April 2021
Published by the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal
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Sparky Awards Nominations Extended
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The Office of State Fire Marshal has extended the due date to April 20, 2021. Please submit your completed Sparky nominations form, and include examples of your nominee's achievements.
The Golden Sparky award recognizes a member of the fire service for outstanding achievement in fire prevention or public fire safety education. The Silver Sparky award recognizes a civilian for outstanding achievement in fire prevention or public fire safety education.
The Sparky awards call attention to the critical role of public education in fire safety. Each year, the Sparky award nomination and selection process helps inform the public of the importance of fire prevention and education. It also allows Oregonians, communities, and the fire services to acknowledge the leadership of their colleagues who are making a difference. We encourage all Oregonians to call out excellence among those helping others through fire prevention.
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Growing Internal Capacity to Support the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System |
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The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is in the process of growing our internal capacity to support the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System (OFMAS). The OFMAS is a term used to describe fire response in the state at all levels: local, regional, statewide, and into other states. The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal has responsibilities at all levels of the system and recognizes that the stronger the foundation of the system, the stronger the system will be as a whole. A stronger OFMAS leads to improved protection of people, their property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials.
Over the past several years, OSFM staff have been working with local agencies and Fire Defense Districts to improve their own local agreements and response systems in order to better the health of the statewide response system. This work has recently led to the reintroduction of the Emergency Response Unit, which will ultimately be staffed with (1) Manager, (1) Incident Management Team Program Coordinator, (1) OFMAS Modernization Coordinator, (5) Regional Mobilization Coordinators, and (1) Administrative Specialist.
The OFMAS Modernization Coordinator will be tasked with analyzing and modernizing the operational coordination of the OFMAS. This modernization is likely to look like improved capability to include tracking and communication tools for our Agency Operations Center, the implementation of the State of Oregon Fire Situation Analyst mapping platform, and the development and maintenance of a comprehensive statewide wildfire risk map. Essentially, the OFMAS Modernization Coordinator will be looking into system-wide improvements and helping OSFM make strides in the use of technology.
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The Regional Mobilization Coordinators (5) will be working towards improvements at a more local level. They will be working directly with fire chiefs and Fire Defense Districts to support opportunities to enhance local, regional, and statewide response. As field personnel, they will be working hard to develop strong relationships to inform the needs of each unique district. These personnel will focus on interagency collaboration and capabilities, coordinate the development and expansion of mutual aid agreements, and assist in the early stages of incident expansion and the conflagration request process.
These new positions represent an exciting step forward for OFMAS, and we ask that each agency think about what they might need from these personnel once they’ve been fully on-boarded and are introduced locally. If you have needs that seem as though they will meet the skill-set of these personnel, please don’t hesitate to reach out to ERU Manager Mariah Rawlins to start those conversations (Mariah.Rawlins@osp.oregon.gov). While the summer of 2021 is fast approaching, so too is 2022 and beyond, and these personnel will be a cornerstone in growing OFMAS capacity and protecting Oregonians and their property. The OFMAS has been built by and on the structural fire service, and we look forward to continued partnerships and engagement as we take the next step.
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Oregon Fire Code Advisory Board |
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The OSFM is proud to announce the new leadership of the Oregon Code Advisory Board! These individuals will bring a wealth of experience, dynamic leadership, and diversity in the fire service industry to this important new advisory board.
The board’s mission is to make recommendations on Oregon Fire Code issues to the State Fire Marshal and to provide advice and guidance on issues of code enforcement, regional disputes, policies, and emerging topics that affect the fire protection and life safety of Oregonians.
The Oregon Fire Code Advisory Board (virtually) met, nominated, and appointed Board Officers at the first quarterly meeting of 2021. The Office of State Fire Marshal would like to congratulate Jason Bolen, OFMA who has been appointed as Chair, and Eric Cutler, Industry/Public Member as Vice Chair, as their leadership will direct the future of the code adoption process.
