AUGUST 2026

Hoodland Fire District #74 Newsletter

Proudly serving the communities of  Marmot, Cherryville, Brightwood, Wemme, Welches, Zigzag, Rhododendron, and Government Camp

1. Chief's Message

Dear Hoodland Community Members,

As we move through the summer, we want to thank you for your continued support and engagement with the Fire District.  2026 has been a busy year for the District, bringing many challenges and opportunities.  The District has begun the process to replace the Main Fire station in Welches through a GO Bond generously provided by you, the patrons of the District and through a partnership with the USFS Mt. Hood National Forest.  This is a major undertaking that wouldn’t have been successful without the support of the community, and I encourage anyone with questions or concerns to reach out to the Fire District for more information or even attend a District Board Meeting. 

While all hazards emergency response remains our primary mission, wildfire threat is a constant presence in our community, which we can see playing out all over Oregon this year.  I would like to point out that we are not alone in this fight. Our partnerships with the Oregon Department of Forestry, the US Forest Service, and our partners in the Metro area have created a unique and effective system of cooperation. This collaboration is the result of years of hard work by fire service leaders who have broken down silos to provide the most effective firefighting force possible. We are committed to continuing this tradition and building for the future. The best thing District patrons can do to help the firefighters of the District and across the state is to be wildfire aware, have an evacuation plan in place, and to sign up for emergency alerts through Clackamas County.

I am privileged to be a part of this District and community as the Fire Chief, and with the support of the entire team and community we will continue to meet the ever-increasing needs of emergency services.

Thank you again and stay safe,

James Price, Fire Chief

2. Fire Safety Tips

🔥 Fire Season Is Here – Stay Aware

Fire season restrictions are currently in effect. As conditions become hotter and drier, the risk of wildfire increases throughout our mountain communities.

Please help protect our community by following all current fire season restrictions and burn bans. Stay aware of changing conditions, use extra caution with anything that can create sparks, and be prepared in case conditions change quickly.

To view the most up to date information, visit ODF Fire Restrictions.

Small actions can make a big difference in preventing wildfires. Thank you for doing your part to help keep our community safe this fire season.

3. News & Events

🌲Chipping Program in partnership with Ant Farm

Hoodland Fire District #74 is proud to partner with AntFarm Youth Services to help residents create and maintain defensible space around their homes. By removing excess brush and woody debris, we can significantly reduce wildfire risk and improve the safety of our neighborhoods.

Learn more about the 🔗Chipping Program and how you can participate.

🚧 Main Station Project Construction Update

Construction for our new Main Station at 25400 E Salmon River Road, Welches, OR 97067 is progressing smoothly and is on budget! 

Exciting progress continues on the new Hoodland Fire District #74 Main station! Crews completed the perimeter stem walls and curbs for the living quarters, under-slab utility work is well underway, and the foundation slab has been poured. The station is really beginning to take shape, and it will come to life even more what the walls are erected.

We're also finding ways to reduce project costs by making the large boulders uncovered during excavation available to community members and organizations that can put them to good use, rather than paying to have them hauled away.

Thank you for your continued support as we build the future home of Hoodland Fire District. We'll continue to share updates as construction progresses!

This project is made possible thanks to voter-approved bond funding. Visit 🔗HFD Fire Station Project Overview page for future updates.

🚒 Now Recruiting: 2026–2027 Volunteer Training Academy

Have you ever wanted to serve your community? Hoodland Fire District is accepting applications for our next Volunteer Training Academy.

No Experience - No Problem! Volunteers receive professional training in firefighting, emergency medical response, and public service while becoming part of a dedicated team committed to protecting our mountain communities.

If you're interested in making a difference, visit our website 🔗Volunteer Firefighter

👨‍🚒 Recruiting Our Next Fire Chief

The Hoodland Fire District Board of Directors has begun the recruitment process for our next Fire Chief. This leadership position will guide the district into the future while continuing our commitment to exceptional emergency services and community engagement. The Fire Chief serves as the District's Chief Executive Officer and Budget Officer, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and direction for fire, rescue, and EMS services.

🔥 Conflagration Deployments

On July 12, 2026 Brush 351 and its crew deployed to Eastern Oregon as part of Clackamas County Task Force 8 in response to the Olive Butte Fire in Grant County. Their mission was to provide structural protection resources to help protect homes and communities impacted by the fire.

On July 15, 2026 Water Tender 351 and its crew deployed to Southern Oregon as part of Clackamas County Task Force 16 to assist with the Evans Creek Fire in Jackson County. Alongside firefighters from across the region, they provided structural protection to help safeguard homes, families, and communities threatened by the wildfire.

We are proud of the dedication and professionalism our firefighters demonstrated as they answered the call to support communities across Oregon. 

4. Training

🚒 Training Never Stops

Our firefighters train year-round to maintain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to respond safely and effectively to emergencies throughout the Hoodland community. Training covers a wide range of scenarios designed to prepare both career and volunteer members for the diverse incidents they may encounter.

