County fire district outside protected areas looms
Public hearing continued to Sept. 19; comments will be accepted until Friday, Sept. 7
Establishing fire standards in connection with formation of a fire protection district at a later date to serve areas outside existing fire districts appears likely following a public hearing conducted by the Josephine County Board of Commissioners last week.
But the question seems to remain as to whether the commissioners will seek a private enterprise approach, or one involving a taxing district. Following approximately 45 minutes of testimony involving 14 speakers, the board closed the hearing.
Members agreed to continue the hearing until Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. in Anne G. Basker Auditorium. During the hearing Wednesday morning, Aug. 29 in the auditorium adjacent to the county courthouse, a standing-room-only crowd was present. Of the approximately 95 persons attending, about half were uniformed personnel from at least four fire protection agencies.
Among them were Chief Harry Rich and Deputy Chief Jeff Gavlik, of Illinois Valley Rural Fire Protection District.
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During the hearing, Rich said that he “commends the board on setting standards” because all firefighting agencies should “follow stringent standards.
“Let’s go for it and get it on board,” he urged.
Rich explained after the meeting that the district the board of commissioners is investigating would not affect existing districts such as IVRFPD. Other already-functioning districts are those in Wolf Creek, Williams and Applegate. And Grants Pass Dept. of Public Safety, which serves the city of Grants Pass, also would not be affected.
The protection being discussed now is for the areas outside the boundaries of those public agencies. Persons in the county’s unprotected areas can subscribe to service by private agencies including Rural/Metro Fire Dept., Grants Pass Rural Fire Dept., and a newcomer, Inland Fire Service.
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The consensus expressed by private citizens and representatives of private companies during the hearing is that they applaud the county board for working to establish fire standards. They involve training and equipment, among other aspects.
Charles Chase, a deputy state fire marshal who lives in Grants Pass, also urged adoption of standards. The three private companies in operation “work cooperatively, but standards would be welcome,” Chase said.
He further noted that areas of the county not within agency boundaries now comprise “the largest, densest and unprotected” area in Oregon. “It puts us all in a precarious position,” he stated.
Fire agency representatives who spoke during the hearing said that they would welcome fire standards for all involved. In particular, they focused on existing mutual aid agreements. They indicated that having set standards would mean that back-up responses to major emergencies would be by the best-trained and equipped personnel, including radio gear.
This would enhance safety for firefighters, as well as increased reductions in loss of life and property.
Jerry Smith, co-chairman of the county’s Fire Standards Committee, asked that the matter be held off until all comments received so far, can be incorporated into “one nice clean package.” The board agreed.
After closing the hearing, commission Chairman Jim Raffenburg said that “the concept (of fire standards and a district) appears good based on the comments we’ve heard today.”
Commissioner Dwight Ellis commented, “Some excellent changes and definitions have been offered. I feel we should form a fire district.
“We’re going to get it right, having nothing in mind except the safety” of firefighters and civilians, Ellis said.
Commission Vice Chairman Dave Toler added that he “applauds the written comments received so far. Many will make a difference.”
He expressed concern about the long-range, potential loss of mutual aid by some agencies, saying, “It’s a pretty serious situation. I believe that all citizens of the county (not in districts or in the city of GP) should be (protected) and a district is the way to go.”
Raffenburg added that there is wide community support.
Written public comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7.
“This is the last chance until a final proposed draft,” said Raffenburg.
