Columbia River Fire & Rescue

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Saint Helens, OR
Columbia River Fire & Rescue

CRF&R solves community problems by doing the right thing, the right way at the right time. St.

Columbia River Fire & Rescue protects approximately 200 square miles of Columbia County, Oregon. Helens, Columbia City and the City of Rainier reside within its borders. CRF&R operates out of 7 stations providing fire, rescue and ALS transport medical services.

08/14/2026

Columbia River Fire & Rescue is proud to recognize Firefighters Maria Preston and Chris Roholt for successfully completing their 12-month probationary period and probationary testing.

Over the past year, Maria and Chris have worked hard to develop their skills, demonstrate their commitment to the fire service, and prove themselves as valuable members of our team.

Completing probation is an important milestone in a firefighter’s career, and we’re proud of the dedication and effort they have shown along the way.

Please join us in congratulating Firefighter Preston and Firefighter Roholt on this accomplishment!

08/06/2026

Our Rainier crew spent time training on pump-and-roll operations for wildland fire response.

Training like this helps ensure our crews are prepared to respond safely and effectively throughout fire season.

Thank you to Lieutenant Ridinger and the Rainier crew for putting in the time and effort to keep our personnel ready when it matters most!

07/23/2026

Lightning sparked a wildfire off Harris Road in Deer Island this evening. Columbia River Fire & Rescue and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) responded quickly and worked together to contain the fire. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all responding crews, the fire was successfully contained.

07/22/2026

This week, Columbia River Fire & Rescue is conducting our Apparatus Operator (Engineer) Academy for our next group of firefighter/operators. Throughout the class, members will receive extensive training in emergency vehicle operations, pump operations, water supply, apparatus positioning, and the many skills required to safely and effectively operate our fire engines.

Becoming a pumper operator is about much more than driving a fire truck. It takes knowledge, precision, and training to ensure our crews have the water and equipment they need when lives and property are on the line.

We're proud of these firefighters for their commitment to professional development and for investing the time to better serve the communities of Columbia River Fire & Rescue.

07/15/2026

Our St Helens crews are currently fighting a quarter acre brush fire off of Old Portland Road. Old Portland Road is currently closed near South 18th. Thank you to ODF, Scappoose Fire and SHPD for assisting.

07/14/2026

St. Helens Ore. -
Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRF&R) is notifying the public that the upcoming closure of Cornelius Pass Road for construction may impact ambulance transport to Kaiser Westside emergency department in the coming months.

Alternate routes established by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Washington County are expected to add at least 20 minutes to transport times to Kaiser Westside ER. This extended travel time may significantly affect ambulance availability within the CRF&R service district.

With ambulances committed for longer periods transporting patients to Kaiser Westside, fewer emergency resources may be available for other calls within the district. Ensuring adequate emergency response coverage for our communities remains our top priority.

When a patient request transport to Kaiser Westside ER, CRF&R personnel will evaluate several factors before determining whether transport to that facility is appropriate. These factors include:
1) Current ambulance and emergency resource availability.
2) Time of day and anticipated traffic conditions.
3) The patient’s medical condition and care needs.

Based on this assessment, crews may recommend transport to an alternate emergency department to ensure timely patient care and maintain emergency response capabilities throughout the district.

Columbia River Fire and Rescue appreciates the publics understanding and cooperation during this temporary disruption. We remain committed to providing safe, effective, and reliable emergency services to our community.

07/09/2026

Our crews are on scene of a major accident on Highway 30 near Tide Creek Road. The highway is shut down in both directions. Please avoid the area.

07/06/2026

Our crews are currently working a brush fire in the Rainier area along with ODF, Scappoose Fire, Clatskanie Fire, Vernonia Fire and Westport Fire. The fire is under control and the crews will be in the area working for several hours.

As a reminder, fire season is closed and only small cooking/warning/recreational fires are allowed. Please be safe!

06/15/2026

With Deepest Sympathy

Columbia River Fire & Rescue extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of John Walsh following the tragic incident in the Columbia River on Saturday night.

John dedicated himself to serving his community, and this loss is being felt throughout our region.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched through his service and leadership.

During this difficult time, we stand with the community and offer our sincere support to all who are affected by this tragedy.

06/13/2026

Today is the Columbia Century Challenge, and cyclists will be traveling throughout the Rainier area on both highways and local roadways for much of the day.

Columbia River Fire & Rescue asks motorists to please be alert, slow down, and watch for bicyclists sharing the road. When passing cyclists, allow plenty of space and be prepared for increased bicycle traffic throughout the area.

Thank you for helping keep our roadways safe for participants, residents, and visitors enjoying today's event.

Address

270 Columbia Boulevard
Saint Helens, OR
97051

Telephone

+15033972990

Website

http://www.crfr.com/

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