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The intention and purpose of the Oregon Fire Code Advisory Board (OFCAB) is to:
- Makes recommendations to the State Fire Marshal during Oregon Fire Code adoption cycle (typically every three years) and mid-cycle adoptions.
- Identifies emerging fire and life safety issues and develops appropriate recommendations to the State Fire Marshal.
- Ensure laws, rules, policies, and procedures are understandable and necessary for public protection.
- Tasks the Oregon Fire Code Committee to establish sub-committees as needed for fire and life safety code related issues.
- Conduct Oregon Fire Code Advisory Board activities in a manner that effectively utilizes available resources through both public and private stakeholder engagement.
The OFCAB meets quarterly – at this time virtually.
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Oregon Fire Service "Spotlight" |
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The Office of State Fire Marshal is excited to highlight the Illinois Valley Fire District with Chief John Holmes! |
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Illinois Valley Fire District
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I am John Holmes, Fire Chief with the Illinois Valley Fire District for the last year and four months. I initially started my career in Emergency Medical Services, by obtaining my EMT certification, and after many years, advanced to my Paramedic certification. Many years with ambulance companies, my last position in EMS with American Medical Response, where I was an Operations Supervisor in the Rancho Cucamonga area of California. I also worked the 911 Dispatch side while working on the ambulance and became a Supervisor within the 911 Center of Fort Irwin Fire Department.
I began my fire service with the Apple Valley Fire and San Bernardino County Fire Department in 1996 as a probationary firefighter and moved up the ranks within the department. My family and I moved to the northern Arizona area, as a Driver Operator, promoted to Captain after a few years, and then promoted to the Fire Marshal/Investigator for the Northern Arizona Consolidated Fire District. In 2016, another family move to the Elko Nevada area, where I was hired as the Fire Marshal/Investigator for the City of Elko Fire Department.
In 2019, I was addressed by one of my older Captains from SBCoFD, who is a Fire Chief in the Southern Oregon area about the testing process for Fire Chief with the Illinois Valley Fire District, so I applied, tested, and ultimately was considered and accepted the position of Fire Chief. I am completing my Master’s Degree in Emergency Services Management in May 2021.
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The Illinois Valley was, in the early twentieth century, typical of most towns of that era. The buildings in the city's business district were mostly cheaply built frame structures, haphazardly constructed, and situated in the downtown area of Cave Junction. The existence of building code enforcement was some time off and construction was unregulated. Fire protection was not organized, but the citizens participated in an informal "bucket brigade," since a fire in one part of town could quickly spread and endanger other areas. Realizing the possibility of damage from a conflagration, the citizens assembled to provide for fire protection to the city, and surrounding communities essentially the Illinois Valley Fire District was born.
The community purchased the first hose reel with hose, fire hose, and other firefighting equipment for the sum of $1,000.00. The fire equipment arrived and the construction of what was to be the city's first fire station began in 1953. A site on Caves Hwy was chosen for the construction of the 24' x 12' building that was to house the firefighting equipment. Now that the equipment was in place it was time to formally organize a group to use it. This task fell to the citizens to organize a volunteer company. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when the city's fire bell arrived. The bell was to be used as a signaling device to summon the volunteers to the station and alert the community in the event of a fire. Soon thereafter a town hall siren was installed as the fire alert device.
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Hose carts and bucket brigades were no longer the appropriate means of fire protection for a modern community fire department in the fifties, so the Fire District rented from Coast Apparatus an early 1954 Ford gas- powered pumper, the cost to rent this engine was $40.00 per month. It is unknown how long this engine was in service. In August 1956 the Department purchased a 1929 Seagraves 1000 gallon pumper. This pumper was assigned to the Cave Junction Station.
The need for fire prevention was shown in the lessons taken from the great fires. Structure fire conflagrations were amplified by the lack of construction standards, fire codes, and code enforcement. Fire prevention had taken a back seat to fire suppression and rescue for the early years of the department.
