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Inside PF&R's Station 10
451 SW Taylors Ferry Rd.
Station 10, often referred to as The Pride of Southwest, sits tucked away in the quaint South Burlingame neighborhood of SW Portland. This multifaceted workhorse was built in 1985 and later retrofitted in 2001.
Station 10's fire management area is bounded by I-5 to the north, the Willamette River to the east, Lewis and Clark College and Tryon Creek State Park to the south and SW 18th (approximately) to the west serving the South Burlingame, Collins View, and Arnold Creek Neighborhood Associations and the John's Landing area. In addition, the station provides vital mutual aid to the neighboring city of Lake Oswego.
Station 10's apparatus is comprised of Engine 10, Rehab Unit 10, Air Unit 10, and the city's only water tender. Water Tender 10 carries 2,800 gallons of water with foam making capabilities, plus a 3,500 gallon Wajax collapsible tank and various forest firefighting tools.
Station 10 responds to approximately 900 calls per year. The water tender makes Station 10 one of the best equipped stations to respond to incidents on freeways, where fire hydrants are often not accessible. Station 10 also responds over the Sellwood Bridge for code three calls (emergency-fast response), but has to return via another route due to weight restrictions on the bridge. |
Erin Janssens Selected as
Portland's Next Fire Chief
On February 8, 2012, Commissioner Randy Leonard announced the selection of Erin Janssens as Portland's next Fire Chief. Janssens is a 24-year veteran of Portland Fire & Rescue and currently serves as the City of Portland's Fire Marshal and Division Chief of Prevention. She will replace Fire Chief John Klum, who announced last month that he will retire in June.
"Erin's rich experience, her outstanding political acumen, and the strength of her leadership and operational skills make her the right person to lead Portland Fire & Rescue," said Commissioner Randy Leonard, "Her career has been characterized by exceptional focus and consistent success, and I am thrilled by the opportunity to select Erin Janssens as Portland's next Fire Chief."
Janssens brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having worked at every level of Portland Fire. A Portland-area native, Janssens joined Portland Fire & Rescue as a firefighter in 1988 and was promoted through the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief of Special Operations, and most recently Portland's Fire Marshal.
Over the course of her career, Janssens has worked collaboratively with multiple agencies to improve PF&R's emergency response efforts relative to lightrail, streetcar, and bicycle/pedestrian projects, green streets, and emergency response routes. She oversaw the Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) grant securing millions of dollars for regional firefighting equipment and chaired a regional group of fire chiefs to develop response strategies for human-caused and natural disasters. She also played an instrumental role in the transition of the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) from Portland Fire & Rescue under the Office of Mayor Katz.
"Portland Fire & Rescue has an incredibly talented and highly trained group of people that I'm extremely proud of. Our job is two-fold; to create a safe environment for Portland's citizens and protect life and property by helping people in their greatest time of need," said Janssens. "As Fire Chief, I face both challenges and opportunities. I look forward to leading Portland Fire & Rescue to a successful future."
Janssens will begin working immediately with outgoing Fire Chief John Klum to transition to her new post. Chief Janssens is expected to begin her tenure leading the 757-member bureau as Fire Chief in mid-June when Chief Klum retires. |
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Station 1 Squad
Station 1 currently houses the only heavy rescue company in the City. It is designated Squad 1 and provides services and capabilities not typical to most fire apparatus. Unlike trucks that are equipped with ladders, forcible entry tools, and some extrication equipment; or engines that carry hose and various firefighting appliances; Squad 1 carries and employs an array of specialized rescue and heavy extrication equipment.
According to Captain Espinoza, Squad 1 is essentially a "big tool box" that, when combined with the skills of its crew members, provides unique capabilities related to specialty rescue. "The Squad," as it is know throughout the bureau, includes equipment for heavy extrication, rope rescue, structural collapse, trench and confined space rescue, and water and/or dive rescue. In addition to its specialty services, Squad 1 also responds on typical emergency calls such as structure fires and EMS incidents.
Squad 1's specialized services include:
- Heavy Extrication - includes rescuing patients from vehicles and machinery. This is accomplished using the Hurst Tool ("jaw of life"), cutting torches, specialized saws, and even air bags capable of lifting train cars.
- Rope Rescue - includes using specialized rope systems to rescue patients who have fallen down embankments, cliffs, or a ship's hull, or are trapped on the side of a structure. Firefighters rig rope systems and deploy firefighters in harnesses to reach and retrieve an individual.
- Trench and Confined Space Rescue - includes deploying special equipment to stabilize and otherwise make safe environments where there has been a trench collapse or it is necessary to rescue someone trapped in a narrow or constricting environment.
