NEWS RELEASE

Date: June 16, 2009

Release Date: Immediately

(Open Burning Now Prohibited)

As of today all open burning is prohibited. The only burning allowed is agricultural with a permit from the Oregon Department of Forestry.  The restrictions will extend through Oct. 15 or later, depending on fire danger as determined by ODF. For further information call the ODF Lyons office at (503) 859-2151 or visit the web address below. http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/newsroom/newsreleases/2008/NR5828.shtml

NEWS RELEASE

Date: March 10, 2009

Release Date: Immediately

(Recruits needed to extinguish firefighter shortage)

Drakes Crossing Fire District, a 100% volunteer fire and rescue organization, is seeking dedicated individuals looking to give back to their community, get to know their neighbors, and have some fun. We are now accepting volunteer firefighter and medic applications year round.

Currently our volunteer roster is dangerously low on volunteers. We may soon run the risk of missing emergency calls due to the lack of personnel. Drakes Crossing is a bedroom community, and being so the vast majority of our small roster travels out of district for work.

We understand times are tough. The economy is blowing out and new jobs are nonexistent. We are just asking for a commitment from our residents, both in district and beyond our boundaries, to help serve their communities. Volunteer firefighting is a satisfying, rewarding, and social activity. Our volunteers typically spend less than three hours per week volunteering: two hour per week for drill and an hour per week on emergency calls. The time commitment after the initial training is minor, and may even save a person's life, home, or property.

Career firefighting, in comparison, was ranked in a recent survey as being the second most satisfying job. You too can participate in this extremely fulfilling job as a volunteer. We are looking for volunteers of every aspect, as young as 14 years old.

Benefits and Compensation include:

• Workers compensation (district incidents)
• Job experience toward firefighting career
• Length of service awards
• Excellent training  
• Work experience
• Life experience

All Drakes Crossing Fire recruits will either be sent to a local fire fighter training academy. All approved training fees are reimbursed, and highly encouraged. Recruits in the academy typically befriend others from communities such as Gates, Sublimity, Scio, Jefferson, Aumsville, Stayton, and Santiam canyon fire districts. 

Check out our volunteering page for specific volunteer titles and descriptions.

Drakes Crossing Fire encourages anyone interested in volunteering, or even getting some more information, to stop by our weekly fire meetings on Monday nights @ 7pm (excluding 5th Monday of the month and holidays). Interested persons can also call the station during these times to talk to the volunteers or receive information by using the blank form on the homepage or "Contact Us" page. 

NEWS RELEASE

Date: January 25, 2009

Release Date: Immediately

(Firefighters Battle Chimney Fire, Minimize Damage)

Last night Drakes Crossing Fire & Rescue and a Water Tender from Silverton Fire District were called to a reported chimney fire on Bridge Creek RD. When crews arrived they found a two story wood frame home with some light smoke showing out of the garage. The homeowners were home and had already removed the contents of the fireplace, which was converted into a woodstove.

Drakes Crossing’s Fire Chief, Larry Bartels, canceled the tender out of Silverton. DCFD firefighters worked to control the chimney fire, which was caused by an excessive build up of creosote in the chimney. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately two hours while controlling the fire. There was no investigation necessary.

There is no structural damage to the home, only some smoke damage to one room and the damage is estimated to be minimal due to the quick response. Homeowners are reminded to have their chimneys regularly cleaned by a professional, at least once per year, and to burn a hot fire using only dry, well seasoned firewood.