and windows as the two ways out of every room. Select a meeting place outside where everyone should gather once out of the house. It should be at the front of the home so you're ready to tell arriving firefighters whether anyone is missing. Plan to call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's phone or your cell phone.

Then actually conduct a fire drill in your home by pressing the test button on your smoke alarm and having everyone exit to your meeting place. See if you can improve your exit times from one drill to the next. Have at least one drill per year at night.

For more information on fire and life safety issues, visit www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/fire.

June is Home Safety Month - Is Your Family Safe?

June is Home Safety Month and the Home Safety Council has just completed revamping its web site to include more information, safety checklists, videos and more. After school is out and before you leave for vacation is a good time to have the whole family look around your house for hazards. From falls to fires, for babies to seniors, spend a few minutes ensuring your home is safe. Visit the Home Safety Council website at www.homesafetycouncil.org.

National Lightning Awareness Week June 21-27

Lightning

June 21 through the 27th is Lightning Awareness Week. While booming thunderstorms are relatively rare here in the Hillsboro area compared with the Midwest, you may be traveling to the mountains or to Eastern Oregon and experience some of nature's fireworks. Just remember, lightning injures hundreds every year and kills dozens of people across the country. For lightning safety tips, visit the National Oceanic and Asmospheric Administration web site.

Honoring a Life-Saver

Hillsboro Fire Department recognized Tonya Stewart at City Council meeting Tuesday, June 18, 2009, for her life-saving application of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Ms. Stewart was among a group of about 20 people enjoying the swimming pool at her apartment on May 22nd. She was sunbathing on the pool deck when she realized that pool occupants had begun screaming that a boy was drowning.

Moments earlier, a 6-year boy had jumped into the pool. When he surfaced, another swimmer accidentally bumped the child causing him to hit his head agains the pool edge. When fellow swimmers noticed him again, he was floating motionless in the pool. Bystanders quickly pulled the child from the water.

Ms. Stewart, 33, drawing on her C-P-R training from a previous job in the healthcare industry, quickly applied C-P-R while another bystander called 9-1-1. She continued the process until Hillsboro Firefighter/Paramedics and Metro West Ambulance medics arrived. By that time, the child had begun breathing on his own and had regained consciousness.

For her swift action in applying C-P-R, Hillsboro Fire Department Operations Chief Greg Nelson, representing all public safety personnel who responded, presented a certificate of recognition to Ms. Stewart.

"We are proud to have such comptetent and selfless citizens here in Hillsboro," said Operations Chief Nelson. "We can look to Ms. Stewart for inspiration to always be prepared to help someone in need."

Hillsboro Firefighters to Conduct Practice House Burn

Hillsboro Firefighters, both paid and volunteer, will be conducting a series of training burns throughout the day on Thursday, June 18, 2009, at 26180 NW Evergreen Road. The series of burns will provide paid firefighters an opportunity to practice fighting fires. The first series of burns will be conducted in donated office trailers, also known as job shacks, provided by Skanska Corporation. Trainers will set small controlled burns in portions of these mobile offices and firefighting teams will be sent inside to extinguish the flames. These burns will be conducted from 8:30 am until about 1:00 pm. As training at each trailer is completed, firefighters will allow the trailer to completely burn in order to demolish the structure. The training is part of annual live-fire requirements of all firefighters.

From about 6:30 pm until 9:00 pm, Hillsboro Volunteer Firefighters will conduct training burns in a donated residence at the same address. The training is similar to that conducted in the earlier evolutions. However, these firefighters are approaching the end of their recruit academy or initial training. Until this time, the Volunteer Recruit Academy has provided recruits with classroom and hands-on fundamentals of all aspects of emergency medical response, rescue, and firefighting. These sessions will provide them with their first experience in fighting live fire in a relatively safe and controlled environment.

The donated structure burns provide the practical experience for firefighters that cannot be replicated in drill towers or other simulators. Firefighters must be able to enter a strange building that has active fire with dense smoke often down to the floor level. They must be able to locate the seat of the fire, extinguish the flames, monitor their air supply, communicate with the incident commander and maintain awareness of their team member locations as well as situational awareness for other hazards.

These drills serve as a reminder for all area residents to create and practice a fire escape plan for their home. The escape plan should include:

o Having working smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
o Knowing two ways out of every room
o Having a meeting place outside, preferably in front of the residence
o Calling 9-1-1 from the meeting place or a neighbor’s home

For more fire and life safety information, visit: www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/fire or call 503-681-6166.

