West Side Fire Department Blog

Breakfast with Santa

2011-12-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

Santa's Breakfast!!! Tomorrow (Dec. 3rd) at West Side Fire Department on Barrett Rd. From 8am to 11am!! Hope to see everyone there!!!!!!!!

Get your photo taken with Santa, free with breakfast.

Adults: $6.00

Kids: $4.00

What is Santa's Breakfast?

One of the departments newest fundraisers, established in 2004 after Leo Phillips. This all you can eat breakfast is held on the first Saturday of December each year with ham, eggs, and pancakes. Children of all ages may get thier picture taken with Santa Clause. All proceeds go towards the Leo Phillips Scholarship fund that honor students each year, winners given the scholarship may use the funds to further their education. Leo Phillips devoted 50 years of fire service to Hood River County and became a member of the departments Company #5 during his last years of service. He provided his service, wisdom and stories that will be remembered by many, forever.

- WSFD

Fact:

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Over 30 percent of the fires that kill young children are started by children playing with fire.

Hey kids learn about fire safety at Sparky.Org

Burning Hours Change

2011-10-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

Effective October 17th, 2011. Burning hours have been changed to dawn to dusk with a valid permit. Please see our burning regulations or visit your local fire department for more information.

When to Call, how to get there...

2011-10-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

Call a Cab, Not an Ambulance

Janet Wilmoth October 6th, 2011

"You would think that most people know when it’s appropriate to call 911 for an ambulance. But ask most ambulance crews, and you might be surprised at their response. People seem to know that if they are transported by ambulance, emergency-room doctors will see them faster than if they drove themselves in."

continue reading this story...

When to call 911...

from whentocall911.com

"Because calls for ambulances in non-emergency situations divert essential resources away from true emergencies, it's important to know when to contact us and how... when you need help in an emergency."

learn when to call 911 @ http://www.whentocall911.com/

Burn Ban Rescinded

2011-10-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

Effective Wednesday, October 5th 2011, burning will be allowed between the hours of 6-11a.m. with a valid permit. If you do not have a burning permit, please contact your local fire department for more information.

Fire Safety Month

2011-09-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

October is fire safety month. The Westside Fire Department reminds you to be fire safe. Check out our fire safety links and facts on our home page at http://westsidefire.com/wsfd/safety.htm. Please contact your local fire department for more information regarding home fire safety.

Burn ban Now in Effect (2011)

2010-07-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

(photo from Hood River News)

Effective as of July, 2011

Burn ban for Hood River & Wasco Counties.

Thank you

2009-08-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you all who came to support the department at our open house last week. Here's to another 60 years of service.

Thank you again,
All the Volunteers of West Side Fire

Open House

2009-08-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Come join us celebrate 60 years of service at our open house/BBQ August 25th.

60 Years!

2009-07-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Come join us celebrate 60 years of service at our open house/BBQ August 15th.

The Early Years...

2009-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

In the early 1940's, prior to WW II, there was a lot of building going on in the area. Residents saw the need for fire protection, and like other communities wanted to reduce their insurance costs. A small group organized by W.T. "Bill" Hukari formed a citizen's fire brigade in the Rockford area of Hood River. It all centered around the Barrett Store, which was owned and operated by Ralph & Beulah Sherrieb. Mark Thomas worked for the Sherrieb's, and the Kesti brothers (Bill & Mel) had a farm equipment repair shop next to the store. Other residents who made up the brigade included: Al Childs, Min Asai, Dan and Frank Pierson, Willard Jensen, Joe Moore, Kay Thomas, Dave Jensen, "Jiggs" Kotila, Frank Wimmers, Robert Tallman, Irvine Sampson, Glenn McPherren, Bruno, Cliff, Norm & Rob Hukari, Ray Perkins, Terry Barnes, Gene Annala and others. They had a supply of about two dozen galvanized buckets, some garden hoses, and shovels they kept ready at the store. When someone had a fire, they called the store who called members from a telephone list. A phone tree then continued (usually by the wives) until everyone was called. Those that were available would grab the supplies and/or drive to the fire in there own vehicles. Other people would also respond to help their friends and neighbors in need. Everyone would honk their horns as they drove, to direct people to the fire. Meetings were held at the Rockford Grange Hall, and social activities were planned throughout the year.
[Read More Department History]

4th of July Parade

2009-06-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Come join in on the fun, show your support, give us a cheer and hopefully catch something sweet.

West Side Celebrates 60

2009-06-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Members of West Side Fire invite everyone to us celebrate 60 years of service at our open house/BBQ August 15th.

60 Years (of Service) Ago

2009-06-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

1998 50th Anniversary
An open house was held August 22nd to celebrate our 50 years of service to the community. Thanks to the Board of Directors, the West Side F. D. has maintained a fleet of the most modern equipment, and trained personnel. We have two 1,000 gallon PIERCE Engines, a 3,000 gallon Tender, two Booster trucks, and a Salvage van. All our fire trucks have foam capability and high volume pumps. The Bob Nickelsen station also houses the new "Jaws of Life" Rescue 1 truck.

