Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority

08/12/2026

The afternoon of August 12th we once again deployed a team to assist in structural protection formation declared conflagration. Chief Gray, Firefighters Ronnie Pearson and Don Quinn are headed to the Grasshopper Fire in the northern part of the state with our Type 3 engine. We assembled with South Coast Fire Defense Board with units from Gold Beach, Cook Bay, Central Coos, and Charleston. The fire is currently at 78,000 acres with 20% containment. There are strong winds carrying the fire over three miles per hour and threatening multiple structures with predictions of unfavorable weather next week.

07/31/2026

Take Simple Steps to Protect Your Home from Wildfire

The Oregon State Fire Marshal reminds Oregonians that summer is not the safest time to tackle large landscaping or defensible space projects. Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of starting a fire from using tools or equipment. There are small, safe steps you can take now to reduce wildfire risk around your home. The Oregon State Fire Marshal encourages everyone to plan ahead and do light cleanup tasks that protect your property without increasing fire danger.

Easy tasks to reduce risk in the first five feet around your home:

*Clear leaves, pine needles, and other debris from your roof, gutters, and under decks.

*Trim plants and bushes that are touching your home or growing under roof eaves. Give trees and shrubs space from each other and from structures.

*Remove dead plants and wood mulch. Use nonflammable materials like rocks or gravel near your home. Avoid bark mulch or dry grasses right next to buildings.

*Move firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable items at least five feet away from your home.

*Cover attic vents, soffit vents, and spaces under decks with 1/8-inch metal mesh to block embers.

*Avoid using power tools or equipment that could spark a fire, especially during the heat of the day.

Summer is a good time to plan defensible space projects, so you're ready to work safely once wildfire season ends.

07/25/2026

Today our crew consisting of Blair Campbell, Chase McCord, and Brady Davis left the station on a type 3 engine on a wildland deployment with the South Coast Fire Defense Board. They are headed to Madras and then to their assignment on the Shingles fire, east of Bend. The fire began on Thursday afternoon and is now over 11,000 acres.

07/16/2026

🚑 We're Hiring! Join the Western Lane Fire & EMS Authority Team! 🚑
Are you passionate about making a difference before an emergency happens?
Western Lane Fire & EMS Authority is seeking a Mobile Integrated Health Technician (MIHT) to help improve the health and well-being of our community through innovative, patient-centered care.
As an MIHT, you'll work directly with patients in their homes, providing:
🏠 In-home health assessments
❤️ Chronic disease management support
💊 Medication and post-hospital follow-up
📚 Health education and wellness coaching
🤝 Connections to community resources
🏥 Collaboration with hospitals, healthcare providers, and social service agencies
This is more than an EMS position—it's an opportunity to help people stay healthy, reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, and improve quality of life for those facing barriers to healthcare.
We're looking for someone with strong communication skills, compassion, and a desire to build meaningful relationships while serving our community.
Preferred qualifications include:
✔ Oregon EMT, AEMT, EMT-I, or Paramedic
✔ Experience in EMS, public health, case management, community healthcare, or social services
✔ A passion for preventative, community-based healthcare
If you're ready to be part of an innovative team that's changing how healthcare is delivered in Western Lane County, we'd love to hear from you!
📍 Apply today at https://www.indeed.com/job/mobile-integrated-health-technician-e582683fbd0fe5df
Posting closes on July 31st.

07/16/2026

Our crews are working hard!

07/15/2026

Effective July 17, 2026, Western Lane will change fire conditions to High/Yellow district wide. This means that certain activities have various restrictions.
-Campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires are restricted to designated locations.
-Chainsaws are only allowed before 10am or after 8pm.
-Cutting, grinding, and welding metal is allowed before 10am or after 8pm.
-Mowing/Cutting of dried grass is allowed before 10am or after 8pm.
Off-road motorized vehicle use, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles are allowed before 10am and after 8pm.

For further information on restrictions, please view our website at www.wlfea.org.

07/14/2026

Thank you to everyone who showed up for our June Blood Drive! June is always a hard month for collecting blood. We, however, collected 5 units over our goal, and could not have done it without you. This drive potentially saved 126 lives.

If you would like to help save lives, please considering joining us in August. The heat is on to find blood donors! Come to give blood in August for a $20 Amazon gift card by email. See rcblood.org/August for details.

CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

07/13/2026

We would like to remind the public that the current fire danger level is moderate. This means the following:
-Campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires allowed only at designated locations.
-Chainsaws only allowed before 1pm and after 8pm.
-Cutting, grinding, and welding allowed before 1pm and after 8pm.
-Mowing/cutting of dried, cured grass is allowed before 1pm and after 8pm.

For further information regarding various restriction, please refer to our website at www.wlfea.org

07/13/2026

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, we sent Brush 651, it's crew Lieutenant Crescioni, Firefighter Supple, and Firefighter Pearson along with Task Force Leader Trainee Lieutenant Campbell to the East Evens Creek Fire in Southern Oregon.

This deployment is special as it is the first deployment of the South Coast Fire Defense Board, which is a regional group of fire chiefs from the South Coast of Oregon. It serves as a coordination body for fire service leadership in the area, supporting mutual aid, training, and community fire safety initiatives.

We hope the South Coast Task Force and our crews stay safe on this conflagration.

07/07/2026