Six strategically located Fire Station within the 144 square miles of the Illinois Valley located off of State Highway 199, 28 miles west of Grants Pass Oregon. IV Fire employs a career staff of 8 members consisting of a Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Division Chief of Operations/Prevention/Division Chief of Logistics/Maintenance, ACE Fire Mechanic, Division Chief of Administration, and the District Secretary. Plus a paid call - Volunteer suppression and support staff of approximately 30 members of the Combination Department.
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Illinois Valley Fire District provides Fire, Rescue, Medical Aid Services, Fire Investigations, Hazard Materials, and Low Angle Rescue.
Illinois Valley Fire District was formed in 1954 with serving the communities of Cave Junction, Kerby, Selma, and Takilma, approximately 17000 community members. IVFD responds to the border of California and a few miles inside the California area for mutual aid with Gasquet Fire District. IVFD works closely with Department of Forestry for our wildland responses. IVFD has automatic and mutual aid agreements with Rural Metro Fire Department, Grants Pass Fire and Rescue, Williams Fire District, Wolf-Creek Fire District through the Rogue Valley Fire Chief’s Association/Fire Defense Board. American Medical Response contracts the use of the fire station in Cave Junction and work directly with our staff on all medical calls.
IVFD has adapted to the COVID-19 responses and making sure that all employees are being safe for the community and also taking additional steps for contamination process and proper safety practices of proper personal protective gear.
IVFD was a key component in the Slater Fire of 2020. We were able to staff all of our apparatus and also maintain the fire district levy requirements by having the full-time position staffed during the event. Through the Rogue Valley Fire Defense Board, Illinois Valley Fire worked with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office with the request of the conflagration.
In 2020, there were 1486 calls for service, ranging from fires, motor vehicle crashes, low- angle rescues, snow/ice responses, and general medical aid calls.
The Illinois Valley Fire District strives to uphold the industry standard of professionalism and has the community’s best interest at heart.
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As most of you are aware, it has been a very busy legislative session! The OSFM is tracking the following bills:
- HB 2927 – Renames Office of State Fire Marshal to Department of State Fire Marshal and establishes the Department as an independent state agency.
- SB 762 – Establishes minimum defensible space requirements for wildfire risk reduction within the wildland-urban interface, based on the wildland-urban interface boundaries established in the map developed by the State Forestry Department. In establishing the requirements, the State Fire Marshal shall consult with the Oregon Fire Code Advisory Board and select standards from the framework set forth in the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (2020 ed.) published by the International Code Council. The bill directs OSFM to administer a community risk reduction program that emphasizes education and methods of prevention for wildfire risk, defensible space, and community preparedness for wildfires.
- HB 3160 - Establishes Oregon Wildfire Preparedness and Community Protection Fund and directs State Fire Marshal, State Forestry Department, and Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board to make expenditures from fund for various activities related to restoration, protection, and recovery from wildfires.
- HB 3308 Requires State Fire Marshal to establish minimum defensible space requirements for wildfire risk reduction in areas defined as wildland-urban interface by selecting standards from International Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Establishes Wildfire Community Preparedness Fund.
- HB 2851 Gives an appropriation to the State Fire Marshal, for the biennium beginning July 1, 2021, out of the General Fund, the amount of $300,000 for the Oregon Safety Assessment Program positions, and $25,000 to study and develop recommendations regarding ways to develop, enhance or expand the ability of rural fire protection districts to use district assets to facilitate community development efforts following a natural disaster.
- HB 2289 Applies only to owners of properties on which structures or uses were destroyed or interrupted by a wildfire hat was identified in an executive order issued by the Governor in accordance with the Emergency Conflagration Act between August 1 and September 31, 2020. The local government may alter, restore or replace such a use as provided in this section in lieu of another process.
- HB 5028 OSFM budget bill that appropriates moneys from General Fund to Department of State Police for certain biennial expenses.
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By OSFM Code Deputy David Mills |
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In an environment with rising gasoline prices, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP-gas) appears to be offering a viable option for fleet managers looking for an alternative-fuel source.
