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Issue No. 35 October 2014 |
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Apply to be a Portland
Firefighter Trainee or EMT/Paramedic
Portland Fire & Rescue is accepting applications to become a Portland firefighter. Candidates who currently have a minimum of an EMT-Basic certification are encouraged to apply as Firefighter EMT/Paramedics. Those with little or no fire service experience are encouraged to apply as Firefighter Trainees.
New recruits will attend a 6 month Firefighter Recruit Academy, working a 40-hour schedule as they develop skills to become Portland Firefighters. Curriculum includes fireground hydraulics and pump theory, complex hose evolutions and ladder raises, and an in-depth understanding and application of fireground tools and equipment, including the self-contained breathing apparatus.
Be sure to sign up to be notified when the next test will be given and learn more about how the registration process will work. |
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It's Fire Prevention Week!
Fire Prevention Week was established in 1922 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed thousands of structures. This year's Fire Prevention Week (October 5th-11th) theme is "Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives."
In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, PF&R's Historic Belmont Fire House (900 SE 35th Ave) will feature a Fire Escape Maze designed for children ages 3-11 from 9 AM - 3 PM, Monday through Saturday. Firefighters will also engage citizens within their Fire Management Areas and deliver presentations to youth at afterschool programs on the importance of smoke alarms.
80% of all fire deaths occur in the home and approximately two thirds of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or working smoke alarms. Most fatal fires occur at night, peaking from midnight to 5 AM, when people are asleep. One-third (33 %) of fatal residential fires occur during these 5 hours. Working smoke alarms will wake you up, giving you time to escape. |
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Escape Planning
Plan ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire. Safety Tips  MAKE a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.- KNOW at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
- HAVE an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
- PRACTICE your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year.
- PRACTICE using different ways out.
- TEACH children how to escape on their own in case you can't help them
- CLOSE doors behind you as you leave
If The Alarm Sounds... - If the smoke alarm sounds, GET OUT AND STAY OUT. Never go back inside for people or pets.
- If you have to escape through smoke, GET LOW AND GO under the smoke to your way out.
- CALL the fire department from outside your home.
(Source: nfpa.org) |
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Halloween Fire Safety
Halloween can be a fun, and spooky, time of year for kids. Make trick-or-treat safe for your little monsters with a few easy safety tips.
Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs, and heaters.
When choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out.
Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards.
Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
Tell children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.
(Source: nfpa.org) |
About Us
Portland's fire service history began in the spring of 1851, with the founding of the Pioneer Engine Company, the same year the City of Portland was officially incorporated. No more than a bucket brigade, it was a volunteer force of 37 fire fighters wearing red shirts with a single hand pump.
Today, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) is the largest fire and emergency services provider in the State of Oregon with 725 employees and serves a population of 610,000. In 2013, PF&R responded to 70,386 emergency incidents.
Portland Fire & Rescue
55 SW Ash St
Portland, Oregon 97204
503-823-3700
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