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The Willamette Valley is seeing unusually high temperatures for the next two days and AFD wants to remind residents that our local waters are still high, full of debris and cold.

While the water looks inviting, cold water swimming is extremely unsafe.  Cold water shock occurs within the first minute and incapacitation within 10 minutes.    

Avoiding our local waterways and choosing indoor pools is the way to currently cool off.   The City of Albany Community Pool and the YMCA are two local pools where families can cool down.  Check websites for pool hours. 

AFD is again offering our Life Vest Borrow Program.  Starting today, you can borrow a life vest from our life vests boards located at each Albany Fire Station.  Simply complete a form, borrow a vest, and return it at the end of the season. 

If you are near water use caution:

     *Wear a life vest - ALL AFD stations have vests!
     *Don't swim in cold water.
     *Don't swim alone.
     *Refrain from drinking alcohol while swimming.
     *Watch children at all times.

Linn County has entered into a temporary open burning ban due to high temperatures and low humidity.  To be clear, this is not a complete ban, but rather a restriction on backyard and agricultural burning throughout our fire protection districts.

The ban will be observed from Thursday, May 9, 2019 through Sunday, May 12, 2019.

Restrictions include:

• Backyard burning (yard debris).
• Agriculture burning, regulated through Department of Agriculture. Contact your local fire agency for special situations.
• Land clearing or slash burning.

BBQ grills and recreational fires are allowed with precautions. 

If your home is in rural Linn County, here are a few tips to prevent fires from starting or spreading to your home.

• Create a 30-foot defensible space around your home that is free of combustible material.
• Clean up dead or dying plants, branches, leaves, and needles.
• During fire season, move wood piles 30 feet from the home.
• Remove all tree branches and leaves from roofs and gutters.
• Avoid parking or driving on dry grass, as hot vehicles can start fires.
• Dispose of smoking material in deep, sturdy ashtrays.
• Prune tree branches to a height of 6-10 feet to remove “ladder fuels.”
• Cut grass to less than four inches.
• Keep shrubs low and away from the drip line of trees.
• Maintain driveway clearance that is free of flammable debris to allow fire engine access.

For additional information on home fire protection visit www.keeporegongreen.org and the Oregon Department of Forestry at www.oregon.gov.

Albany Fire earned an important insurance ranking from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), an agency that extensively evaluates fire agencies.

Albany Fire improved to a Class 2 fire department.  Of the 43,094 fire departments evaluated by ISO, only 1,787 currently receive a classification of 2 or better, putting Albany in the top five percent of fire departments from across the country. 

ISO collects and evaluates fire suppression information, including water supply and emergency communications, every five to ten years, handing down a number score from 1 to 10.  The score is information given to the insurance industry, which uses the data in determining insurance rates.  The higher ranking given to Albany Fire could positively impact property insurance rates for the city residents and businesses. 

“While great effort went into lowering the ISO rating from a 3 to a 2, ultimately it is the community that benefits from an improved emergency communications system, enhanced fire suppression capabilities, and an effective water supply system”, said Chief John Bradner. 

ISO also recognizes Community Risk Reduction and the part it plays in creating safer communities.  Extra credit points for community risk reduction activities is new in this evaluation and awarded to departments who take proactive steps to deliver fire safety education.  ISO looks at code enforcement, public education, and fire investigations. Albany’s efforts to maintain its Life Safety Division staffing and focus on each of these resulted in 4.55 extra credit points. 

“It takes a team of engaged and dedicated individuals to stay the course on a ten-year goal”, Chief Bradner shared.  “We train hard, work to educate our community on fire safety, provide needed equipment to our employees, and deliver safe fire suppression services to Albany. “ 

If you receive fire protective services from Albany Fire, contact your insurance company to determine if the new ISO rating affects your premiums.  You can find further information at Albany Fire’s website https://www.cityofalbany.net/departments/fire

Albany Fire and Jefferson Fire District

At 7:07 a.m.., Albany Fire Department, along with an engine and medic unit Jefferson Fire District, was dispatched to a home located at 2531 Alexander Lane NE, Albany, Oregon.  Occupants of the home discovered a fire in the garage and were able to evacuate all individuals, including one child and one pet.  Crews had the fire under control by 7:40 a.m..  Eighteen firefighters including four engine crews and two medic units responded on this fire.  

The home was occupied by numerous, non-related individuals who were not the listed owner of the residence.  AFD confirmed no injuries and was able to facilitate unrelated medical needs for one occupant, and Red Cross services for two additional occupants.  The home will not be a total loss.  Arson investigators from Albany Fire and the Oregon State Police are working with the Linn County Sheriff's Office to determine the cause and origin of the fire.  

Albany Fire Department Station 15 opened in October of 2018 and began providing fire services to the entire City of Millersburg.  Station 15 staffs a three-person engine company and is located on Conser Road, directly across from Millersburg City Hall.