The merits of LP-gas otherwise known as “propane”, has been recognized by city governments, propane alliances, and the Department of Energy through its Clean Cities program, with the federal government mandating that automakers move toward alternative fuels to replace conventional gasoline and diesel. The LP-gas requirements have been revised in the 2019 Oregon Fire Code (OFC), Section 2307 to improve correlation with other industry standards and to allow self-service LP-gas refueling by the public.
Whereas OFC Section 2303.1 regulates the location of dispensing devices, OFC Section 2307.4 regulates the location of the point of transfer of the LP-gas motor fuel into the vehicle fuel tank.
Point of transfer distances
- 25 feet from walls <1-HR
- 25 feet from combustible eaves
- 25 feet from property lines
- 25 feet from centerline of RR
- 10 feet from public streets, driveways, sidewalks
The intent of the term “point of transfer” is to describe the location where LP-gas fueling connections are made and broken and any location where LP-gas is vented during transfer or fueling operations. Whenever LP-gas is dispensed or transferred, there is always at least a “puff” of LP gas released at the point where the LP-gas dispensing hose connects to and disconnects from the vehicle fuel tank or other LP-gas container. It is at those locations that a flammable mixture will exist, even if momentarily. This section intends to isolate these “movable locations” by regulating how far away from potential ignition sources or other properties they must remain in all circumstances. This section is also in agreement with NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code with respect to separation distances.
The 2019 Oregon Structural Specialty Code has specific construction requirements for canopies located at motor fuel-dispensing facilities. The exception in OFC Section 2307.4 removes any separation requirements between the dispenser area and the canopy where the canopy is constructed in accordance with the special provision for canopies located at motor fuel-dispensing facilities.
OFC Table 6104.3 lists the separation requirements for the LP-gas containers in relation to buildings, public ways, and property lines that are or might be built upon.
Probably the most significant of all the revisions to the Oregon Fire Code occurs in Section 2307.7. While the 2014 OFC prohibited self-service LP-gas dispensing operated by the public, the 2019 Oregon Fire Code now allows public refueling from LP-gas dispensers. This revision has occurred in response to the new technologies available to safeguard refueling operations.
Next month, we will look at the installation of LP-gas dispensing devices and equipment outlined in OFC Section 2307.6.
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Fire Safety Education for Second and Third Grader Classrooms
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The Youth Fire Safety Program at Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal is now in its third year of supporting the Sound Off with the Home Fire Safety Patrol pilot project. Overseen by Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) in partnership with Young Minds Inspired (YMI), Sound Off helps students, in second and third grade, learn how smoke alarms help families stay safe from home fires. Students also learn how to spot and correct common home fire dangers and plan a fast escape in case of fire. |
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While this program hosts updated and interactive resources, the benefit extends well past the eye-catching graphics and ease of use. Through the use of a pre and post-test, fire service is able to see the knowledge gain from their students as well as identify areas of needed improvement. A major component of Sound Off is the encouragement for home safety visits and smoke alarm installation in high risk neighborhoods. With the restrictions imposed as a result of Covid-19 in 2020, YMI quickly went to work to provide resources for parents assisting with distance learning and virtual education outreach.
To date, five Oregon communities have engaged with this partnership alongside OSFM and the goal is to continue its expansion throughout the state. Materials are easy to access, available in English and Spanish, and are free to schools and fire agency, eliminating budget factors as a barrier to prevention. All program components can be found at https://ymiclassroom.com/lesson-plans/soundoff-teachers/
Any Oregon fire agency interested in learning more about this program is encouraged to contact Sara Jasmin at SJasmin@OSP.Oregon.Gov or (503)934-2136.
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Fire Aware. Fire Prepared. |
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Are you ready for wildfire season? OSU Forestry & Natural Resources Extension Fire Program is offering a series of free webinars to help Oregonians prepare for the realities of wildfire.
Wildfire Wednesday Webinars Sessions (12:00-1:00pm PST):
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March 17: It takes a village! To register- shorturl.at/klDHV
- March 31: From the home to the landscape
- April 14: Building community for better preparedness
- April 28: Ready, Set, GO!
