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TRAINING
"Horse Related Injuries".
This week, training dealt with handling horse related injuries and how to handle a situation where the horse is still in the area.
A Special Thank You to the Shockley's for their expertise in horse handling & providing the horses for our training.
Click for Gallery of 12 Photos
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HELPERS
"Other Volunteers".
On the fourth anniversary of the launch of our new website, we are reminded that there are a variety of ways people can volunteer at the fire station other than being a volunteer firefighter, medic or first responder.
Bob, our web guy, does our website, photographs or EVFD personnel, events & acceptable calls, updates our iPhone App information and keeps our Twitter page up to date.
Our new entrance was done by a volunteer and adds a lot to the overall beauty and functionality of our station.
We've got a new trainee volunteer to help with general housekeeping around the station. Sean is the son of our bookkeeper/first responded and even though he has Down Syndrome, he's proven that even this isn't an obstacle nor an excuse to prevent volunteering at EVFD.
There is also our very own EVFD Auxiliary who do a mountain of work and fundraising for our station, but even then, several of them have gone above and beyond their auxiliary duties and have found other ways to help.
Our quarterly newsletter is a special volunteer project by a community member who also volunteers in the EVFD office once a week and is a very involved member of the auxiliary.
The Auxiliary President does a lot of extras for the fire station, including his present project to make new roadside signs to promote EVFD events and fundraisers.
We are also pleased with several of our volunteer firefighters & medical responders who also volunteer in other ways around the station. From maintaining the vehicles, to painting, to building our pump house, and a lot more - some of them are always finding new jobs to tackle and more ways to help.
Helping out at our little fire station isn't limited to those within walking or driving distance, we've even had a gentleman from the east coast volunteer to help out our fire station; Brian Schroeder of North Carolina helped by creating our very popular EVFire iPhone App which keeps the people of our district & Jackson County informed about the fire danger levels and any special alerts that might affect us.
Yes, there are a lot of other people AND businesses that do a whole lot for the Evans Valley Fire District, but there always seems like there is still a lot more that needs to be done and we'd like YOU to consider offering your special skills and talents to help us become the best little fire station we can be.
For more information on how to volunteer at EVFD or to offer your services, please contact Chief Fuller at (541) 582-0678 or info@evfire.org.
Click for Gallery of 4 Photos
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27 July 2009: ODF-SWO:
FIRE DANGER LEVEL
"EXTREME FIRE DANGER".
Very hot weather in southwestern Oregon makes it necessary to raise the fire danger level to Extreme (red) at 1:00 a.m. on Monday, July 27. This affects state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands that are in Jackson and Josephine counties and are protected by ODF's Southwest Oregon District.
The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at level 2 (two).
Starting Monday, Mowing of dead or dry grass with power-driven equipment will not be allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Previously, mowing was allowed until 1:00 p.m. This restriction does not include the mowing of green lawns, or when equipment is used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
Chain saws may not be used between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Prior to this fire danger level change, chain saw use was allowed until 1:00 p.m. Chain saw users must have an ax, a shovel and an 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the job site, and a fire watch is required for one hour after the saw is shut down.
The cutting, grinding or welding of metal will not be allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. These activities had also been allowed until 1:00 p.m. The work site must be cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is required at the job site.
Also, all open fires, including charcoal fires, will not be allowed in the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River between Grave Creek and Marial. Previously, charcoal fires were allowed. Starting Monday, only portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used on sand or gravel bars that lie between water and high water marks. These areas must be naturally free of vegetation.
Below is a summary of other fire restrictions that have been in effect since July 14 and will remain in effect:
Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in other locations.
Motorized vehicles are allowed only on improved roads.
Smoking while traveling is allowed only in vehicles on improved roads.
All debris burning, including debris burned in burn barrels, is prohibited.
Fireworks use on forestlands is prohibited.
Electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller's instructions for firesafe operation.
In the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River between Grave Creek and Marial:
Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in boats on the water, and on sand or gravel bars that lie between water and high water marks that are free of vegetation.
A shovel and a one-gallon or larger bucket are required of all travelers.
Fireworks are prohibited
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NEWS
"The Passing of Cheryl Ream".
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Cheryl Ream, long time & loyal supporter of our fire district and the mother-in-law of our Board of Directors Chairman Les Brooks
She passed last night after a long bout with cancer.
We'd like to extend our condolences and sympathies to all her family and friends.
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TRAINING
"Traffic Procedures".
This week, training was a joint drill with Rogue River Fire Department and was all about traffic procedures - handling of traffic while on a call.
After the classroom portion of the training session, there was a brief familiarization session between the two departments on locating traffic related items on each other's vehicles.
Click for Gallery of 4 Photos
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20 July 2009: ODF-SWO:
NEWS RELEASE
"IFPL WILL BE RAISED TO LEVEL II TOMORROW".
