Coos Bay Fire Department

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐾🚒

Few dogs are as closely tied to the fire service as the Dalmatian. In the days of horse-drawn fire apparatus, Dalmatians ran alongside the horses, helping clear the way through busy streets and guarding the horses and equipment when crews arrived at a fire.

Their natural affinity for horses, endurance, and loyalty made them a familiar sight in firehouses—and over time, the Dalmatian became an enduring symbol of the fire service.

Today, they may not run beside fire engines, but they still remind us of a proud tradition of service, loyalty, and partnership. Miss Chief and CJ serve our community through public education, therapy work and on the honor guard.

Happy National Dog Day to the original firehouse dog! 🐾🔥🚒

07/27/2026

07/06/2026

After 30 years of service to the City of Coos Bay, our former ladder truck is headed to its next assignment with the City of Burns.

This truck has responded to countless emergencies, protected our community for three decades, and played a part in the careers of many of our firefighters. While we're excited to see it continue serving another community, it's hard not to feel a little nostalgic watching it head down the road.

Thank you for your service, and we wish the firefighters and residents of Burns many safe years with this truck.

06/17/2026

06/11/2026

Please join the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) and the Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard (OFSHG) for this year's Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Ceremony on Tuesday, June 16. The ceremony will begin at 𝟏:𝟎𝟎 𝐩.𝐦. at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, located at 𝟒𝟏𝟗𝟎 𝐀𝐮𝐦𝐬𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐄 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐦.

The Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial stands as a daily reminder of the sacrifices made by brave individuals from diverse backgrounds who lost their lives in the line of duty while protecting our communities and natural resources throughout Oregon. Each year, we gather at the memorial to honor the nearly 200 firefighters who have died in the line of duty since the 1880s.

This year, firefighters Brian Robert Wolgamott, Michael R. Merlino, and Paul J. "Jim" Bieker Jr. will be added to the memorial and recognized during the ceremony.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service Fire Planner Brian R. Wolgamott passed away on November 28, 2024, after a two-year battle with cancer. Fire Planner Wolgamott began his wildland firefighting career in 2012 and joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Klamath Basin in 2022. Shortly after accepting the position, he learned he had cancer.

Sutherlin Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Merlino passed away from thyroid cancer on August 9, 2025. Chief Merlino dedicated 30 years to serving his community through fire departments across Douglas County, where he was widely respected for his work ethic, leadership, and expertise. His impact was evident in the tremendous community support he received during his battle with cancer and following his passing.

Portland Fire & Rescue Retired Captain Paul James "Jim" Bieker passed away from thyroid cancer on April 14, 2023. Captain Bieker joined Portland Fire & Rescue in 1981 and retired in 2019 after 38 years of service. He is remembered by his wife, four children, four grandchildren, and countless members of the fire service whose lives he touched throughout his career.

We hope you can join us on June 16 as we honor these firefighters and commemorate the heroic men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

05/03/2026

Good morning, Coos Bay!

May is Wildfire Prevention Month, and we’ve got a few simple tips to help protect your home and our community.
Defensible space means creating a barrier between your home and any possible fuels. The goal should be 0-5 feet of clear space creating a solid fire break for your home.
Spring cleaning doesn't just help us de-clutter but can also help with wildfire prevention. Starting with removing any old dry yard debris like pine needles and dead vegetation.
It doesn’t take much—just a little work now can make a big difference later.

Let’s keep Coos Bay safe this fire season 🤝

04/29/2026

Our deputies have investigated quite a few more fires than usual this spring connected to heat lamps and chicken brooders. Here are some tips to keep in mind from our team!

Keep brooders in outbuildings or areas away from the home whenever possible. If the brooder must stay inside the house, choose safer alternative to heat lamps, like a brooder heat plate that warm the chicks directly, or oil filled radiator heaters that warm the entire room.

If you use a heat lamp:
• Secure it in two different ways (for example, a clamp and a chain). A clamp alone is never enough.
• Use a shatter resistant bulb.
• Keep the lamp well away from combustibles like bedding.
• Make sure chicks, pets, or children cannot move or mess with the lamp.

Electrical safety:
• Avoid using extension cords. Plug all heating devices directly into a wall outlet.
• Do not alter or modify any heating device.

Have working smoke alarms nearby, they provide critical early warning if there is fire.