- TBD: Fire preparedness in my area
- May 19: A land of fire
- June 2: When fire hits
- June 16: After the fire
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The Geography of NFIRS Incidents in Oregon |
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Honoring Retired Division Chief Glen Phillips |
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It is with deep sadness that we are sharing information about the death of one of our own. Retired Division Chief Glen Phillips died on February 23rd, 2021 at Emanuel Hospital in Portland with his wife Gina at his side. Fire, Law Enforcement, family, and friends participated in a procession escort bringing Glen home last night.
Glen joined the Hermiston Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in 1989 and began his full-time career on July 16th, 1990. Glen served the organization well throughout his career as a Firefighter-Paramedic, Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, and Division Chief, retiring April 30th, 2017.
Glen was an active member of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office Regional Hazardous Materials Team 10 providing leadership and experience not only at the local level, but through involvement in a variety of areas across the state. Glen was also an active member of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office “Green Team”, one of the state’s Incident Management Teams as a Division Supervisor. More notably, Glen served with the US Forest Service Incident Management Team 9, as an Air Attack Group Supervisor, which he continued to do after retiring from the Fire District.
Glen never knew a stranger and loved the game of golf. His personality, sense of humor, and love of fishing and friends will be missed greatly. We ask that you keep Glen’s wife, sons, and other family members in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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The OSFM would like to give a warm welcome and lots of good wishes to our mort recent hires on becoming part of our growing team. Congratulations and on behalf of all of us, we are all happy and excited about your inputs and contribution to our agency.
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We are pleased to announce that Alison Green will be joining our OSFM team leading our Public Affairs Program as our Communications Director!
Alison has worked in wildland fire for more than a decade, and in natural resources as a facilitator, communicator, and educator.
She has coordinated groups such as Oregon: Living with Fire and Project Wildfire. During her tenure as coordinator, she worked with community’s and partner organizations to increase community preparedness actions, acceptance of risk by multiple sectors, and build relationships across silos to make Central Oregon more resilient.
She is thrilled to join the OSFM team to continue her work in community resilience and fire prevention.
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Allison McMurtrey is the new Training and Development Specialist 2 in the Education branch of the OSFM!
She came to this agency from the Oregon Department of Human Services. While she was there, Allison was a trainer and processed applications for the SNAP and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs. Before that, she was a teacher for many years, and does not scare easily. Allison mostly taught adult basic education and English as a Second Language.
She is always on the quest for the perfect breakfast restaurant in Oregon, and would always welcome recommendations.
She would like to know where people stand on the great Pancakes versus Waffles debate. Go Team Waffles! She enjoys funny animal videos, snarky people, and long walks on the beach. She also uses the word “groovy” because while her niece insists that no one thinks it is cool anymore, she wants to believe in the power of retro chic. She is as thrilled to be here as we are thrilled to have her here!
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We are pleased to announce that Chris Dugan has accepted the position of Deputy State Fire Marshal District #1 located in Astoria!
Deputy State Fire Marshal Chris Dugan is starting a new chapter in his firefighting career. Dugan comes to us with over 30 years of experience from Seaside Fire Department and is leaving his position as Division Chief Fire Marshal which he held for 20 of those years. Dugan has been a volunteer with Seaside FD since 1989 and a professional firefighter since 2000.
He brings OSFM a wealth of knowledge and experience and is very excited to take on this new challenge! Chris has graduated from several National Fire Academy courses in Emittsburg Maryland and also holds certifications as an Oregon Fire Marshal, ICC Fire Inspector II, Oregon EMT Basic, NFPA Fire Inspector, NFPA Juvenile Firesetter, NFPA Fire Investigator, NFPA Public Fire & Life Safety Educator, and NFPA Fire Officer to name a few. Chris graduated Astoria High School in 1980 and is an avid hunter, fisherman, and loves to camp, so needless to say, he knows his “new” area well!
Chris and his wife Kellie live in Seaside. Together they have six kids and 12 grandkids (ranging from 16 years to 2 months).In his off time he enjoys fishing, hunting and camping.
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