Grants Pass, OR – On May 27, 2023, at approximately 5:37 PM, multiple units from Grants Pass Fire, Rural Metro Fire, AMR-Josephine County, and the Josephine County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a family of four who had flipped over in a canoe on the Rogue River near Chinook Park, east of Grants Pass.
All four occupants were thrown into the current and ended up in different spots along the river. A rescue boat from Grants Pass Fire’s Parkway Fire Station was able to launch from Chinook Park and safely extract the occupants to shore. The Sheriff's Office Marine Deputy provided support to the operation.
The four occupants were not wearing life jackets and were subsequently transported to the hospital due to exposure to the cold-water temperature.
This incident serves as a reminder to all who seek recreation on local rivers to be mindful of the strong currents and cold water. Life jackets should be worn whenever boating in case of a mishap like this where you unexpectedly find yourself in the water, especially in potentially unstable crafts such as canoes or kayaks.
Here are some additional safety tips to keep in mind when boating on the Rogue River:
Always wear a life jacket.
Check the weather forecast before you go and be aware of the river conditions.
Never boat alone.
Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid hazards such as rocks, trees, and other boats.
Be prepared for the unexpected.
Grants Pass, OR – On 5/10/2023 at approximately 4:41 PM, Grants Pass Fire Rescue responded to a report of a structure fire in the 900 block of Fruitdale Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke showing from the single-story residential home. Firefighters quickly contained the fire within 10 minutes of arrival. The fire was contained to the room of origin with heavy smoke damage throughout the home. Grants Pass Fire Rescue was assisted by Grants Pass Police Department and Rural Metro Fire Department. Nearby residents also helped by pulling a hose to a fire hydrant. No injuries were reported, but an animal succumbed to the smoke.
The cause of the fire was determined to be a candle burning in a bedroom.
Grants Pass Fire Rescue recommends the following safety tips for using candles:
- Always place candles on a stable, non-flammable surface.
- Keep candles at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, furniture, and bedding.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
For more information on fire safety, please visit the Grants Pass Fire Rescue website at https://www.grantspassoregon.gov/427/Fire-Rescue
**Grants Pass, OR –**
The City of Grants Pass Fire Rescue will be conducting wildland fire training in the NW section of the city on May 8th, 10th, and 12th, 2023. Training will take place from 8 am to 1 pm each day.
The training will involve firefighters from the Grants Pass Fire Rescue, as well as firefighters from other agencies in the region. Including Rural Metro Fire, Jackson County Fire District 1, Illinois Valley, Oregon Department of Forestry, and other fire agencies. Firefighters will be practicing a variety of wildland fire suppression techniques, including hand-line construction, hose lays, structural protection, and water delivery.
The training will be conducted in a variety of areas in the NW section of the city, including the following:
• NW Sunset Drive
• NW Hewitt Dr
• NW Starlite
• NW F Street
The public is advised to be aware of the training and to use caution in the area. Training smoke may be visible from the training areas.
Homeowners in the area are also advised to be prepared for the possibility of fire during the summer months. The Grants Pass Fire Rescue encourages homeowners to have a fire plan in place and to have a fire extinguisher and other fire safety equipment on hand.
The City of Grants Pass announces Spring 2023 Open Burn Window Saturday, May 6th through Sunday, May 14th. Residents of the City of Grants Pass will be able to apply for their burn permits online or in-person starting today, Wednesday, May 3rd.
This year we are offering our burn permits through Grants Pass Fire Community Connect (https://sizeup.firstduesizeup.com/cc/grants/auth/signin). Just sign up and receive your permit online. We will still be offering our permits in person at 800 E Park St. starting Wednesday, May 3rd. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. For questions, please call our Fire Prevention Bureau at 541-450-6200.
Burning is only allowed if the DEQ ventilation index for the airshed is **400 or greater**. It is the responsibility of each person to check the airshed before burning; the most up-to-date airshed information is available by calling the Burn Line at **541-476-9663 (541-476-WOOD) option 3 after 7:00 am**.