Golf Tourney Benefits Two Charities

Avid golfers from around the state pulled out their best shots Wednesday at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation/Hillsboro Firefighters Random Acts of Kindness Charity Golf Tournament. The best ball scramble contest drew 20 teams to the beautiful Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha. The event is sponsored by numerous local businesses and raises money for the two charitable organizations.

The winning foursome of Gunia, Godfrey, Miller and Benson took home some great prizes. Second place went to T. Seidel, Rizzo, Hill and Anzellotti. And, third place went to the foursome of Chief Gary Seidel with teammates Sparks, McCown and Krupf.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was created to honor firefighters fallen in the line of duty and to assist their families and coworkers. The Hillsboro Random Acts of Kindness program was created by dedicated firefighters and employees from the City of Hillsboro who truly believe that they can make a difference in our community in ways besides their emergency responses. They seek to plant positive seeds in our neighborhoods to the benefit of the whole community. Their aim is simple - to help fellow firefighters and city employees give something extra back to the communities they live in and care for.

Final Wildfire Exercises

Hillsboro Firefighters are completing their third week of wildfire drills to prepare for the upcoming season. This week's final drill built on the previous week's training by using the sandbox tactical decisions made in the prior week's drill and actually visiting the locations where they made choices to deploy resources.

Firefighters must perform structural triage when dealing with wildfires in the wildland/urban interface(WUI). WUI is where developed areas meet forests or fields. That means a team of firefighters must assess each home's defensability. They look for clear access to the home, a minimum of 30-feet of non-combustible vegetation or low, green grass between the home and any wildfire fuels, and the type of construction of the home.

The evaluators have a relatively simple formula to follow to decide whether to commit an engine company to defend that home or to not risk their lives because the home cannot be defended safely.

For more information on how to ensure your home is as safe as can be from wildfire, visit www.firewise.org.

Esplanade Safety Event

Hillsboro firefighters are proud of their equipment and Saturday’s Safety Day event at the Sunset Esplanade, sponsored by KUIK Radio, was a great opportunity for crews to show the public the tools they use to fight fire. Hundreds of children and parents toured Engine 103 and Truck 3 and chatted with our public education team. Firefighters and the safety team communicated the importance of fire safety in the home and distributed materials that focus on two major aspects of home fire safety, working smoke alarms and home escape planning.

Each year thousands of people die in home fires. Four out of every five of those people die in their own homes. When fire breaks out, the key to your survival is immediate escape. Your life and the lives of your family depend on whether you know how to escape from fire. The majority of fatal home fires strike at night while you are asleep. You need working smoke alarms to wake you AND an escape plan so everyone in your home knows how to get out alive!

Safety Steps:
Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every level of the home and that they work. Test smoke alarms once a month by pushing the test buttons. Smoke alarms alert people to fire; families still need to develop and practice home fire escape plans so that they can get out quickly.

Get everybody together and draw a simple floor plan of your home. Plan two ways out of each room. The first way out should be the door and the second way out could be another door or window. Make sure doors and windows can be opened easily.

In a two-story building, plan your secondary escape through a window. If you plan to use an escape ladder, make sure everybody knows how to use it.

Choose a special meeting place for all family members outside the home and mark it on the floor plan. A meeting place should be something that always stays in the same place, such as a tree, telephone pole, or a neighbor’s house.

Have a home fire drill at least twice a year – once at night. Have everybody in the home practice using their second way out as well as their primary route.

For more information on fire and life safety tips, visit www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/fire

Wildland Water Operations

Wildland firefighting differs in many ways, but the most obvious is that rural areas often don't have water hydrants to provide firefighters with ample water. As a result, they must shuttle water in with water tenders from the nearest hydrant; draft water from ponds, rivers, lakes or swimming pools; or a combination of both.

Hillsboro Firefighters this week worked on the second phase of their refresher for fighting wildland fires--providing an adequate water supply. They drilled at the Washington County Fairgrounds on shuttling water to a location, nursing a pumper from a water tender, and drafting from a portable water tank. In addition, they practiced using a floating pump designed to pump from a pool, pond or river into small diameter hose lines for fire attack.

You can help firefighters defend your home in the event of a wildfire in the wildland urban interface. On flat land, clear brush and dried vegetation at least 30-feet from your home. On a slope, you should clear the downhill side at least 100 feet. Additionally, remove overhanging tree branches from around your home. For more on wildland fire preparations, visit www.firewise.org

Novelty Lighter Ban Goes Into Effect June 2nd

For those who missed the legislative process, Oregon now has a ban on the sale of novelty lighters. Those are lighters that look or act like a toy, replicate the tools of adults such as cell phones, or provide music or sound effects that make it appealing to children under age 10. Each of the items pictured above is a novelty lighter and there are hundreds of others in differing types and shapes.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has notified all retailers and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission has notified all liquor retailers to remove all such lighters from their inventory. Retailers face a $500 a day fine for a violation, wholesalers face $1,000 day fine and manufacturers and importers face up to $10,000 in fines for violating the new law.

