The Linn County Fire Defense Board, representing Albany, Lebanon, Sweet Home, Scio, Tangent, Brownsville, Halsey-Shedd, and Harrisburg, has issued an immediate burn ban.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect due to dry conditions, hot temperatures, and the threat of lightning strikes, all contributing to extreme fire behavior. As a result, the Fire Defense Board is prohibiting all open flames, including campfires, fire pits, and warming fires. However, gas grills are still permitted during this ban.

Many wildfires are human-caused, and we ask for your help in reducing the wildfire risk over the next several days. If you are using power equipment, such as mowers, weed trimmers, welders, and grinders, it is recommended to use them during the cooler early part of the day. Additionally, ensure you have a water source available when using gas-operated equipment. The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice.

For those residing in Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) jurisdictions, additional restrictions may apply. More information regarding ODF restrictions can be found at ODF South Cascade or ODF Fire Restrictions.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe.

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This past weekend, the Lebanon Fire District proudly hosted the 6th annual Linn County Young Women’s Fire Academy. The event aimed to inspire young women aged 14 to 19 to explore careers in firefighting by providing them with firsthand experience in the responsibilities of firefighters.

Led by a dedicated team of 26 women firefighters from across Oregon, including one from Washington, the academy provided a supportive environment for participants to tackle challenging tasks. Highlights included scaling a towering 108-foot ladder truck and engaging in other hands-on activities.

Since its start in 2018, approximately 135 young women have participated in the academy, with many going on to pursue roles as volunteer and intern firefighters. Notably, two former participants have secured full-time positions within the Lebanon Fire District and now serve as instructors.

"Our goal with this academy is to show young women that firefighting is a rewarding and achievable career choice," stated Chief Joseph Rodondi.

Throughout the weekend, participants received training in essential firefighting skills such as operating fire hoses, ladder placement, vehicle extrication, rappelling techniques, SCBA usage, search and rescue procedures, and extinguishing car fires. Emphasis was also placed on teamwork, overcoming challenges, and building self-confidence.

Academy participant Sierra Nunes, 14, shared her excitement: "If I can do it, anyone can. I can't wait to come back next year!" This was Sierra's first camp, and she encourages other young women to participate in this academy to gain firsthand experience in firefighting.

The Linn County Young Women’s Fire Academy reflects the Lebanon Fire District’s commitment to supporting and encouraging young women interested in firefighting careers.

For more information about the academy, please visit www.lebanonfireoregon.gov, www.facebook.com/LCYWFA, or contact info@lebanonfireoregon.gov.

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The Lebanon Fire District has received one of the first Type 6 Engines from the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Engine Program. Chief Joseph Rodondi states, "We are proud to partner with the Oregon State Fire Marshal. This well-designed and well-built wildland fire engine will serve our community and help keep small fires small."

The OSFM's program is driven by insights from a comprehensive 2021 gap analysis survey, conducted in collaboration with Oregon fire defense boards. With input from a diverse committee of fire agencies, this ensured a careful and inclusive approach to improving fire response.

At its core, the OSFM's program is dedicated to improving Oregon's response to the increasing threat of wildfires. It focuses on supporting local response efforts, facilitating regional mutual aid, and effectively managing conflagrations. For more information about the OSFM Engine Program and its impact, visit www.oregon.gov/osfm/wildfire/pages/engine-program.aspx.

For an inside look at the delivery process and the Type 6 engine in action, check out this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vglo145bylA.

Thank you again to the Oregon State Fire Marshal. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership and seeing the impact of this new engine.

Lebanon Fire District responded to a reported structure fire at approximately 12:40 in the 1800 block of Franklin St. Initial reports stated that the house had a lot of smoke coming from it. The Battalion Chief arrived on scene and found heavy smoke coming from the roof and back of the house. The firefighters were able to stretch hose line to the back and make a quick knock down on the fire despite the hot temperatures. The district responded with 13 apparatus and 24 personnel. Lebanon Fire District was assisted by Albany Fire Department while the fire was being extinguished. 

The Lebanon Fire District Responded to the report of a fire at the Cedar Ridge Apartments, located in the 2400 block of 12^th Street. At approximately 11:24 PM all Lebanon Fire Stations were dispatched for the incident. The caller reported they could see and smell smoke coming from the third story of the apartment complex. BC31 arrived on scene to a light haze of smoke coming from the Apartment. Lebanon Fire District was able to locate the source of the smoke after searching for several minutes. No damage was reported from the fire. 

Six minutes after the first Apartment fire was reported, a second fire at the Sand Ridge Apartments was reported. E34 was diverted to the second fire. The caller reported having multiple out lets that were extremely hot. E34 arrived on scene and confirmed the caller statements. E34 and other resources from the district were able to isolate the outlets and notify the building manager. After a thorough investigation to insure the was fire behind the outlets the residents of the apartment were allowed back into their home.

The Lebanon Fire District would like to remind every to properly extinguish hot or smoldering material from BBQ’s, cigarettes, or fireworks before disposing of them. Also, with the extremely high temperatures it is important to monitor your electrical outlets ensuring that they do not have too many appliances running off them. To many appliances can increase the demand of electricity and cause the outlets to overheat.