IVFD seeks to recoup fire funds
From our weekly issue dated October 14, 2009
Reimbursement for expenses incurred helping to fight a pair of blazes in Jackson County last month will be sought, according to Chief Harry Rich of Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD).
Rich advised the IVFD Board of Directors of that plan during its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 8 at district headquarters on Caves Hwy.
On Sept. 21, a 153-acre fire broke out near Siskiyou Boulevard in Ashland. Rich went to assist, along with another IVFD staffer, and brought a fire engine.
Although he arrived in Ashland around noon, Rich said the fire was mostly contained. He said that he was about to leave when he and other firefighters received word of a fire in the hills of east Medford.
That fire eventually consumed 633 acres of vegetation before being extinguished. Rich said that there were “significant hiccups” in the first stage of that firefight, and added that he was on the scene until midnight.
Gov. Kulongoski invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to both blazes. As such, Rich said, fire agencies can be paid back for their costs in fighting the fires. He added that he plans to pursue those funds.
Rich also briefed IVFD directors on a Sept. 8 after-action review of the Aug. 24 Lone Mountain fire west of O’Brien that burned 48 acres.
No homes were burned, but a garage, pump house and another outbuilding were destroyed. There were no injuries, but a dog died as a result of the blaze.
Units from the Grants Pass Dept. of Public Safety, Rural/Metro Fire Dept., Oregon Dept. of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service and Jackson County agencies all responded. Three helicopters and a tanker aircraft also were used.
Advertisement:
Rich characterized the after-action briefing as an “outstanding review of what we did right and wrong.” IVFD Board Chairman Sam Michel took the opportunity to praise Rich and his department for their outstanding efforts.
“This department is on everything so well,” Michel said. “You guys have got it together.”
IVFD directors also moved to approve the annexations of properties at 303 Cascade Drive, and 35253 Redwood Hwy. in O’Brien. Director Edwin Butler moved to approve, and Ron Humphfres seconded. The motion passed 4-0, as Larrick Jones was absent.
Deputy Chief Jeff Gavlik informed directors of the district’s recent volunteer recruiting drive. Gavlik spoke to two senior classes at Illinois Valley High School and brought applications. Sixteen were picked up by students.
“Hopefully, we’ll see some turnout out of that,” Gavlik said.
It also was announced during the meeting that IVFD System Administrator David White is leaving the area. White has been with the district for six years.
Taking White’s place will be Eric Anderson. Rich introduced Anderson to the board, amid an enthusiastic round of applause from the audience.
The next IVFD board meeting is set for Nov. 12.
Advertisement:
