Clackamas Fire’s Community Newsletter

To safely protect and preserve life and property Clackamas Fire District #1 www.clackamasfire.com

Message from the Chief, Fred Charlton September 2017 As the weather changes and fall arrives, Clackamas Fire District #1 is preparing for a number of community events to help keep you safe and support the communities we serve. Inside this issue

September is Emergency Preparedness Month, but preparedness doesn’t stop when Chief’s Message………………... 1 October begins. On October 19, 2017 at 10:19 am, Clackamas Fire will be participating in Board of Directors……………… 2 the “Great Shake Out” and we ask for your participation as well. More information will be available on our website at www.clackamasfire.com. Safety/Public Education……….. 2

Health and Safety…………….... 3 October is also Fire Prevention Month and this year’s theme is, “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” The Fire District will be hosting community fire station open houses Employee Highlights………….... 4 every Saturday during the month. Apparatus Operator Sworn-In… 5

During the months of November and December, the Fire District will be asking for your Facilities Update……………...... 6 help in supporting our annual Operation Santa Claus program focused to help those in Community Outreach…………... 7 need throughout our community. Donations of new toys and non-perishable food are Clackamas Emergency received through 15 community parades, local businesses, schools, and other community 7 partners, and then distributed back into our community. Services Foundation…………… Upcoming Events………………. 9 In addition to emergency response, community outreach, public engagement, and fire and life safety education helps us meet our mission, “To safely protect and preserve life and Fire Prevention…………………. 10 property.” Station Activities………………... 11 Hilltop Health and Safety Fair On Saturday, September 16, 2017, Clackamas Fire District #1 hosted the Annual Hilltop Health and Safety Fair at the Danielson Hilltop Mall in Oregon City. This is a wonderful event that features numerous public agencies, businesses, and non-profits that serve the Oregon City community. This year, attendees were able to take rides in the Fire District’s antique fire engine, Old Red, visit with Oregon City Police officers, as well as K-9 demonstrations from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. The event also featured free bicycle helmets purchased by the Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation, two live auto extrication demonstrations (vehicles donated by Bud’s Towing), and a live fire sprinkler demonstration. Clackamas Fire staff, crews, explorers, and volunteers did a great job of sharing important fire and life safety information with attendees, gave tours of fire apparatus, and assisted community members and vendors during the event. Thanks to ABRA Auto Body and Glass for their generous donation of bicycles and a scooter, which were raffled off throughout the day. A special thank you to Shannon Gross Photography who was hired to take photos of the event. The fair was a great success, and members of the Oregon City community were provided with invaluable health and safety information and resources. A huge thank you to all of the vendors who volunteered their time and resources for the event and to everyone who attended!

1 Message from the Board of Directors New officers were elected at the September 18, 2017 Board of Directors’ meeting. These officers will serve in their positions for one year.

President – Marilyn Wall Vice President – Jim Syring Secretary/Treasurer – Don Trotter Director – Jay Cross Director – Thomas Joseph

Congratulations to the new officers!

The Board approved the following: Proclamation 17-04 – To Designate the Month of October 2017 as Fire Prevention Month. Contract for Emerick Construction for Station 16.

The next board meeting will be Monday, October 16, 2017 at 6:30 pm at the Mt. Scott Fire Station 5 located at 9339 SE Causey Avenue, Happy Valley, Oregon. Safety/Public Education Backyard Burning Season Delayed

The Clackamas Fire District #1 backyard burning (Domestic Open Burning) season was scheduled to begin October 1, 2017. However, as of Thursday, September 28, 2017, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) decided to not end the fire season in time for backyard burning to reopen on October 1. ODF will meet on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 to re-evaluate the conditions. The backyard burning seasons, typically, are March 1 – June 15 and October 1 – December 15, unless fire danger levels are “High” or “Extreme.” Backyard burning is the burning of organic yard debris on the property of origin, on approved burn days, during approved burn hours, as indicated by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Clackamas Fire District #1 has a daily burn message line that is a recording of whether DEQ determined the day to be a burn day. The burn message line is 503.632.0211. The burn information applies to the areas served by Clackamas Fire District #1.

