Just before 4:00pm this evening, Clackamas Fire crews were dispatched to a commercial fire on SE Lawnfield Rd.
Upon arrival, crews reported heavy black smoke and flames coming from an upstairs apartment and threatening the surrounding units. The crews quickly went to work to extinguish and bring the fire under control within 15 minutes upon their arrival. Firefighters were able to rescue a dog and a snake from the apartments.
No injuries were reported but sadly, one person is displaced.
Fire investigators remain on scene to determine the cause of the fire.
Clackamas Fire would like to remind everyone to have working smoke alarms inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping are and to test them monthly
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With record breaking weather and drought conditions in 2021, Clackamas Fire and the Clackamas County Fire Defense Board Chief’s are urging people to not use fireworks this year. During this time of prolonged heat and dry conditions, overlapping the Fourth of July Holiday the risk of a hostile fire to occur is significant. Please consider celebrating the holiday by attending a professional show or in other ways that do not include the use of fireworks.
Clackamas Fire often receives inquiries about the sale and use of fireworks each Fourth of July. The laws related to fireworks in Oregon can be complex. Below are answers to commonly asked questions.
Can Clackamas Fire ban the use of Oregon Legal fireworks? No. As a rural fire protection district, Clackamas Fire does not have the legal authority to ban the use of retail fireworks. ORS 480.160(4)(c) specifically prohibits a fire district from banning the use of Oregon legal fireworks.
Can other governments ban the use of retail fireworks? City governments have the authority to ban the use of fireworks under broad “home rule” authority and state of emergency powers. The cities of Ashland and Eugene have ordinances prohibiting use of fireworks in some or all of their city. Other cities enacted temporary emergency rules after the September 2020 wildfires that included broad prohibitions on activities that produced sparks or flames, including fireworks.
Can Clackamas Fire ban professional fireworks displays? Yes, but only if a proposed firework display is found to pose a fire danger to the public per ORS 480.140. Clackamas Fire reviews each display application to ensure it meets fire safety requirements, it also must be approved by the applicable police or sheriff’s office, and then it is reviewed by the State Fire Marshal before approval. We encourage the public to leave fireworks to the “professionals”, and we work with display operators to ensure fireworks displays can safely be performed.
Is use of retail fireworks prohibited during a Clackamas Fire High-Fire Hazard Burn Ban? Unfortunately, no. The scope of burn season regulations under ORS 478.960 is strictly related to open burning of yard debris, domestic wastes, field burning and related open burning of materials. It does not include authority to ban the use of fireworks.
Who enforces laws related to use of illegal fireworks in Oregon? Law enforcement agencies enforce criminal laws related to the use of illegal fireworks in Oregon. Depending on the nature of the crime, a wide variety of criminal charges may be cited ranging from reckless burning, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and more with fines up to $2500 per violation. People can also be held civilly liable for damage caused by improper use of any fireworks -legal or illegal.
This is normally the busiest time of year for emergency responders and dispatchers without record temperatures, and the heat has proven difficult for the most vulnerable in our communities. Only call 911 to report emergencies. Preventing fires requires collective effort and goes beyond fireworks.
To properly dispose of briquettes and smoking materials:
- Always discard used briquettes and warm ashes in a metal can far away from combustibles, to include the deck or house. Used briquettes and ashes can stay hot for several days.
- Never discard cigarettes out a car window or into landscaping.
- If you’re using an ashtray or metal container, make sure it’s filled partially filled with sand or water to extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials.
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CLACKAMAS, ORE - Clackamas Fire, one of Oregon’s largest fire and emergency services providers, will swear in a new fire chief. Chief Nick Browne will take the oath?of Fire Chief?at an outdoor Transfer of Command Ceremony at the fire district’s training grounds on Friday, June 25 at 11:00 a.m. Browne succeeds Fred Charlton, who retired on April 30 after serving nine years as fire chief.
After an extensive internal process, the Clackamas Fire Board of Directors selected Browne to lead the organization as the next fire chief, who began his leadership role on May 1. 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, battalion chief, and division chief.
Chief Browne holds several 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.
The media is invited to attend the swearing-in of Chief Browne at the Clackamas Fire Training Center Facility, 15990?SE 130th Ave., Clackamas, 97015. Immediately following the ceremony there will be an opportunity for the media to ask questions. Due to COVID-19, attendance will be limited with the ceremony closed to the public.
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