By Marie Kennedy, The Mountain Times
Hoodland Fire Department (HFD) opened its doors to the public last Saturday, not for an emergency, but to showcase a different kind of crisis: the increasing need for a new fire station. The open house introduced the department’s proposal for a larger, safer facility, giving the community a chance to engage in the planning process and share their design preferences for a new fire station.
The land that the station sits on currently is too narrow to allow for further expansion, so the proposal includes moving and building a new facility. The proposed new fire station would be located at the former site of the Dorman Center on Salmon River Road, across from Welches Middle School.
This property is owned by Clackamas County, which has agreed to convey it to the fire department for free if the project is funded and considered feasible. The property alone is valued between $800,000 and $1,000,000.
Having undergone several remodels over the years, the existing fire station is old and badly in need of updated plumbing and electrical systems. The aging structure contains asbestos and other hazardous materials, there is a lack of proper ventilation, and it doesn’t have adequate space for decontamination following emergency responses. The building is not earthquake-ready and the current space does not meet ADA code requirements. A new ADA compliant facility would allow for a badly needed triage center.
Additionally, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is considering limiting HFD’s access to Highway 26 due to traffic issues arising from the shared driveway, which would hinder emergency response times from the existing location.
The open house offered tours of the station, in small groups due to the cramped quarters. Guests were guided through the truck bays, and peeked into the packed storage areas. They passed by a makeshift workout area for required physical fitness training, and around the back of the building to see the limited sleeping quarters that have been added over the years for the night crew.
Following the tour, fire department staff, project managers, and building architects presented their vision for the new fire station, offering a floor plan and site map set at the new location. A series of placards in the meeting room displayed building structure types already in place on the mountain and photos of newer firehouse structures.
Questions arose around the cost of the new building. Cost estimates will be available soon, once the design decision has been made. Additionally, HDF staff are actively seeking grants to help finance the project. The team is working with ODOT on the moving of the traffic fire signal located on Highway 26.
One woman shared that the Hoodland Fire EMTs saved her husband’s life. “They were there within seven minutes and they stabilized him. He wouldn’t have made it otherwise,” she said. “I am so grateful, just so grateful.” In quiet discussions around the room, there were other stories of the dedication and support that the Hoodland Fire Department team members have provided over the years.
Division Chief Scott Kline, who recently celebrated 40 years with the Hoodland Fire Department (the first 20 as a volunteer firefighter), understands the job’s demands. “Being a rural fire station requires that we handle a variety of situations. We’re the first responders for emergencies in this area,” he said. “70 to 80% of our calls are for medical emergencies or car accidents. That’s a huge responsibility and we take our work seriously.”
The county first designated Hoodland Fire District a “special district” in 1966, to handle fire and rescue and advanced life support emergency services. They serve a 45-square-mile area, covering Government Camp east of Snow Bunny, including Timberline Lodge, down to Cherryville at Baty Road, and beyond to Marmot.
A team of 11 career staffers and 30 volunteers work for HFD, answering an estimated 1,000 emergency calls each year. The area faces the increasing danger of wildfire, expanding community medical and health needs, multiple issues related to absentee homeowners and short term rentals, growing traffic issues, and increased crashes on the highway. With such a broad range of responsibilities, the department needs the proper tools – a safe working environment, and adequate space – to do their job effectively.
There is little doubt that the Hoodland Fire Department team needs a new facility to better serve this area and ensure they have the resources and support necessary to protect and serve the community. The community is invited to be involved in the process of deciding how those needs will be met.
A bond levy will appear on the May ballot for those living within the district. Fire Department staff hope to effectively cut the final costs with the help of grants.
For further information contact Scott Kline at scottkline@hoodlandfire.gov, or check the HFD website at hoodlandfire.gov/main-fire-station-replacement-project.