Just after 5:00am this morning, Clackamas Fire crews were dispatched to a residential fire on SE Johnson Creek Blvd.
Upon arrival, crews reported heavy black smoke coming from the home and found that an exterior fire had spread to the attic and a second floor bedroom. The crews quickly went to work to extinguish and bring the fire under control within 15 minutes upon their arrival.
Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be improperly discarded smoking materials.
No injuries were reported but sadly, two people are displaced.
Clackamas Fire would like to remind everyone before discarding cigarette butts or ashes, make sure they are completely out by dousing them in water or sand. We also want you to use a deep sturdy ashtray or metal container for discarding smoking materials and do not place them next to the house.
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After an extensive internal process, the Clackamas Fire District #1 Board of Directors has selected Division Chief Nick Browne to lead the organization as the next Fire Chief. Chief Browne will start in this leadership role on May 1, 2021 as current Fire Chief Fred Charlton is retiring after nine years as Fire Chief. Chief Browne began his fire service career as a volunteer Firefighter with Asotin County Fire District #1 in Washington in 2002 before becoming a career Firefighter with the City of Lewiston Fire Department in Idaho in 2003. Browne was hired with Clackamas Fire as a Firefighter in 2008 and rose through the ranks, serving as a Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief. Chief Browne currently holds the rank of Division Chief of Operations, where he oversees all aspects of emergency response and firefighter safety.
Chief Browne holds a number of professional certifications, along with a Bachelor of Science in Fire Service Technology, and a Master of Business Management and Leadership. “I am humbled to have been selected as the next Fire Chief to lead our organization and provide the highest level of emergency service to our community. Clackamas Fire District #1 has incredible people, that work hard every day to meet the mission and it is an honor to serve with them,” says Chief Browne.
Looking ahead, Chief Browne will continue to form community partnerships that focus on enhancing emergency service delivery within Clackamas County. “We have a great team and I am looking forward to working through the challenges we have in front of us, while continuing to provide first class fire and emergency services,” adds Browne.
Clackamas Fire District #1 is the second largest fire district in Oregon, serving over 220,000 people and covering nearly 235 square miles within Clackamas County. Clackamas Fire District #1 is made up of over 300 firefighters, paramedics, staff, and volunteers who deliver emergency response services from 21 strategically located fire stations.
A formal transfer of command ceremony is scheduled in June with additional details to be released.
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On Friday, April 30, 2021, Clackamas Fire District #1 Fire Chief, Fred Charlton is retiring after serving as the department’s Fire Chief for nine years. Chief Charlton’s fire service career spans 32 years, beginning in Forest Grove in 1989 as a volunteer, before being hired with the City of Milwaukie as a career Firefighter and paramedic in 1994. Before being appointed as the Fire Chief in July of 2012, Chief Charlton promoted his way through the ranks, serving as a Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Deputy Chief.
During his time as Fire Chief, Chief Charlton was responsible for a number of programs and initiatives that focused on improving firefighter safety and enhancing service delivery to the community. Among those initiatives were:
- The successful passing of a $29 million general obligation bond that led to replacing the department’s emergency response apparatus, purchasing firefighter safety equipment, and building two new community fire stations along with a new fleet and logistics center.
- Worked to legally integrate Boring Fire District #59 with Clackamas Fire District #1 in 2015, to enhance emergency response services.
- Served as a regional fire service leader as the Clackamas Fire Defense Board Chief and Oregon Fire Chiefs Association President, where he advocated for statewide safety enhancements.
Oregon State Fire Marshal, Marianna Ruiz-Temple states, “Chief Charlton has been a steadfast leader, providing dedicated service to his community and the people of Oregon throughout his career. Chief Charlton unfalteringly rose to meet the challenges that faced his community and Oregon during his career. Most recently, leading the state’s fire service response to COVID-19. I thank Chief Charlton for his service, leadership and partnership with the Office of State Fire Marshal as he enters retirement leaving the fire service in strong place.”
As he reflects on his career, Chief Charlton says, “It has been an honor and humbling experience to protect the lives and property of our community for the past 26 ½ years. I started as a brand-new Firefighter in 1994 in the City of Milwaukie and never dreamed of where my career would take me and my family. Clackamas Fire District #1 is an incredible organization and I have had the privilege to be the Fire Chief for the past nine years. With the support of my family, I am moving on to the next chapter in life and looking forward to serving in new ways.” Chief Charlton has been selected as the Division Chief of Training for Hillsboro Fire & Rescue and will begin work in early May.
