Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District

08/15/2026

On Saturday, August 8, 2026, Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District deployed HB451 to the Wright Springs Fire in Klamath Oregon as part of the ongoing wildfire response.
HB451 is currently being staffed by VFD’s Lieutenant B. Abney and Recruit FF VanOrtwick, along with AO Deputy Chief P. Person from Westport Fire Department.
We are proud of our firefighters and mutual aid partners who continue to answer the call and support communities across the region. We wish our crew a safe and successful deployment and thank them for their dedication to serving others when they are needed most.

08/11/2026

We would like to invite the community to our monthly board meeting scheduled this evening at 7pm at the Vernonia Fire Department.

If you are unable to attend in person, you can watch the meeting online!

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YjNkYWE4YWEtNmZiNy00MzdhLWJiYzgtY2QwYWNjODBlNGMy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22c9c61c86-287f-479d-b2a5-a410722af371%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22ec002424-1d32-45a5-8e16-1c7f1a8dab2a%22%7dgmberrror

08/11/2026

08/11/2026

Over the past week and a half, Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District has requested three Life Flight activations to assist with patients requiring a higher level of medical care.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our mutual aid partner Life Flight Network for their quick response, professionalism, and exceptional patient care. Having trusted partners who are ready to respond when called upon is an invaluable part of providing our community with the highest level of emergency care possible.

These calls are a great reminder of the importance of strong relationships and collaboration between emergency service agencies. When seconds matter, our ability to work together seamlessly helps ensure patients receive the care and transportation they need as quickly and safely as possible.

08/06/2026

Check out our “new to us” frontline engine E451, that went into service today!

08/04/2026

Due to the forecasted extreme heat and poor air quality, Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District's National Night Out event has been canceled.

The safety and well-being of our community, volunteers, and staff are our top priorities. With current weather conditions creating an increased risk of heat-related illness and respiratory concerns, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year's event.

We appreciate everyone's understanding and support. Please take precautions during this period of extreme heat by staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities, checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members, and following local air quality advisories.

Thank you for your continued support of Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District. Stay safe and take care of one another!

08/03/2026

What is with all the smoke in the area? We have received numerous calls at the fire station about the smoke in the air. First off: There is no fire near us- most are in Central and Eastern Oregon, along with Washington. The smoke you are seeing and smelling is from those fires, being blown here from NE winds.

This is a great reminder that if there is an emergency which would require us to notify you, the local 911 will call or text you via their "Reverse 911" system called Columbia Alert Network. YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR IT. Link: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085613334/login

Here is a news article about the smoke in the Metro area: https://www.kptv.com/2026/08/03/wildfire-smoke-prompts-air-quality-advisory-portland-metro-multiple-oregon-counties/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTd1pVwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXl2dmtQeGtwZkFCYTB1akVzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEerYF0Yv0KTcp8VlnKPv-l2LvT59uM5zVOXwfaWCb2blR3HM9g6AlqNd3l3Ow_aem_uC0Tvxw5GGtd7uAH90u1IA

It is a pleasure to serve all of you.

Chief Greg

An air quality advisory has been issued for much of Oregon due to wildfire smoke.

07/30/2026

HB451 is back in district after spending 11 days on the lines in Central Oregon! That means a lot of cleanup. We would like to recognize Lieutenant Carr and his crew from Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD and Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District for their outstanding service during the wildfire deployment. We are proud of their professionalism, commitment, and the exceptional representation of our district!

07/24/2026

Vernonia Fire District has answered the call from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, as a result of the implementation of the Conflagration Act.

On July 12th, Fire Chief Greg Brody was dispatched as part of an Incident Management Team (IMT) to the Salmon/Olive Butte Fire in Grant County, where structural fire units were in place to protect the communities of Greenhorn and Granite.

On July 17th, Chief Brody’s IMT was re-deployed to the Rowe Creek Complex in Wheeler County. Chief Brody is still working at the Incident Command Post. His role is to interface with local agencies such as Law Enforcement, Emergency Management, 911 centers, local elected officials, tribal leaders, local fire departments, and others as a conduit to the team. Chief Brody expects to be home next week.

On July 20th, the state once again called for more resources. Vernonia Fire was able to send our “Heavy Brush” unit with Engine Boss, Lt. Carr and an apparatus operator from Clatskanie, along with a firefighter from the Mist-Birkenfeld Fire District. They joined a task force of other apparatus from Linn and Lincoln Counties. They are assigned to protect structures near Sisters on the Akawa Butte Fire. They will remain there until the structural threat lessens.

“I am Incredibly proud to both be able to serve the state as part of an Incident Management Team and also to be able to provide apparatus and personnel for protecting values at risk”, Chief Brody states. “Since 1996, Vernonia Fire has received help from outside agencies on several occasions, and it is now possible for us to reciprocate”. - statement by Fire Chief, Greg Brody

** Costs associated with the conflagration are paid by the state of Oregon.

📸: Photos below are a morning briefing, U451 on deployment and BR451 with Colton Fire at the Akawa Butte Fire

07/24/2026

Here is a great photo Fire Chief Brody training on drafting techniques with volunteers from the Powder River Rural Fire Protection District. They were kind enough to allow him to sleep at their fire station. In return, he taught drafting for drill night!