Kelsey Merison
SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Voters in Central Oregon will soon decide on a proposed fire levy that leaders say is critical to maintaining emergency response–especially in the wake of last year’s Flat Fire.
The Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District is asking voters to approve a higher levy, but officials say the need has been building for years.
The measure would replace an existing levy, with a net increase of about $0.46 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
“We’ve had a 44% increase in calls in the last four years,” said Chief Thad Olsen with the Cloverdale RFPD. “In ten years, it’s a 119% increase.”
Chief Thad Olsen
Chief Olsen says rapid population growth and a nationwide decline in volunteer firefighters are stretching resources thin.
“They’re struggling, having volunteer firefighters because people…have to work. People are having two jobs. And it takes a lot of time and effort to be a volunteer.”
Right now, the district relies heavily on student firefighters for around the clock coverage, but they aren’t always available.
“The student firefighters are 66% of our 24-hour staffing,” Chief Olsen said. “Problem is, they aren’t here all the time. They go to COCC to get their paramedics or they’re working on their firefighter.”
If the levy fails, Chief Olsen says staffing would be cut significantly, impacting response times.
“We would lose two of the paid captains, which would take away the vast majority of our staffing for shift. And we would also lose the three student positions because we just don’t have the money to fund that,” Chief Olsen said. “Majority would have to be based on a volunteer response. But that’s about a 10 to 12 minute from the time that we get dispatched till they get here, get on the truck and get responding. So, unfortunately, we would probably see a very increased response time.”
That delay could be critical, especially with wildfire risk on the rise.
“If there’s a big fire in Oregon, it’s usually in our backyard,” Chief Olsen said. “Unfortunately, that’s laid true for the last several years, and our risk is just growing evermore.”
The proposed levy would fund additional staffing, and a new wildfire risk reduction specialist—to help homeowners better protect their properties.
“We’re really trying to put our best foot forward with this. We don’t have any fluff in our budget. And we do the best we can with the taxpayer dollars that we’re provided,” Chief Olsen said.
Fire officials say faster response times and stronger staffing could make a major difference in stopping fires before they spread. The district is encouraging voters to learn more and weigh the costs against the potential impact on emergency services.
Click here to learn more about the levy.
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Over 13,000 hatchery rainbow trout are headed to various southeast Idaho fisheries in May. Courtesy IDFG.
Courtesy: Central Union High School District