If you reside within the city limits of Happy Valley, the city requires a residential burn permit. For more information, Happy Valley residents can visit the city website at: http://www.happyvalleyor.gov/services/code-enforcement/ residential-open-burning/.

Backyard burning is only allowed on property located outside of the DEQ Burn Ban Area and is not allowed in compact housing developments.

Backyard burning materials must be dried, to the extent practicable, loosely stacked (to provide adequate air supply) to ensure good combustion; therefore, avoiding smoldering fires. If the smoke or odor emission affects others, the fire must be extinguished. Materials prohibited from burning, include but are not limited to, garbage, plastic, rubber, petroleum treated materials, and any other material that creates dense smoke and noxious odors.

Backyard burn piles can be no larger than 10’x10’x10’ and must be a minimum of 50-feet from a structure or other combustible materials. A maximum of two burn piles may be burned at any one time, if space allows. All backyard fires must be attended to at all times and extinguished by the fires out time, which means no flames or smoke beyond the end of the established burn hours.

For more information on backyard burning, associated rules, best burning practices, and all other types of regulated burning, please visit the Open Burning Categories information on our website at http://www.clackamasfire.com/ outdoor-burning/outdoor-burning-categories/. 2

Health and Safety 10 Natural Remedies for Anxiety

Almost everyone experiences anxiety at one time or another. Whether it’s about money, work or relationships, modern life seems to be a minefield of anxiety-producing situations. But everyday anxiety isn’t necessarily something that requires turning to medications or therapy. Below are some simple anxiety remedies to try.

1. Exercise. Exercise is well-known as one of the fastest ways to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Moderate exercise releases those feel-good endorphins, and increased body heat may boost cognitive function and increase feelings of relaxation.

2. Meditation. This classic practice is still one of the best ways for people to tame anxiety. No equipment is needed. Simply dedicate 15-30 minutes each day to take control of your mind.

3. Chamomile tea. Chamomile is among the best natural remedies for anxiety, due to its high levels of mood-boosting apigenin, luteolin, and bisabolol. If you’re experiencing a particularly anxious day, a nice strong cup of chamomile can help you feel calm and relaxed.

4. Omega-3 fatty acids. The brain is very susceptible to inflammation, and research shows that omega-3 fatty acids lower inflammation and levels of stress chemicals – all of which contribute to anxiety. Thus, foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds should be eaten for a low-stress diet.

5. Lavender. Breathing in lavender has been shown to relax the body and reduce anxiety. You can put a few drops of lavender oil onto your pillow, into a bath, or rub some directly on your skin. Another method is to drop some of the oil into a cup of boiling water and inhale the aroma.

6. Hot baths. A steaming hot bath is a time-honored method for calming the mind. Try adding a half-cup of Epson salts to the bath water, which is thought to lower blood pressure, or add essential oils such as lavender, vanilla, or bergamot.

7. Cut caffeine. Limit your coffee or black tea intake to one cup a day, and see if this helps reduce anxiety symptoms.

8. Journaling. Journaling is simply the act of writing down your thoughts and feelings to help you sort them out. Keeping a daily journal can help you understand yourself and gain control of chaotic emotions.

9. Yoga. Like meditation, yoga is considered a “ mind -body therapy,” which is increasingly being recommended for people who suffer from anxiety. Whether you sign up for a class, or just practice at home, yoga can be very calming.

10. Sunlight. The sun is a natural source of vitamin D, which has been linked to lowered symptoms of anxiety and depression. Try to get outside in natural sunlight for 15 minutes per day.

If symptoms of anxiety are interfering with your daily life, you can start to feel better by trying some of these tips. If you are having trouble managing your anxiety, consider getting professional help.