The Clackamas Fire District #1 Board of Directors have selected Division Chief Nick Browne to succeed Chief Charlton. Chief Browne will begin serving as Fire Chief on May 1, 2021 with a formal transfer of command to be held in June.
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Just after 4:30pm on Wednesday, April 21, firefighters were dispatched to a report of a brush fire on SE HWY 224. First arriving crews reported heavy smoke and active fire conditions with an estimated one acre burning. Firefighters began an initial attack and quickly knocked down the fire and placed a wet line around the fire stopping it from spreading to other nearby trees and underbrush.
There were no homes or structures lost during this fire event.
Crews will remain on scene through the night to monitor and make sure that all hot spots are out and the fire does not rekindle. Fire investigators are also on scene to determine the cause of the fire.
Please be aware that there will be smoke in the area for the next few days.
Now is a good time to evaluate your home or business to ensure you have a defensible space in place.
Consider following these important tips:
- Limb trees up at least 30 feet.
- Remove combustible material, to include stacks of firewood, well away from your home.
- Keep grass trimmed, low, and watered.
- Keep your gutters clear and free of dried leaves, needles, and debris.
Clackamas Fire District would also like to remind you that we are currently in a burn ban until further notice.
Fire Investigators have completed the investigation of the 40-acre Neibur Road brush fire on Friday, April 16, 2021 and determined the cause as accidental. The fire was ignited by an individual using a gas-powered chainsaw without a spark arrester in place. A spark was discharged from the saw, landing in light, dry fuels, which ignited the fire. Due to significant winds in the area, the fire quickly spread. The fire grew beyond what the property owner could extinguish on their own, at which point, 911 was activated.
Please ensure spark arresters are in place, when operating gas-powered equipment; and take extra caution with use, when increased fire danger is present. As an added safety precaution, consider having a hose or access to water to quickly extinguish a fire during its initial phase of burning.
B-roll footage of the Neibur Fire:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nmuq895l88qzwcg/2021-04-16%20Neibur%20Road%20Fire.MOV?dl=0
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Shortly before 5:00 a.m. this morning, April 19, 2021, fire crews were dispatched to a report of a commercial fire at the Highland Stillhouse Pub, located at 201 2nd Street in Oregon City that was reported by a passerby. First arriving firefighters reported smoke coming from the building and quickly made entry to search for the fire. Based off smoke conditions and available information, additional units were requested. A fire was subsequently located in a void space and quickly extinguished, while the building was searched to ensure any occupants were out.
Fire Investigators determined this was an electrical fire that started in one of the restaurant’s restroom facilities and spread to the void space between floors of the building. No injuries were reported, and the building has since been turned over to the owners as the investigation is complete.
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Shortly before 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 16, firefighters were dispatched to a report of a brush fire around S. Redland Road and Neibur Road in the community of Redland. First arriving crews reported heavy smoke and active fire conditions with an estimated two and a half acres burning. Several homes had an immediate threat that caused Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders, and Level 2 (Get Set) evacuations in the immediate area. Firefighters quickly began an initial attack; focusing on protecting structures and working to control the fire, amidst strong wind gusts and steep, difficult terrain.
As the incident progressed, additional Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation levels were put in place, based on changing fire and weather conditions that were impacting the rate and direction of fire spread. In total, an estimated 38-40 acres were burned with seven homes immediately threatened and an additional 10 homes at risk. The fire has been controlled and will continue to be patrolled by firefighting resources into the evening. One firefighter sustained minor injuries, while working on the fire line and was taken to an area hospital for evaluation. They have since been released. Thankfully, no homes or structures were lost during this early spring fire event.
Clackamas Fire would like to thank Clackamas County, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, and the additional fire agencies from around the region that responded to assist on this incident.
This fire serves as a good reminder of the fire danger that we face in this area. Please take the time to evaluate your home or business to ensure you have a defensible space in place. Consider following these important tips:
- Limb trees up at least 30 feet.
- Remove combustible material, to include stacks of firewood,well away from your home.
- Keep grass trimmed, low, and watered.
- Keep your gutters clear and free of dried leaves, needles, and debris.
B-Roll video on scene (.mp4): https://www.dropbox.com/s/2zldrlxfv7zepw2/2021-04-16%20Neibur%20Fire%20video.mp4?dl=0.
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