For more information on the ban on novelty lighters visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal's web site.

Cutting Through Concrete and Steel

While we don’t have the frequency of earthquakes that California has, Oregon does have an occasional tremor. That’s hardly enough to keep the topic in our awareness. However, it should be. Experts predict there is a significant chance of a major subduction zone earthquake in an area off the Oregon coast within the next 50 years. Their prediction is for a magnitude 9.0 earthquake lasting four minutes with devastating results. There would be hundreds, possibly thousands, of buildings destroyed in such an event.

To prepare for such a possibility, Hillsboro Fire Department has trained Technical Rescue Technicians who specialize in Search and Rescue techniques in building collapse scenarios. These firefighters regularly practice the use of their heavy duty cutting tools to ensure readiness should the need arise. One recent drill involved the use of specialized hydraulic-powered chain saws, circular saws and jack hammers. Each tool is designed to allow firefighters to quickly cut through collapsed concrete and metal structures to reach patients trapped inside.

These drills are designed to refresh skills for veterans and provide rookie firefighters with the opportunity to train with this specialized equipment.
In case your memory has faded or you are too young to remember, it was in 1989 that California experienced a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that became known as the Loma Prieta Earthquake. And in 1994, the Northridge quake occurred. Both killed dozens of people.

If you are asking, what you should do to be prepared for a devastating earthquake, here is a basic list:

1. Create an emergency kit for your home that contains food, water, first aid kit, necessary medicines, and other essentials so that you can live independently without utilities for at least 5 to 7 days.
2. Create a family communications plan.
3. In the event of an earthquake:
a. First, remain where you are and “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
b. Prepare for aftershocks.

Firefighters Refresh on Safety and Tactics for Wildfires

Warm and dry weather brings the threat of wildfire to Oregon. Hillsboro Firefighters took part in their annual wildland fire refresher course this week. The drill focused on Safety and Tactics. For firefighters accustomed to dealing with structure fires through a long rainy season, the refresher course was designed to ensure firefighter safety at all times. Much of the classroom sessions dealt with crew safety while a portion of the practical dealt with deploying their fire shelter. Real fire shelters are multi-layered with a foil-like exterior designed as a last stand should a wildfire overrun a fire crew's position. Often called a "shake and bake" due to the procedure, the shelters can save lives and must be deployed in 20 seconds. For practice, firefighters employ reuseable shelters rather than the one-time-use-only real shelters.

The second portion of the practical drill focused on tactics in fighting wildland fires in terrain found around Hillsboro. Firefighters used enlarged aerial photos and toy-like fire engines to "talk" through the tactics they would use in a wildland fire.

Firefighters have responded to several small bark dust and grass fires along major thoroughfares in Hillsboro recently. Most were caused by improper disposal of smoking materials. Hillsboro Fire and Rescue reminds you to use the ashtray, not the road way, for disposal of all smoking materials. For more fire and life safety information, visit www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/fire or call 503-681-6166.

Fire Damages Hillsboro Duplex

A one-alarm fire late Sunday night caused extensive damage to a Hillsboro duplex. Hillsboro Fire and Rescue responded to the blaze at 11:29 pm at 155 NE Edison Street after a neighbor called 9-1-1 and reported seeing flames coming from one of the units. When the first arriving firefighters from the downtown Hillsboro Fire Station #1 arrived, they found heavy fire coming from the east side of the older duplex residence, with flames extending into the attic space. The lone occupant of the front apartment was still inside. 59-year old Sue Hughes was exiting the apartment as firefighters began attacking the flames. She reported one of two dogs she had in her home remained inside. Firefighters entered the apartment, located the small dog, and quickly brought it out to safety. The rear apartment was unoccupied.

Firefighters from Hillsboro Fire and Rescue, along with an engine company from Washington County Fire District #2, brought the flames under control in about 20-minutes. No one was injured.

Hughes told firefighters that she was asleep when she awoke to a loud popping noise. Moments later, her smoke alarm activated. She went to the kitchen to investigate and found the curtains and wall engulfed in flames. She escaped unharmed.

The fire heavily damaged the rear apartment, caused some moderate damage to the kitchen of Hughes apartment and produced light smoke damage to the rest of her home. Due to the damage in her apartment, Hughes will be staying with a relative. She had no renters insurance.

