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Mt. Angel Fire District on a drill. Submitted photo

The line of defense: Rural fire districts need more volunteers

By Melissa Wagoner When Robert Gendhar graduated from high school in Hubbard, he thought he knew what he wanted to do with his life. “I wanted to be an agronomist,” he laughed. But then a few of his friends who volunteered at the local fire district convinced him to come to a meeting. “I enjoyed the atmosphere,” Gendhar remembered, “and the unknown […]

Here is a look at the smoldering aftermath of an Aug. 1 grass fire that badly damaged a firewood processing facility off of Pine Street in Silverton. James Day

Silverton grass fire damages firewood facility

By James Day A two-alarm grass fire on Aug. 1 severely damaged a Silverton firewood processing facility off of Pine Street. The blaze, which consumed approximately five acres,  was caused by sparks from farm machinery, said Keith Veit, assistant chief of the Silverton Fire District. “A tractor was mowing wheat stubble in the field and it is believed that a […]

Kayla Bordelon, OSU Extension regional fire specialist, discusses the fire danger of decks during a wildfire resiliency workshop on July 22 at the Oregon Garden. James Day

Wildfire school – Workshop offers tips on fire prevention

By James Day About 50 people gathered Saturday morning at The Oregon Garden to learn more about wildfire resiliency and emergency preparedness. Experts from the Silverton Fire District, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Oregon State University Extension offered tips to the group, which consisted of local residents, environmental activists, fire officials and landscaping professionals. Key topics covered included wildfire risk evaluation, […]