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It's almost time for another round of first aid and cpr classes taught by one of our amazing volunteers, Joel Peterson! Sign up by calling the fire station at 503-992-3240 anytime between 8 and 5, Monday through Friday.

MVA Hwy 6, with fatality, MP37.5 Washington County Side, Road is closed until investigation completed

Highway closure information related to this afternoon's fatal crash on the Wilson River Highway. Plan on using alternate routes to and from Tillamook this afternoon and into the evening. Always bookmark www.tripcheck.com for information on all state highway closures.

We are on scene of a very bad crash on Highway 6 near mile marker 38. You can expect delays if you are traveling to and from Tillamook County for the next few hours this afternoon. Please choose an alternate route.

Timeline Photos

May 18th should be a day to remind all of us that our beautiful and sleepy little part of planet earth isn't always so quiet. There were no deaths or injuries in our area when Mt. St. Helens erupted on this day in 1980, but the blanket of ash that fell in the weeks ahead did cause problems. If that ash fell again today, you could expect everything from dangerous driving conditions, to irritation when breathing, to shutting down of motors and ventilation systems. Let us never forget that there are other volcanoes to our east, and one of these days, this will happen again. Be prepared - not scared!

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We are testing our emergency radio systems today, learning what the limitations of our system is if a major emergency or disaster happened here. Here we have volunteers Jason Clemens and Stacy Metzger working in our radio room, while Jeff Bade (not pictured) works outside in a mobile communications trailer. Other firefighters have been traveling all over western Washington county this morning, talking back to these folks in order to test our radios and see the distance limitations of our system. If you're a scanner listener, you may have heard all kinds of odd radio traffic today as cities and public officials all over the county participated in this county side test.

Timeline Photos

"Don't call me Radio, Unit 91." If you have a scanner in the area or anywhere in Washington County, you'll be hearing various different units and agencies talking on different channels. We are doing this to test out our back up radio channels in case of a major emergency occurs, like a massive earthquake. So if you hear anything out of normal, it's all a drill and should be over with around 1pm.

Photos from Forest Grove Fire & Rescue's post

It may seem odd to mention this in the middle of our rainy forecast today... Your firefighters are at the Gales Creek station this evening training for this year's eventual wildland fire season. Tonight's skills are focusing on rural water supply operations and wildland vehicle pump operations. Fire season will soon be here and we are taking the opportunity to prepare! Wishing everyone a nice evening and a safe week!

Photos from Forest Grove Fire & Rescue's post

Congratulations to the members of the spring volunteer firefighter training academy, as they graduated earlier tonight. These men and women have dedicated a tremendous amount of time, combined with some hard work and a little sweat, to achieve this first step in the fire service. Whether they desire to eventually become full time firefighters, or to dedicate themselves to their communities and proudly stay on as volunteers, their first hurdle was completed tonight. Also, a very well deserved round of applause to current volunteer firefighters Jason Clemens and Warik Rodriguez. Both of these young men completed all of the first year requirements of a new volunteer, came off initial probation, and received their firefighter badges this evening. It's not too late to put yourself in this same photo when our next class graduates this fall. Apply online at www.forestgrove-or.gov

Just a friendly reminder that you only have a month left to burn your burn piles. Yard debris burn season will close on June 15th, and will not be open again inside the city limits until March 1, 2018. Yard debris burn season can always close earlier if we get a run of hot and dry weather that makes the fire danger kick up a notch. If you are done burning for the year, please give your pile area one more good soaking of water and stir it up to prevent the burning of underground roots that can cause fires sometimes months after you last burned.

We visited with our neighbors from WSC Insurance this morning to talk about disaster planning in the work place, and they are doing a great job of making sure their office is ready if an emergency happens! What is your plan at work? Even a small backpack full of supplies under your desk, or in your locker, can be the difference maker if something like an earthquake happens while you are at work. These supplies should include food/water, a warm blanket, a list of emergency contact numbers & addresses, whistle, flashlight, and whatever else you think you'll truly need if you can't get home for a few days. We would love to come talk to your business, and help you with your safety and emergency planning. Let us know how we can help you.

TripCheck - Oregon Traveler Information

Highway 6 remains closed after the fatal crash we responded to earlier this afternoon. There is no word on when it will open, it's likely closed for a few more hours, but keep your eye on www.tripcheck.com if you need to head that way tonight. Otherwise use 26 to get to the coast tonight. We were however just called back to the scene for a report of a gun shot wound victim. When crews arrived they found a man with non life threatening injuries to one of his hands. This gun shot incident was NOT related to the crash or investigation. It happened accidentally while target shooting in the coast range, and the injured man was attempting to get to the hospital when he came to the road closure and asked for help. He was taken to a local hospital by Metro West ambulance with non life threatening injuries to one of his hands.

We are on scene of a serious crash on Highway 6 near the entrance to the Gales Creek Campground (Rogers Road). It involves 2 commercial vehicles and the highway is closed at this time and will likely remain closed for awhile. We will have further information as it becomes available.