- Structural Collapse - includes building collapse or other events needing extensive and specialized heavy equipment for extrication. Squad 1 compliments the bureau's Urban Search and Rescue vehicle (USAR 1) when it is deployed to these types of events.
- Water Rescue - includes surface water rescue and dive operations. In addition to carrying divers, Squad 1 generally provides dive operations support and expertise to the Incident Commander.
It is important to note that Squad 1 and its crew are a part of the 12-member technical rescue team quartered at Station 1. While Squad 1 may operate independently on some smaller events, it is generally deployed with the entire team from Station 1. This includes Engine 1 and Truck 1, and may also include other specialized apparatus quartered at Station 1 such as the Dive Van, Trench Rescue Van or USAR 1. It is also important to note that all firefighters assigned to Station 1 hold technical rescue certifications that allow them to employ many of the specialized tools and equipment they carry, and to operate in certain hazardous environments.
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2012 Sparky Award Nominations
The Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office is calling for nominations for the state's 2012 Golden and Silver Sparky awards.
The Golden Sparky recognizes a fire service member for outstanding achievement in fire prevention or public fire safety education. The Silver Sparky is the civilian version, awarded to an individual, non-profit organization, or company for outstanding achievement in fire prevention or public fire safety education.
"I know there are many Oregonians all over the state who have made contributions in fire prevention and fire prevention education, and I encourage everyone to let us know about it," says Oregon State Fire Marshal Mark Wallace. "You don't have to be a member of the fire service to nominate someone. Nominations may be submitted by any member of the public as well."
Last year, the Golden Sparky was awarded to Canby Fire Marshal/Division Chief Troy Buzalsky and the Silver Sparky was awarded to the Bay Area Sunrise Rotary Club in Coos Bay.
"All that's required is for the nominator to fill out our single-page nomination form and submit written examples of the nominee's achievements," says Wallace.
The nomination deadline is March 30, 2012. Forms are available on the State Fire Marshal website at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Administration/Sparkyform.pdf.
Send nominations to Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Jim Walker, Office of State Fire Marshal, 4760 Portland Road NE, Salem, Oregon 97305, or via email to [email protected].
State Fire Marshal Wallace will present the awards during the annual Oregon Fire Service Meritorious Awards Banquet (time and place, TBD).
For assistance or more information, contact Sally Cravinho at 503-934-8205 or [email protected]. |
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Randall Children's Hospital
Grand Opening
For decades Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel (formerly Emanuel Children's Hospital) has been a regional leader in providing excellent care to infants, children, and teens in Portland and the Pacific Northwest. It is one of Oregon's largest providers of pediatric in-patient and trauma services.
This month, Randall Children's Hospital celebrated the grand opening of its new $245 million home on the campus of Legacy Emanuel Medical Center after three years of construction with an invitation-only Dedication Ceremony on Friday, February 10 and a fun-filled Community Opening Celebration on Saturday, February 11. Crews from Portland Fire and Rescue's Truck and Engine 13 were in attendance at both events.
The Dedication Ceremony featured Marian Wright Edleman, founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund and George Brown, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Legacy Health. The Community Opening Celebration, which ran from noon to 6 p.m., featured grand-prize drawings for family trips, a scavenger hunt, kite decorating, a photo booth, the kick-off of Hanna Andersson's Hanna-Me-Down program, music and entertainers, and tours of the new building.
* The 334,000 square-feet, nine-story, 165-bed facility is four times the size of the original Children's Hospital.
* All rooms are private, single-patient rooms, except for seven rooms for newborn twins. All rooms are designed for family-centered care, featuring space for patients, their families, and medical staff.
* Interior design by ZGF celebrates four uplifting Pacific Northwest color palettes representing the geographic regions served by the hospital: the Willamette Valley, Cascade Range, Oregon Coast and desert.
* The terrace garden gives the Legacy Emanuel Medical Center campus five healing gardens.
* Art has been integrated into the building to promote a healing environment: from the frieze in the lobby, trees, and birdhouses in the gallery, to the animals and shapes in the environmental graphics in the patient corridors and patient rooms.
* Building design by ZGF incorporates many sustainable building and landscaping design features and follows the Green Guide for Healthcare.
* Construction of the new home began in August 2009 and was completed by the end of January 2012.
* The Robert D. and Marcia H. Randall Charitable Trust, champions of community building and youth development, donated $10 million to support and name the new hospital in October 2011. |
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Emergency Response Statistics (Jan. 2012)
Total Incidents: 6,508 Medical: 5,142 Fire: 218 Other: 1,148 Major Incidents: 21 |
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What Is A Burn/Scald?