In 1998 West Side Fire District covered 25 square miles, and served a population of approximately 7,000 people. The area still includes residential, farm, commercial, and industrial property; 6 miles of Interstate Freeway, Union Railroad tracks, the Columbia, and Hood rivers. We now have 48 members who are required to have Basic First Aid and CPR, as well as firefighter training. In addition some are Paramedic, EMT, and FIRST RESPONDER trained.

[Read more about our department history...]

Show your support!

2009-06-01T00:01:00.001-07:00

The 4th of July is the time for celebration. Not only for our country but our Volunteers as well. With only three more days left, we invite you to Hood Rivers annual 4th of July parade!
So dust off your lawn chair(s), sych up your kids and come join in on the fun. Show your support, give us a cheer and bring your baseball mits and catch some sweets.

60 Years of Service

2009-05-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Come join us celebrate 60 years of service at our open house/BBQ August 15th.

Become a Volunteer

2009-05-01T00:01:00.001-07:00

The West Side Fire District shall help preserve and enhance the quality of life in our community by protecting life and property in and around the Fire District by Providing: fire suppression, emergency medical services, public awareness programs, inspections and other related services. This shall be accomplished by the dedicated service of our volunteer firefighters.

The paragraph above is our department mission statement.
Are you interested in fire fighting, fire safety, and emergency medical services? Don't think you have the knowledge or skill set? Come join West Side Fire Department and we can provide you with the propper training and classes to do. Call 541.386.5551

Thank You

2009-04-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

A special thanks to everyone who showed up yesterday for our annual blossom day breakfast.

Blossom Day Breakfast

2009-04-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

When: Tomorrow: April 19th
Where: Station 1, Barret Rd.
What: All you can eat breakfast: ham, eggs, pancakes
Why: Department Fundraiser

Safety Tips

2009-04-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Be Sure to Check out the Departments Safety page
for useful safety tips. [View here]

Hungry Yet

2009-04-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

One week to go...

Bring your friends bring your loved ones, this fundraiser marks our largest source of funds for the department so come one or come all and help support West Side Fire Department.

April 19th, 2009
West Side Station #1
Barrett Rd.

West Side Student Fireman Program

2009-04-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

1969 Student Firemen
Chuck Cooper saw an article in a magazine about student firemen in Florida and how successful the program was there. He brought it before the membership in 1969, and after some discussion to liability, the idea was accepted. The By-Laws were changed to allow students, at least 16 years old to join the department. The students would not be allowed to drive apparatus to fires, enter burning buildings, or vote during business meetings. They would however participate in all activities of the department. It was also arranged to receive school credit for the program through the High School. West Side was the first department to try the youth program in the Hood River Valley. The idea caught on, and soon other departments were joining in. The first students to participate in the program were: Keith Blackburn, Dave Couch, Jerry Ekker, Ken May, Steve Reynolds, Joe Wampler Jr., and Stewart Williams.

The Departments Student Membership Program (present)
Students must be sixteen to eighteen years old. Must live within the West Side Rural Fire Protection District.

Requirements of student firefighters are as follows.

Each student will complete the WSFD application form and submit the completed application to the WSFD Secretary or Fire Marshal.
Students may not leave school for EMS calls.
The application will be posted for a period of at least 30 days.
The investigating committee will conduct the background checks for driving record and character.
The investigating committee will schedule an interview with the student and the student's parent or guardian.
Each student will be required to have knowledge of the WSFD by-laws and standard operating guidelines (SOG's) at the time of receiving department turn-outs and other gear. The investigating committee will determine if the student will be accepted as a student firefighter.

Rules for and duties of the student firefighter are as follows.

The student will be allowed to leave school only for fire calls in the West Side district. The student may not leave school for EMS calls.
The student will not be in any WSFD building unless accompanied by a regular active member.
The student will not operate any WSFD apparatus without permission from a chief officer.
The student will not display a red light in their own automobiles.
The student will have a valid Oregon driver's license, an automobile available for emergencies and WSFD meetings, and will show evidence of State of Oregon approved automobile liability insurance.
The student will not enter any site of a structure fire until receiving permission from a chief officer that conditions are safe.
The student will maintain good conduct, appearance, school grades, and citizenship.
The student must show consistent attendance and participation in the WSFD activities.
The student will be terminated from the student firefighter program for any violation of WSFD by-laws or SOG's.

Join WSFD (Continued Once More)

2009-04-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Join WSFD (Continued)

2009-04-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Join WSFD

2009-04-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Learn the skills needed to be a volunteer firefighter.
Join West Side Volunteer Fire Department.