Recent training has included vehicle extrication, wildfire operations, EMS skills, live-fire scenarios, and specialized rescue techniques. Crews also participated in airbag lifting training, practicing the techniques and equipment used to safely rescue someone trapped beneath a vehicle. These exercises help firefighters develop the teamwork, communication, and technical skills required during complex rescue operations.

From medical emergencies and traffic collisions to structure fires and wildland incidents, ongoing training ensures our firefighters are prepared to protect and serve the community whenever help is needed.

👨‍🚒Student Firefighter Academy

We recently wrapped up our 2026 Student Firefighter Academy, welcoming four new student firefighters to the Hoodland Fire family. The academy provides aspiring firefighters with hands-on training and valuable experience as they begin their careers in the fire service.

Student firefighters live at the Government Camp Station, where they work alongside career firefighters and gain real-world experience responding to emergencies, participating in training, and supporting daily station operations—all while attending school.

Through the program, Hoodland Fire provides housing, a monthly stipend, and tuition assistance, helping students pursue their education while developing the skills and experience needed for a future in emergency services. The Student Firefighter Academy plays an important role in preparing the next generation of firefighters to serve the Hoodland community and beyond.

5. Upcoming Events

📋 Hoodland Fire Board Meeting

• Date: August 11, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Location: Main Station, 69634 E Hwy 26, Welches, OR
• Details: Our Board of Directors meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. The public is always invited to attend! Members of the public are allowed to speak for 3 minutes under “Persons to be Heard” 🗣️
• 🔗Hoodland Fire District Board Meetings

🎉 Celebrating 60 Years of Service

On September 19th, Hoodland Fire District #74 will proudly celebrate 60 years of serving our mountain communities!

Since 1966, Hoodland Fire has been dedicated to protecting the lives, property, and natural resources of the people we serve. What began as a small rural fire district has evolved over six decades into a modern emergency services organization, expanding its capabilities and services to meet the changing needs of our growing community.

This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on our history and recognize the firefighters, volunteers, staff, Board members, and community supporters whose dedication and commitment have shaped Hoodland Fire into the organization it is today. Their service, sacrifice, and leadership have built a legacy that continues to strengthen our district year after year.

As we honor the past, we are also looking toward the future. Exciting projects—including the construction of our new Main Station, continued investments in training and equipment, and the development of the next generation of firefighters—will ensure Hoodland Fire remains prepared to serve our communities for decades to come.

We are grateful for the trust and support of the residents and visitors we protect and look forward to continuing our tradition of service for the next 60 years.

Thank you for your trust and support over the past 60 years. We are honored to serve our community and look forward to many more years of keeping Hoodland safe.

🚒Hoodland Fire Open House

• Date: Oct 10, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Main Station, 69634 E Hwy 26, Welches, OR
• Details: Join us for an afternoon of family fun! Meet your firefighters, tour the fire station and apparatus, learn about fire prevention, and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages.
• 🔗HFD Open House

6. Emergency Preparedness

🚨 It’s important to be ready for wildfires, storms, power outages, and hazards. One of the easiest ways to stay informed is through Clackamas County Public Alerts

• 📱 Sign up for Clackamas County Public Alerts: These alerts notify you via text, phone, or email about emergencies in your area—including wildfires, floods, winter storms, road closures, and other hazards.
• ✅ How to sign up: Visit Clackamas County Public Alerts and create a free account. You can customize which alerts you receive and how you get them.
• ⏰ Stay informed in real-time: Alerts are sent immediately, giving you time to take action—evacuate if necessary, avoid dangerous roads, or secure your home.
• 🌐 Other resource: Follow Hoodland Fire District on social media for updates.

7. Member Spotlight

When did you join the team?

In October of 2025 as a volunteer to gain experience in this career. 

Most memorable moment with HFD?

At our annual banquet I was one of the last ones to leave because I couldn’t stop at the gaming table. Seems like 7 is my lucky number haha

How has HFD changed you?

HFD has changed my perspective on the fire service. It showed me how difficult the job is physically and mentally. But mainly it changed my mindset. I realized I need to be the best I can be for the people around me, not myself. To work day in and day out to be better as a firefighter, so I can work better with a team. To constantly learn, be very coachable and consistently train because I committed myself to something that’s bigger than myself. 

What's your favorite part about being a member of HFD?

My favorite part about being at HFD is the great people that are here that I’ve met and continue to meet. In the fire department here, there’s always someone I’m meeting or talking to since my first day, and they are A LOT wiser than me. So to be able to have the people here to talk to, and to learn from through conversation about their own experiences, is my favorite part about being here. 

What's your day job?

My Day job at the moment is being a student firefighter on shift at Welches or at the Government Camp station the days I’m not at Welches. I spend a lot of my time here.

What's your favorite snack?

My favorite snack of all time is a perfectly ripe pineapple or beef jerky. 

8. Contact Information

STAY CONNECTED WITH US

• Phone: (503) 622-3256
• Website: www.hoodlandfire.gov
• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and safety tips.
• Address: 69634 E Hwy 26, Welches, OR 97067
• Email: hoodland@hoodlandfire.gov

🙏 Thank You for Your Continued Support!

Be Ready! Be Informed! Be Safe!
~ The Hoodland Fire District #74 Team