Source: Providence Health Team Newsletter, May 26, 2017

3 Employee Highlights Firefighter Joe Mendoza

I have been working at Clackamas Fire District #1 for two months. My current position is Firefighter/Paramedic. I chose a career with the fire service because I found that I enjoyed the instant feedback and gratification from helping those in need. I would go weeks with inadequate feedback in my former career. I decided to continue my career with Clackamas Fire District #1 because I experienced the family-oriented relationship with Fire District personnel on multiple occasions. I also admire how often the Fire District reaches out to the community. I have been married to my extremely supportive wife, Lauren, for six years. We have three children: Kennidy (12), Cruz (5), and Emmelyn (2). Kennidy plays the trumpet and loves to dance. Cruz is into all sports, but has a special place in his heart for American Ninja Warrior. Emmelyn is the family firecracker and simply attempts to perform everything her siblings do. My wife and I are involved with volunteer opportunities through church, but we also enjoy showing our children the positive effects of random acts of kindness towards others. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, throughout all the seasons. I enjoy cycling, running, swimming, and weight lifting. Around the house, I support my wife with every project she begins. Some people may not know that I completed an Ironman Triathlon Race in Canada in 2010. I trained for two years for the opportunity to swim 2.5 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles. The event took me 14:19:52.

Firefighter Dallas Oja

I began working at Clackamas Fire District #1 in June of 2017. My current position is Firefighter/Paramedic. I grew up in a small community with an almost all volunteer fire district. In high school, I had the opportunity to join the fire district and realized that this is what I wanted to do as a career. The fire service is a very rewarding career, knowing that you can help someone in their time of need. I am newly married to my wife, Cassie, and have numerous family that live throughout Oregon. I enjoy the outdoors and spend most of my time there. You can normally find me fishing, hunting, or shooting archery.

Firefighter Ryn Patterson

I began working at Clackamas Fire District #1 in June of 2017. My current position is Firefighter/Paramedic. I wanted to work within the fire service for the camaraderie and the team environment. Most of my family still live in the Bend area, which is where I grew up. I have an older brother who lives in Los Angeles, CA. My hobbies include mountain biking, snowboarding, camping, rafting, and golf. An interesting fact about myself that others may not know about me is that my name, “Ryn” came from the movie Footloose.

4 Employee Highlights (cont.) Firefighter Vitaliy Radu

I began my position as Entry-Level Firefighter for Clackamas Fire District #1 just over two months ago. I am a probationary Firefighter assigned to Engine 315 at the John Adams Station 15 in Oregon City. I have always had a passion to help others. The fire service was a great way to fulfill that because I like working within a team and being able to solve different problems each day. My family immigrated to the United States from Russia when I was nine-years-old. We are very prideful of our culture, but have immersed ourselves in the American culture and have been following the American dream since we arrived here. I am still fluent in Russian and have found that very helpful on many incidents for my job. I am closely involved with my church and help organize the church retreats and kids’ camps. I like anything outdoors: hiking and mountain climbing are some of my favorite things to do outdoors. I also enjoy camping and backpacking when I get enough time to do it. An interesting fact about myself that others may not know about me is that I can speak four different languages: Russian, Moldavian, Ukrainian, and English.

Firefighter AJ Stuck

I began working at Clackamas Fire District #1 in June of 2017. My current position is Firefighter and working out of the John Adams Station 15 in Oregon City. I wanted to work within the Fire District because my dad’s experience as a firefighter really influenced me to want to pursue the same career. I always enjoyed hearing all his stories and seeing how much he loved being a firefighter. In 2008, I became a volunteer firefighter with Clackamas Fire and quickly realized this was the job for me. I love working as a team, giving back to the community, and the excitement of not knowing what each shift is going to bring. I have an amazing family who helped me get to where I am today. My mom is an instructor at Oregon City High School and my dad is a retired firefighter from Portland Fire and Rescue. I have a younger brother who is a firefighter with Gresham Fire. In my free time, I love anything that gets me outdoors. In the winter, I like to make my way up to the mountain to snowboard and in the summer, I like to get out onto some flat water to wakeboard/ski. My favorite sport to play is baseball and although I don’t play anymore, I love playing competitive slow-pitch softball. One interesting fact that I am proud of is that my family now has three generations of firefighters in it. I am very excited to be here and look forward to meeting everyone in the Fire District and in the community I serve. Apparatus Operator Sworn-In

On September 11, 2017 at the Boring Community Fire Station 14, Chief Charlton recognized Trent Morgan for his promotion to Apparatus Operator. The Swearing-In Ceremony included reciting the oath of the position and the pinning of the badge. Congratulations to Apparatus Operator Trent Morgan!

