Night Water Rescue On The Willamette (Photo)
- 02/11/26
Albany Fire responded to Bryant Park on Tuesday, February 10, at 10:06 p.m. for a report of a man and woman in distress. Crews were advised that at least one person was down a river embankment.
AFD dispatched two Rescue Watercraft (RWC), three ambulances, and 13 firefighters to the scene. One patient was rescued from the bank of the Willamette River and transported to a local hospital for observation.
AFD water rescue personnel entered the Willamette River at Bowman Park and searched upstream to Bryant Park. A female and her dogs were located down a steep embankment. Before the woman could be moved, the dogs were secured. Rescue personnel then loaded the patient onto an RWC and transported her to waiting EMS crews. There was no safe exit from the river at that location other than climbing back up the embankment. The dogs were able to climb back into the park on their own.
Battalion Chief Ben Cooper stated, “Any water response, particularly at night, carries significant risk for our personnel. The situation is further complicated by swift currents and cold-water temperatures.” The current temperature of the Willamette River is 46 degrees. Cold water incapacitation can occur within 10–15 minutes of immersion and can result in loss of muscle control. AFD deploys multiple watercrafts during water rescue responses, designating a primary rescue craft along with one or more safety craft for personnel protection.
This incident serves as a serious reminder that river conditions can be dangerous. Emergency responders are highly trained and prepared for these situations, but we need the public’s help to stay safe. Please take time to research and understand the area where you plan to recreate.
Night Water Rescue On The Willamette (Photo)
- 02/11/26
Albany Fire responded to Bryant Park on Tuesday, February 10, at 10:06 p.m. for a report of a man and woman in distress. Crews were advised that at least one person was down a river embankment.
AFD dispatched two Rescue Watercraft (RWC), three ambulances, and 13 firefighters to the scene. One patient was rescued from the bank of the Willamette River and transported to a local hospital for observation.
AFD water rescue personnel entered the Willamette River at Bowman Park and searched upstream to Bryant Park. A female and her dogs were located down a steep embankment. Before the woman could be moved, the dogs were secured. Rescue personnel then loaded the patient onto an RWC and transported her to waiting EMS crews. There was no safe exit from the river at that location other than climbing back up the embankment. The dogs were able to climb back into the park on their own.
Battalion Chief Ben Cooper stated, “Any water response, particularly at night, carries significant risk for our personnel. The situation is further complicated by swift currents and cold-water temperatures.” The current temperature of the Willamette River is 46 degrees. Cold water incapacitation can occur within 10–15 minutes of immersion and can result in loss of muscle control. AFD deploys multiple watercrafts during water rescue responses, designating a primary rescue craft along with one or more safety craft for personnel protection.
This incident serves as a serious reminder that river conditions can be dangerous. Emergency responders are highly trained and prepared for these situations, but we need the public’s help to stay safe. Please take time to research and understand the area where you plan to recreate.
Water Avenue Home Fire (Photo)
- 01/13/26
Today at 9:27 a.m., Albany Fire Department responded to a home on Water Avenue NE with reports of fire. Crews located fire burning on the exterior and interior of a single-story home. The sole occupant of the house was not home at the time of the fire. AFD personnel extinguished the fire by 9:57 a.m. with no injuries to firefighters.
After investigating the cause and origin, crews determined two individuals were sleeping in a tent on a neighboring property. A propane heater was being used for warmth. The heater caused the tent, tarps and exterior of the neighbor’s home to ignite. The occupants of the tent had minor injuries and refused transport to a medical facility.
Space heaters and heating stoves account for nearly half of heating equipment fires and seven out of ten deaths caused by heating equipment. Heaters need at least 3 feet of space, away from anything that can burn. Equipment that uses propane should never be used indoors or in confined spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. For more home fire safety tips, visit Albany Fire Department
Water Avenue Home Fire (Photo)
- 01/13/26
Today at 9:27 a.m., Albany Fire Department responded to a home on Water Avenue NE with reports of fire. Crews located fire burning on the exterior and interior of a single-story home. The sole occupant of the house was not home at the time of the fire. AFD personnel extinguished the fire by 9:57 a.m. with no injuries to firefighters.
After investigating the cause and origin, crews determined two individuals were sleeping in a tent on a neighboring property. A propane heater was being used for warmth. The heater caused the tent, tarps and exterior of the neighbor’s home to ignite. The occupants of the tent had minor injuries and refused transport to a medical facility.
Space heaters and heating stoves account for nearly half of heating equipment fires and seven out of ten deaths caused by heating equipment. Heaters need at least 3 feet of space, away from anything that can burn. Equipment that uses propane should never be used indoors or in confined spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. For more home fire safety tips, visit Albany Fire Department