Fire investigators are examining the evidence at the scene and will interview witnesses to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Damage estimates are still being tallied.

Hillsboro Fire and Rescue reminds you to ensure your smoke alarms work properly by testing them monthly. Additionally, every home should have an escape plan that every member has practiced. Have a meeting place outside, preferably in the front to ensure everyone is out. And once outside, never go back into a burning home for any reason. For more fire and life safety information, visit: www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/fire or call 503-681-6166.

Fire Damages Gas Station Building

A one-alarm fire caused an estimated 60-thousand dollars in damage to the building housing the Airport 76 Gas and Market at 1729 NE Cornell Road Thursday.

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Two residents of an apartment complex behind the gas station ran into the facility to report the fire to the employees inside. All employees and customers of the store escaped unharmed.

Firefighters from Hillsboro Fire and Rescue responded to the blaze at 2:36 pm. The first arriving company, Engine 5 from the Parkwood Station, found heavy fire and thick black smoke coming from a storage area behind the building. They quickly deployed two hose lines and began attacking the flames. Moments later, the flames burned through the electrical service line feeding the building dropping the energized wires onto one of the fire hoses. Firefighters had to abandon that hose and pull additional lines to continue fighting the fire. Despite the hazard, they brought the flames under control in about 14-minutes. Damage was confined to the rear storage area and wall of the building with some fire damage in the ceiling area nearest the fire. Additionally, the building and products inside suffered some light smoke damage.

The fire produced such thick black smoke outside that at least two neighboring businesses chose to temporarily close and evacuated their buildings. Public safety officers did not order their evacuation. The businesses reopened after firefighters had the blaze under control. Fire investigators are interviewing witnesses and examining evidence at the scene in an effort to determine a cause for the fire.

Hillsboro Firefighters Swing into Action for Charity

Golf Tourney

Above: Firefighter Ted Whiteman, a member of Random Acts of Kindness program, checks out a 2009 Kawasaki Teryx LE 750 valued at $11,549 courtesy of Motorsport Hillsboro. The ATV will be one of the prizes for a hole-in-one at the charity's golf tournament June 10th.

Off duty Hillsboro Firefighters are hanging up their axes and hoses for a day on June 10th to help conduct a charity golf tournament at The Reserve Vineyard and Golf Club, 4805 SW 229th Avenue, Aloha. The event is designed to help generate funds for two worthy causes: The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Hillsboro Firefighters Random Acts of Kindness program. Both are 501(c)3 charities and each receives half of the net proceeds from the event.

“We are hoping that golfers of all skill levels will join us for a great day of golf at the beautiful Reserve Golf Club as we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and we help those who need assistance due to hardships from an emergency,” said Hillsboro Fire Chief Gary Seidel. The Radom Acts of Kindness effort began in 1994 by local firefighters.

“We help people every day in the course of our job,” said Firefighter Ted Whiteman, “But, of course, we can’t use taxpayer funds to help solve many of the citizens’ needs following their emergency. That’s where Random Acts of Kindness comes in.” The group has provided aid in many forms, such as building a wheelchair ramp for a senior citizen, paying for plumbing repairs of a woman recently widowed, and providing a bus ticket and food for a traveler stranded and without cash.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was created to honor fallen fire heroes and help their families and coworkers. The organization offers direct assistance to firefighters’ families following a line of duty death; scholarships for spouses and children of firefighters killed in action; and networking and grief support for families and coworkers following a death.

The 2009 Golf Tournament kicks off with a 1:30 pm shotgun tee-off (Registration opens at 12:00) and is followed by a dinner buffet, silent auction and awards from 5:30 to 7:15 pm. Individuals may play for $150 and a team may play for $500. The price includes 18 holes of best ball scramble golf, the awards buffet, a gift bag for each golfer, and participation in the silent auction.

There are still sponsorships opportunities available. They range from $500 for a cart sponsor to $100 for a bunker sponsor. If you are unable to play on June 10th, you can make a direct contribution in several ways: a check to the Hillsboro Random Acts of Kindness, a check to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation or donation of a silent auction item. For more information or to register for the tournament, contact the Hillsboro Fire Department at 503-681-6166.

Car Crash Drills

One of the most common type of calls at a Hillsboro Fire Department is a motor vehicle accident (MVA). While they are frequent, the variety of positions in which cars come to rest and the need to quickly extricate occupants requires regular training to ensure all is done safely.

