The Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) is pleased to announce that two volunteer firefighters were newly “badged” during the monthly Board of Directors meeting in Cave Junction on Monday, Oct. 11. Firefighters Jennifer Vetter and Jon Scaroni, who also volunteer with the neighboring Williams Fire District (WFD), received their IVFD duty badges. As a very small district, WFD firefighters do not have exposure to the type and volume of calls that we continually deal with here in the Illinois Valley. This unique partnership allows them to learn and work alongside IVFD professional staff and volunteers, as well as allowing IVFD to learn from its neighbors.
Chief Holmes thanked both firefighters for their service and dedication, remarking on the mutually beneficial arrangement in that both IVFD and Williams Fire District learn from each other. “Firefighters Vetter and Scaroni are valuable volunteers and they are enhancing IVFD’s response.”
Scaroni’s badge was pinned by his son, Parker. Vetter’s badge was pinned by her husband, Williams Fire District Chief Rick Vetter. Several WFD personnel and board members joined family members of the two firefighters. “My heart melts to see both fire boards show their support for us firefighters!” said newly badged Firefighter Vetter. “This is an awesome adventure for Jon and me!!! Thank you!”
The Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) Board of Directors is pleased to report that the District received a “clean bill of health” in its annual audit. The auditor, Rick Brewster (Richard W. Brewster, CPA, PC) presented the FY20-21 annual audit report during the IVFD Board of Directors meeting Monday, Oct. 11. Brewster’s audit found all financial records in order and no issues or red flags to report. Audit documents are available at IVFD for inspection upon request.
During the public comment period of the board meeting, valley resident, Jerry Allen, of Selma shared that “he was very impressed with the audit report and IVFD’s excellent stewardship of public funds.” IVFD Chief John Holmes expressed his appreciation for the ease of working with Brewster’s firm during the audit process. Chief Holmes also thanked all the staff for their prudent stewardship of district funds.
At 1248 on 10/11/2021, Illinois Valley Fire District, Oregon Department of Forestry, Rural Metro Fire Department, and American Medical Response responded to a Structure Fire on 357 Turner Road.
The Travel trailer appeared to be the first item that was on fire, which sustained heavy loss. The fire and heat radiated to the Mobile Home, with the fire progression being stopped in the middle of the structure by firefighters.
PP&L responded to confirm the electricity was turned off. Sheriff’s Deputy also responded. Turner Road was closed down due to the fire apparatus. Fire was mopped up and fire was confirmed to have been extinguished. IVFD will continue to check on the structure throughout the night to make sure there is no smoldering occurring.
Red Cross was notified to assist the fire victims. Fire is under investigation.
10/6/2021 at 12:05, At approximately MP 23.5 (Just south of Gold Canyon Dr), IVFD, AMR, Sheriff, ODOT and OSP responded to a two vehicle head-on crash.
Arriving units found both lanes of Hwy 199 blocked. Both drives were transported by AMR with injuries. Traffic was later open up to one lane.
Illinois Valley Fire District would like to notify the public that its Board Members will be meeting for various events within the Valley. Please be assured that during such events they will not be making decisions or agreements to act on Board business outside of a called meeting.
John Holmes - Fire Chief
9/18/2021, at 13:54 hours, IVFD and ODF responded to an abandoned RV fire off Kerby Main Line and Service Road 39-8-3. Minimal spread to the wildland. Fire has been controlled and under investigation. This will be checked through the night. Good job all, fast response kept this to a small incident. The one photo was taken from the side road by the dump.
Date 09/15/2021
At 16:12pm, IVFD, Oregon Department of Forestry, Rural Metro Fire Department, Grants Pass Fire & Rescue, Sheriff’s Department and AMR responded to a Rubbish Fire located at 106 E. O’Brien Rd.
Neighbors called in the fire, and assisted in attempting to control the fire, until fire agencies arrived on scene. En-route, the fire was originally dispatched as a Vegetation Fire, then upgraded to a Structure Fire. A second-alarm was initiated to have other agencies respond to the scene.
Upon arrival, units found a large Rubbish Fire with extension to the nearby wildland area. The fire was estimated to be a half-acre. It was a coordinated effort between Oregon Department of Forestry and Illinois Valley Fire District’s Command Staff, along with two helicopters, deployed for fire suppression efforts, among ground fire engines. Fire was suppressed. A fire line, placed around the incident, was completed and an excavator was utilized to break up the pile. Fire crews confirmed the fire was extinguished.
IVFD would like to thank the aforementioned agencies, for their quick response and assistance, in bringing this fire under control expeditiously.
The fire is currently under investigation.
John Holmes
Fire Chief
Illinois Valley Fire District