Each year, thousands of Oregonians suffer burn injuries. A burn is damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by contact with flame, hot objects, chemicals, electrical currents, or by inhaling super-heated gases.
Burn Awareness Week took place this month and Portland Fire & Rescue urges citizens to learn more about burns and burn prevention here.
* There are three types of burns:
1. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin and do not form blisters
2. Second-degree burns involve damage to the top two layers of skin which blister and swell
3. Third-degree burns destroy all layers of skin leaving the burn site numb, white, or charred, and can also damage the bones, muscles, and tendons
* A minor burn includes first and second-degree burns that are no larger than three inches
* A major burn is a second-degree burn larger than three inches, any third-degree burn, or a burn that is on the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or a major joint
* Scalds result from contact with hot liquid or steam and destroy one or more layers of skin
How To Treat A Burn/Scald
* If you suffer a minor burn or scald, immediately cool it with cold water for three to five minutes, but do not use ice
* Never use ointment or butter as it may retain the heat or cause an infection
* Apply a clean dry dressing and do not break blisters
* Adults should seek medical help for any major burns
* Infants, young children, and elderly individuals should seek medical help for even small burns as their skin is thinner and more susceptible to damage
* In the event of a chemical burn brush any dry chemicals off of the skin, remove clothing, flush the skin for at least 20 minutes, and call the Poison Control Center; Seek medical attention if it is a major burn
* If an electrical burn occurs do not touch the person until the source of power has been disconnected, call 911, and begin CPR if necessary
For more information on burn treatment click
How To Prevent Burns/Scalds
* Do not leave children unattended in the bathroom while hot water is running
* Always test bath water before you or your children get in; the safest temperature is about 37 C
* Cook on back burners when children are present and keep pot handles turned away from the edge of the stove
* If your cooking oil catches on fire DO NOT try to extinguish with water or attempt to carry; quickly cover the pan with a lid if it is safe to do so or call 911
* Make sure you have an adequate number of properly installed smoke alarms
* Do not let children have access to electrical outlets
* Teach children to STOP, DROP, & ROLL
For a full list of Prevention Tips click here |
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Chinese New Year
On Saturday, February 11, thousands gathered at the Oregon Convention Center for the Chinese New Year Cultural Fair. Organized by the Portland Chinese Times and the Portland Art & Cultural Center, the fair featured 20 stage acts and more than 70 vendors.
Lieutenants Michael Silva and Joe Troncoso, along with Firefighter/Assistant Public Information Officer Tommy Schroeder, attended the fair and took part in the cultural activities. The firefighters provided information on fire and life safety and offered souvenirs to anyone who stopped by to chat.
The Chinese New Year is the most important traditional Chinese holiday. The festival begins on the first day of the year and ends with a Lantern Festival on the 15th day. During this time families celebrate and wish good luck, peace, happiness, and wealth for everyone. Each day brings different activities including giving gifts, cleansing the house, setting off fire crackers to drive away evil spirits, and eating elaborate family meals.
January 23rd marked the start of the 2012 Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, which is a symbol for good fortune and power. |
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Public Educators Visit Sabin Elementary School
This month, Fire Inspectors Trudi Salisbury and Alice Johnson paid a visit to the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Language Arts classes at Sabin Elementary School.
During their classroom outreach they presented information on how to prepare for an emergency or natural disaster, which was mainly geared towards earthquakes. The emphasis of the presentation was to "make a kit, make a plan, get trained" and included information on how to "prepare-respond-recover."
Prior to the presentation the students learned about volcanoes, earthquakes, and other natural phenomena that could lead to disasters. There was an overall positive and interactive response to the classroom visit.
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Belmont Firehouse Expands Operating Hours
Beginning March 7, 2012, the Belmont Firehouse & Safety Learning Center will offer expanded operating hours. The firehouse will be open for tours by appointment only from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Belmont will be open to the public on Wednesdays from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm and on the second Saturday of every month from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm for Safety Saturday.
Please visit us at the firehouse located at SE 35th & Belmont, where you will find stories, images, and firefighting equipment that is very approachable and in many cases, touchable. You won't want to miss taking a ride in our fire engine simulator and experience what it's like to drive a fire engine to an emergency call.
Visit the Belmont Firehouse websitefor more information or contact Alisa Cour, Public Information Manager, at 503-823-3383. |
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About Us
Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) is the largest fire agency in the State of Oregon with 755 employees and serves a population of 585,000. In 2011, PF&R responded to 68,144 emergency incidents, consistently demonstrating its commitment to be Always Ready, Always There for the citizens of Portland.
Portland Fire & Rescue
55 SW Ash
Portland, Oregon 97204
503-823-3700
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