5 Facilities Update

Fleet and Logistics Center Construction Underway

During the month of September, the Fire District’s construction began for the new Fleet and Logistics Center. Emerick Construction began work on the utilities and dug out the area for the new building. The focus was also on getting the area directly west of the current building worked to grade and rocked, which became the new temporary staff parking lot and entry for staff and vendors. For safety reasons, the Fire District encourages people traveling along SE 130th Ave. off Hwy 212 to be careful for dump truck traffic in and out of the area. The excavation of the pump pit has begun and will transition into digging the foot print for the new building soon. The fence along SE 130th Ave. was removed on Sept. 11 to grade everything accordingly and temporary fencing was put up. A gate to the Training Center yard is up, but will be locked by Emerick Construction. Thank you for your patience as the Fire District begins one of the first major construction projects from the voter-approved general obligation bond.

South End Station 17 Facility Improvements

Written by Captain Neil Bishop, South End Station 17

In addition to the larger-scale construction project of the new Fleet and Logistics Center, below are a list of facility improvements from the general obligation bond to the South End Station 17 in Oregon City:

 Front apron and ramp have been redone to reduce departure angle  Front lawns had to be scraped down 13” due to the drop in the ramp  All lawns are being redone, including redoing the sprinkler system, resetting the valves and boxes and hydro seeding  Parking islands to the North have been removed and blacktop patched  Fire Station sign was pressure washed and letters hand painted (AO Don Zirbel)  Work Out room has been painted (B shift: Lt. Jed Wachlin, AO Don Zirbel, FF Matt Graham)  New mural (AO Don Zirbel)

6 Community Outreach High School Art Students Help with Safety Fair Written by Deputy Fire Marshal Captain Kari Shanklin

A big thank you to woodworkers: Fire Inspector Denny Dahlgren and Lieutenant Jed Wachlin, as well as Sandy High School art teacher Dan Shanklin and Art Lab students: Lauren Milijus, Emily Davis, Cassandra Stone, Alliena Kramer, Sage Copher, Maggie Fox, Ayla Nguyen, and Lauren Hibdon, who worked on a fire-themed cornhole game for the Hilltop Health and Safety Fair. The game started out as merely a concept of what to do with an extra piece a plywood, but with input from all of the previously mentioned community partners, it turned into a unique work of art that was a huge hit at the Safety Fair. Children and their families threw blue beanbags (representing water) at the hole where the flames were, and when they made it, they received a prize. Many thanks to all those involved! Clackamas Fire will use the game at safety events for years to come!

Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation

Fundraiser Updates

Written by Executive Assistant Karen Strejc

Over the past few months, the Foundation has received donations from several fundraisers. On Thursday, July 27 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, the Happy Valley Chipotle donated 50% of their proceeds to the Foundation. The Foundation raised $177.43 for that day. Thank you to the supporters who ate at Chipotle’s or purchased food to go.

On August 24, the City of Happy Valley hosted First Responder’s Night. The band, The District, played for the event and donated their earnings of $500 to the Foundation. With an additional donation of $50 that was made that evening, the Foundation received a total of $550.

Thank you to the supporters who ate at Chipotle’s or purchased food to go, to the band, The District, and the citizen who donated funds. These donations will help carry out the Foundation’s mission, which is, “To provide humanitarian assistance to those who have been adversely affected by disaster, tragedy, injury, and other misfortune, and to work actively toward preventing or minimizing the impact of such misfortunes in our community.”

If you would like to learn more about the Foundation or make a donation, please visit www.clackamasfire.com/ foundation.html.