Industrial Fire Precaution Level II (two) prohibits the following activities:
The use of power saws, except at loading sites, between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The use of cable yarders between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Blasting between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Welding or cutting of metal between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Additionally, commercial operators on forestlands are required to have fire suppression equipment on site and provide watchman service.
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NEWS
"The Passing of Pete Purrier".
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pete Purrier, our Chaplain's Father, over the weekend.
We'd like to extend our condolences and sympathies to all his family and friends.
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TRAINING
"Vehicle Extrication".
This week's training centered on getting familiar with the tools, equipment & procedures used in the extrication of people trapped in vehicles.
We'd like to Thank "Jolley Transport and 24hr Towing" for supplying the vehicle we used in our training. We truly appreciate all the help and assistance they provided to make our training night possible.
Click for Gallery of 24 Photos
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13 July 2009: ODF-SWO:
NEWS RELEASE
"FIRE DANGER LEVEL CLIMBS TO HIGH TOMORROW".
The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties climbs to High tomorrow. Among the restrictions that go into place on Tuesday, mowing, chain saw use and other machinery-related activities are curtailed during the afternoon hours. Campfires will be restricted to designated campgrounds, and vehicles will be allowed only on improved roads.
The fire danger level will be raised to High (yellow) at 1:00 a.m. Tuesday. This affects the 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF's Southwest Oregon District. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at level 1 (one).
A hot week lies ahead and already-cured fuels, such as grass and weeds, are igniting easily and burning more aggressively, necessitating increased restrictions on common fire-causing activities.
So far this year, Southwest Oregon District firefighters have responded to 87 fires that burned a total of 68.4 acres. The largest fire to date was a series of vehicle-caused fires that burned 6 acres along the Caves Highway on June 24. Thirty-two of the fires this year were caused by lightning.
Here is a summary of fire prevention restrictions that go into effect tomorrow:
Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed in other locations.
Motorized vehicles are allowed only on improved roads.
Chain saws may not be used between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. During other hours, chain saw users must have an ax, a shovel and an 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the job site, and a fire watch is required for one hour after the saw is shut down.
Mowing of dead or dry grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or when equipment is used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
Cutting, grinding or welding metal is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. These activities are allowed during other hours providing the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site.
Smoking while traveling is allowed only in vehicles on improved roads.
All debris burning, including debris burned in burn barrels, is prohibited.
Fireworks use on forestlands is prohibited.
Electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller's instructions for firesafe operation.
In addition, the following restrictions become effective tomorrow in the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River between Grave Creek and Marial:
Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in boats on the water, and on sand or gravel bars that lie between water and high water marks that are free of vegetation.
Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, cooking fires and warming fires. However, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels, and charcoal fires for cooking and built in raised fire pans, are allowed on sand or gravel bars that lie between water and high water marks which are free of vegetation. Ashes must be hauled out.
A shovel and a one-gallon or larger bucket are required of all travelers.
Fireworks are prohibited
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HEALTH & SAFETY
"Heat Related Illnesses" - by Rusty Riis.
What is a heat illness?
Heat related illnesses are becoming more and more likely as the summer progresses and temperatures begin to rise. While the human body is a very well built machine, it must be taken care of to keep it that way. Heat related illnesses cover heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke the most serious type of heat related illness. A heat illness is a prolonged exposure to heat and interferes with the bodies ability to cool itself causing life threatening affects to the body. As body temperature rises, blood rushes to the surface away from the brain and vital organs in an attempt to coll itself.
Who is struck by heat related illness?
Anyone can suffer from a heat related illness. However, some groups of people are more prone to heat related illness then others. The elderly, alcoholics, and the obese are most commonly affected and can have the most critical outcomes. Times of high humidity will also exacerbate the affects of heat related illness.
How do I know I or someone I know may have a heat related illness
Heat exhaustion:
Heat exhaustion occurs when a person cannot sweat enough to cool the body. It generally develops when a person is working or exercising in hot weather. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, or nausea, and the skin is pale, cool, and moist. Mild heat exhaustion does not cause a change in a person's mental alertness and usually can be treated at home.
Moderate to severe heat exhaustion can sometimes lead to heatstroke, which requires emergency treatment.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature, and body temperature continues to rise. Symptoms of heatstroke include:
Unconsciousness for longer than a few seconds.
Confusion, severe restlessness, or anxiety.
Convulsion (seizure).
Symptoms of moderate to severe difficulty breathing.
Fast heart rate.
Sweating that may be heavy or may have stopped.
Skin that may be red, hot, and dry, even in the armpits.
Treatment
Victims of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage. First and foremost, cool the victim. Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin (for example you may spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose), fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, place ice packs under armpits and groins. Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102 degrees. Always notify emergency services (911) immediately. If their arrival is delayed, they can give you further instructions for treatment of the victim.
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NEWSLETTER
"July 2009 Issue Available".
We are happy to announce that the July 2009 issue of our Fully Involved newsletter is available for viewing and downloading at Fully Involved: July 2009
It is in the Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format and is 6.8MB in size.
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