Hillsboro Firefighters this week are drilling on stabilizing cars found on their side, accessing the patients by removing the vehicle roof, and immobilizing the patient to protect the spine from further injury. Firefighters are using wrecked cars provided generously by Hillsboro Towing to practice on.

The drills include using stabilizing jacks, chock blocks, and other means to keep the cars from rolling over and injuring firefighters. They then use power tools, including hydraulic cutters often referred to as "The Jaws of Life," along with common electric Saws All to cut the side posts and remove the roof of the car. This allows access to the patient.

Burn pile explosion injures one

Hillsboro fire investigators say an aerosol can exploded in a backyard burn pile Saturday sending one person to the hospital.

Hillsboro Fire Department reminds you that household garbage is prohibited in backyard burn piles or barrels. For more information on backyard burning, visit www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/fire/burn.aspx or call the Hillsboro Backyard Burn Information Line at 503-631-6204.

Joint Water Rescue Drill at Hagg Lake

Hillsboro Fire Department joined Forest Grove Fire and Rescue for a joint water rescue drill on Hagg Lake on Friday, May 15th. Firefighters from both agencies drilled on ways to quickly and efficiently deploy rescue swimmers from a boat in swift water or from a craft still at speed. Additionally, they practiced methods for bringing aboard patients on a backboard or in a life jacket and recovering unconscious or deceased persons. For more on water safety for children, visit: http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/water_safety.html

EMS Week May 17-23

Every firefighter at Hillsboro Fire and Rescue is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). There are three levels of certification: Basic, Intermediate, and Paramedic. Each level allows the firefighter/medic to perform different levels of treatment with the Paramedic having the most latitude to perform advanced life support procedures in the field.

May 17 through 23rd is National Emergency Medical Services week, a time when we recognize the valuable role that our EMTs play in pre-hospital care. They work along side of dedicated ambulance medics and hospital emergency department physicians and staff to provide an advanced emergency medical system.

Hillsboro Fire stations are strategically positioned around the community to be ready to fight fire. Because we are close by and trained to handle medical emergencies, a fire engine or truck company is dispatched every time you call 9-1-1 for an ambulance. Our crews can often arrive first and begin life-saving treatment, when necessary. Once the ambulance arrives, the patient is handed off to them for transport to an area hospital. It's a seamless system that provides the public with the highest level of service possible.

Juvenile Fire Setting

In the past six weeks, our Public Education staff have provided specialized education for several area youth who have misused fire. Some were referred by parents who caught their children playing with matches. Others were required to see us as a result of a referral by the Washington County Juvenile Department.

Our fire department particpates in a Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Network that can help youth who have an unhealthy fascination with fire. A confidential screening at the fire station and an hour of education here may be all that is needed. For other children who may have additional decision-making problems, we refer them to a wonderful program provided by the Fire Safe Families and Children organization. These age-appropriate classes run one night a week for six or eight weeks and help youth learn good life skills as well as how to be fire-safe at home.

Contact the Public Education staff at Hillsboro Fire Department, 503-681-6166, if you have questions about youths you know to be misusing fire.

Wildfire Awareness Week

May 3-9 was wildfire awareness week in Oregon. The week reminds us to follow several rules in handling fire outdoors any place and any time:

• Call your local fire department before you burn. In Hillsboro, call 503-681-6204.
• Burn only backyard debris.
• If you are using a burn barrel, cover it with a 1/4-inch mesh screen.
• Keep burn barrels away from overhanging structures, trees or vehicles.
• Keep piles small. Add debris to the small pile as it burns down.
• Make sure your fire is out! Dead out! Drown, stir, drown.

What makes Oregon and Hillsboro beautiful are the great trees and beautiful greenery. That's what also makes us at risk for an urban interface fire. Use caution whenever you use fire!

Big Water Drill

Many room and contents fires can be extinguished with a 1.5-inch hose line and small amounts of water. However, there are fires that advance in size before discovery and require large amounts of water coming from many hose lines. That is a time for what's called "big water." Big water comes from 2.5-inch hose lines hooked to a portable monitor (see photo), from the "deck gun" fixed monitor atop a fire engine, or from the elevated master stream from the extended ladder of a ladder truck.

Rope Rescue Drills

Hillsboro firefighters attend seasonal trainings for special rescue situations. Each spring, they go through a refresher course for the veterans in the skills of high angle and low angle rope rescue. While all firefighters have a basic knowledge of these skills, our Technical Rescue Technicians have advanced training and normally respond to critical incidents requiring their special skills. The first arriving engine company can often begin the process of setting up a rope system to speed up rescue when the Technical Rescue Technicians arrive.