Save the Date: Saturday, March 10, 2018 – The Foundation’s 7th Annual Auction/Dinner at the Abernethy Center in Oregon City. 7 Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation (cont.) Foundation Scholarship Recipients

Written by Executive Assistant Karen Strejc

Out of the 7 applications received, the Foundation Scholarship Committee chose three recipients for the 2017-2018 school year. Scholarships have been awarded to Aaron Alexander, Leilani Lopes and Kaitlyn Reiner. Aaron will be attending Pacific University and will be studying law enforcement. Leilani Lopes will be attending Portland State University’s Honors College and studying to be a surgeon. Kaitlyn Reiner, a three-year scholarship recipient, is attending Linfield and working towards becoming an ER nurse. Each recipient will receive $1,500 for the year. Thank you to the Foundation Scholarship Committee: Mark Cauthorn, Gordon Day and Sherie Rosenbaum - for their work in reviewing the applications and making the final decision. Thank you to all of the applicants who applied and congratulations to the scholarship recipients. Pictured below, left to right: Foundation scholarship recipients Aaron Alexander, Leilani Lopes, and Kaitlyn Reiner.

Beaver Lake Estates Annual Fishing Derby

Written by Deputy Fire Marshal Captain Kari Shanklin

“Beaver Lake Estates is happy to be able to contribute to the ongoing work of the Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation through our annual fishing tournament. FISH ON!” Larry and Joyanne Felman.

The Firewise community, Beaver Lake Estates, held its second annual Firewise day and ice cream social on Aug. 27 and its annual fishing derby on Sept. 9, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Proceeds from the fishing contest, along with other contributions from Beaver Lake Estates residents, were donated to the Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation. Fishing Derby Coordinator and HOA member, Larry Felman, presented $350 to the Foundation and noted that the event was a great success in bringing the community together even though the fish were not really cooperating. Only eight fish were caught, but there were six boats with 26 community residents participating and approximately $530 in prizes were given out. Some of the prizes for the fishing tournament were donated by Pioneer Rental, Fisherman’s Marine and Outdoor, and Papa Murphy’s. Prize categories included: the largest fish caught, the longest fish caught and the most fish caught.

8 Upcoming Events

9 Fire Prevention

August 2017

Date: 8/1/2017 8:36:02 PM Address: 8609 SE Con Battin Rd. Happy Valley, OR 97086 Investigator(s): Olson Type of Fire: Building Fire Fire Area of Origin: Attic: vacant, crawl space above top story, cupola Fire Cause: Unintentional Estimated Dollar Loss: $55,000 Investigator Narrative: The occupants reported smelling smoke inside the home, and a large amount of smoke was discovered in a second story bedroom. The fire originated in the wall and it was determined to have been caused by overloading of electrical wiring or an electrical malfunction.

Date: 8/3/2017 10:11:40 AM Address: 2001 Washington St. Oregon City, OR 97045 Investigator(s): Olson Type of Fire: Grass or brush fire Fire Area of Origin: Open area – outside; included are farmland, field Fire Cause: Unintentional Estimated Dollar Loss: $0 Investigator Narrative: A series of brush fires were reported along I-205 near the Metro Transfer Station. There was no ignition source found. Oregon City Police were called to assist and one person was interviewed.

Date: 8/4/2017 11:57:25 AM Address: 19594 S Redland Rd. Oregon City, OR 97045 Investigator(s): Liljefelt Type of Fire: Grass or brush fire Fire Area of Origin: Open area - outside; included are farmland, field Fire Cause: Unintentional Estimated Dollar Loss: $30,000 Investigator Narrative: A farm employee was burning squirrel holes with a propane brush torch causing dry grass to catch fire. About 20-30 acres of orchard and farm land was burned. The fire was caused by burning in very dry conditions during a burn ban.

Date: 8/9/2017 3:19:40 PM Address: 11939 SE 312th Dr. Boring, OR 97009 Investigator(s): Olson Type of Fire: Building Fire Fire Area of Origin: Courtyard, patio, porch, terrace Fire Cause: Unintentional Estimated Dollar Loss: $55,000 Investigator Narrative: The crews arrived to large amounts of fire venting through the roof. The occupants reported smoking cigarettes on the front porch earlier that day, and the weather was hot with low humidity. The home was completely destroyed by the fire.