Our First Truck

2009-04-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

In 1942 the members acquired their first truck, a 1932 DODGE flatbed with stake racks, from Masaru "Charlie" Kawachi in Oak Grove. John Guignard and August Bosse of Ideal Grader & Nursery Co. donated a 200-gallon wooden spray tank. A pump & hoses were also donated by the U.S. Forest Service. The truck was kept in Kesti's Shop next to the store until a garage could be built. About ten years later, the tank and bed were replaced with metal ones. The truck was kept in service until about 1952, and then sold to Jim Oates of D & O Lumber Co. A single car garage was built by local builder George Stranahan on property belonging to the Rockford Grange, across from Kesti's shop. Members of the Fire Department and Grangers also helped with construction. Meetings were held in the garage which had benches, and wood a stove inside.

Dodge Restored
The original truck was donated back to the Department by Jim Oated in 1994. The truck had to be completely rebuilt. A new wooden tank and bed were made, and original pump was put back on. A special thanks to the "RINGS KING'S", a local Car club, for the many hours they donated to help restore the truck. Also to the members of the WSFD who volunteered their time, especially Gene Wright. The truck was completed in the summer of 1998 in time for our 50th anniversary. The following businesses donated funds or materials:

SWEDISH STEEL & SHEET METAL, SCHLOSHER MACHINE SHOP, FREAS ROOFING, BUNTING EXHAUST, SIEVERKROPP ORCHARDS, KARL KREIG MILLWORK, PAINT & EQUIP. SUPPLY INC., JACK'S BODY SHOP, HOOD RIVER GLASS

Blossom Day Breakfast

2009-03-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's about that time of year again. April is just around the corner and that means the volunteers at West Side would like to envite you to our annual "Blossom Day Breakast" fundraiser. Breakfast will be held at Station 1 (Rockford Station) off of Barrett Rd. Breakfast starts at 7am and ends at 11am. All you can eat Eggs, Pancakes and fresh Ham. And if your thirsty we have all the milk, juice and coffee you can put down. Once again Blossom Day Breakfast is on April 19th this year.

Stair climb in seattle

2009-03-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Members of West Side Fire Department and firefighters from around the Country completed the stair climb in seattle last weekend. This event is a fund raiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. More information and donations can be made down below.

Donation Link
More Info

Rescue 1 (Jaws)

2009-03-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

This 2004 Ford F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab. Purchased in 2004 through a generous grant from the Odell Lions, this truck responds to all motor vehicle accidents in the lower Hood River Valley. It contains Hurst extrication equipment and carries a maximum crew of five. It is jointly owned by all of the valley fire departments and is operated by West Side Fire Department volunteers. [View the rest of our apparatus]

Try the Form Page

2009-02-20T02:58:00.000-08:00

Try our easy to use "Contact Us Form". Just fill out the form and give your thoughts, questions or feedback and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Bedroom Fire Safety

2009-02-16T23:27:00.000-08:00

Bedrooms are a common area of fire origin. Nearly 600 lives are lost to fires that start in bedrooms each year. Many of these fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, such as overloading extension cords or using portable space heaters too close to combustibles. Many other bedroom fires are caused by children who play with matches and lighters, careless smoking among adults, and arson. [Read More]

Current Burn Status

2009-02-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

As of February 14th, 2009 the burn regulations for the months of: February, March, April, and May the burning hours are 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. All burn permits may be picked up at Station 2.

Smoke Alarms – Why, Where, and Which

2009-02-10T23:19:00.000-08:00

A smoke alarm is critical for the early detection of a fire in your home and could mean the difference between life and death. Fires can occur in a variety of ways and in any room of your home. But no matter where or how, having a smoke alarm is the first key step towards your family's safety. [Firesafety.gov Smoke Alarms]

A Fire Escape Plan May Save You and Your Family

Installing working smoke alarms is an essential, but they don't save lives unless everyone knows how to get out of the home safely. Make sure everyone knows how to escape when the smoke alarm sounds, whether awake or sleeping at the time. In your plan, have two ways out of each room, a prearranged meeting place outside and, most importantly, ONCE OUT – STAY OUT!

Minimizing the amount of time it takes to get out can improve your chances of surviving a hazardous home fire. Having a fire escape plan for you and your family can reduce the amount of time it takes to get out. Practicing the fire escape plan will help everyone understand what to do and where to meet.

[Firesafety.gov Safety]
Text from firesafety.gov

Fire Safety For Kids

2009-02-06T23:13:00.000-08:00

An information resource for eliminating residential fire deaths.

http://www.firesafety.gov/kids/index.shtm
Discussion points, lesson plans, resources and more.

Fun and Games
http://www.firesafety.gov/kids/flash.shtm

Fire Fact #1

2009-02-03T23:09:00.001-08:00

In 2005, residential fires caused nearly $7 billion in property damage.

WSFD Needs You!

2009-01-29T14:06:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the departments new site & blog. Over the next few weeks I will be adding & updating the content for this new design. Any questions or comments please feel free to contact me: webmaster.

New Look, New Feel

2009-01-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

With a brand new look & feel, the department web site needs you to submit any photos pertaining to West Side Fire Department. This coming summer we will be updating the new photos to our new galleries and would love your help. Remember Members: Send in all photos pertaining to WSFD, I will be creating a members only section over the next few months.