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@TVFR
Please join us Tuesday, May 17, promptly at 9 a.m. for a media event that will include hands-on activities and interviews with wildland firefighters as TVF&R prepares for the upcoming fire season.
Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location: 37420 SW Laurelwood Road Gaston, OR 97119
RSVP To: Stefan Myers, Public Information Officer, 503-259-1203 or Stefan.Myers@tvfr.com
Wildfires have greatly impacted the state of Oregon, and in 2020, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue contended with its own wildfire incident on Chehalem Mountain-Bald Peak, where over 700 acres burned. Thankfully, no lives or homes were lost in that fire, due in large part to the dedication and training of fire crews.
In preparation for this summer, more than 500 firefighters will participate in a month-long wildland training that involves multi-company drills comprised of TVF&R crews, neighboring fire departments, and partner agencies. The training is being conducted in partnership with the Oregon Department of Forestry, which has made a parcel of land available in the wildland-urban interface. The training sharpens firefighters’ skills while also making the area less susceptible to fires due to the fire breaks and brush clearing being performed by fire crews.
Firefighters invite members of the media to join them for this training to gain a new perspective on the hard work and tactics involved in wildland firefighting. Attendees can rotate through a series of activities that are used to fight smaller brush fires and large wildfires. Activities include creating fire breaks in the terrain, spraying wet lines to reinforce fire breaks, and utilizing portable water tanks to create a continuous water supply for fire operations.
NOTE: Training activities will be tailored to ability levels, and participation is not required to obtain videos and interviews. Unlevel surfaces and the rural terrain require that sturdy footwear be worn. Members of the media are asked to bring personal protective equipment (pants, jacket, gloves, and a helmet.) If gear is needed, please contact Stefan Myers by noon on May 16. Exact sizes are not guaranteed.
*Questions for the Oregon Department of Forestry on training for wildfire preparedness can be directed here.
Photos and Video available for Media use
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