10 Fire Prevention (cont.) Date: 8/17/2017 11:37:41 AM Address: 11493 SE 82nd Ave. Happy Valley, OR 97086 Investigator(s): Olson Type of Fire: Building Fire Fire Area of Origin: Wall surface: exterior Fire Cause: Unintentional Estimated Dollar Loss: $45,000 Investigator Narrative: A contractor was preparing an asphalt surface for paving. The weeds around the property were burned with a propane torch. The prolonged flame around a wood surface ignited the siding. The fire progressed into the wall and created moderate fire damage.

Date: 8/27/2017 5:34:27 AM Address: 16019 SE Keller Rd. Damascus, OR 97089 Investigator(s): Dahlgren Type of Fire: Building Fire Fire Area of Origin: Function area, other Fire Cause: Unintentional Estimated Dollar Loss: $175,000 Investigator Narrative: The fire started in a chicken coop attached to the back of the garage. The owners used a heat lamp suspended from the ceiling to keep their chicks warm. The heat lamp came into contact with the wood chip bedding and started the fire. Station Activities Clackamas Fire District #1 Apparatus Summary Reports by Apparatus Station August 2017 (Including Mutual Aid Given)

Beavercreek/Clarkes Area

Station 10 – Beavercreek Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 10 Apparatus 89

Number of Medical Aid Calls 40 Number of Fires 17 Other 32

Station 13 – Clarkes Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 13 Apparatus 14

Number of Medical Aid Calls 3 Number of Fires 3 Other 8

City of Milwaukie Area

Station 1 – Town Center Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 1 Apparatus 255

Number of Medical Aid Calls 159 Number of Fires 15 Other 81

11 Station 2 – Milwaukie Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 2 Apparatus 209

Number of Medical Aid Calls 131 Number of Fires 13 Other 65

Station 3 – Oak Grove Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 3 Apparatus 459

Number of Medical Aid Calls 317 Number of Fires 11 Other 131

Station 4 – Lake Road Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 4 Apparatus 208

Number of Medical Aid Calls 129 Number of Fires 26 Other 53

City of Happy Valley Area

Station 5 – Mt. Scott Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 5 Apparatus 170

Number of Medical Aid Calls 89 Number of Fires 17 Other 64

Station 6 – Happy Valley Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 6 Apparatus 140

Number of Medical Aid Calls 77 Number of Fires 16 Other 47

City of Happy Valley/City of Damascus Area

Station 8 – Clackamas Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 8 Apparatus 185

Number of Medical Aid Calls 105 Number of Fires 15 Other 65

12 Station Activities (cont.) Logan/Redland Area

Station 11 – Redland Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 11 Apparatus 65

Number of Medical Aid Calls 18 Number of Fires 31 Other 16

Station 12 – Logan Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 12 Apparatus 34

Number of Medical Aid Calls 8 Number of Fires 18 Other 8

City of Oregon City Area

Station 9 – Holcomb Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 9 Apparatus 96

Number of Medical Aid Calls 51 Number of Fires 16 Other 29

Station 15 – John Adams Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 15 Apparatus 219

Number of Medical Aid Calls 109 Number of Fires 50 Other 60

Station 16 – Hilltop Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 16 Apparatus 336

Number of Medical Aid Calls 227 Number of Fires 20 Other 89

Station 17 – South End Station Total Number of Responses for Station 17 Apparatus 76

Number of Medical Aid Calls 45 Number of Fires 9 Other 22

13 Station Activities (cont.)

Boring/Damascus Area

Station 7 – Pleasant Valley Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 7 Apparatus 103

Number of Medical Aid Calls 54 Number of Fires 11 Other 38

Station 14 – Boring Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 14 Apparatus 127

Number of Medical Aid Calls 58 Number of Fires 35 Other 34

Station 18 – Eagle Creek Fire Station* Total Number of Responses for Station 18 Apparatus 0

Number of Medical Aid Calls 0 Number of Fires 0 Other 0

Station 19 – Damascus Fire Station Total Number of Responses for Station 19 Apparatus 79

Number of Medical Aid Calls Number of Fires 8 Other 20

District – Wide 2016 2017 % Increase Total apparatus responses in August 2,844 2,897 1.86% Total apparatus responses January – August

14