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Prevention

Fire Prevention is one of the key elements of success for the District. The goals are to prevent fires before they start and to keep loved ones safe in the event of an emergency.

Classroom with students writing, some raising hands, and a teacher at the front with a projected map and notes.

All District personnel play a key role in educating the public, including our Safety Education staff who spend a substantial amount of time in the Hermiston elementary schools, providing safety education to students. 

The District has incorporated student activities that provide safety messaging to children and their families. Projects include instructing students to know their phone number and address, as well as recognizing street signs to assist 911 operators in locating an emergency. On-duty personnel make numerous trips to nearby schools and day care centers in turnout gear to familiarize young kids with firefighters who may look scary in full gear and masks.

The District is excited to have received a used Fire Prevention trailer from Gilliam County to further educate the community at large-scale public events. With a grant of $65,000 from the Roundhouse Foundation, the District is in the process of renovating the trailer to be used at future public outreach events.

A teacher and masked students participate in a classroom activity.

In 2024, over one hundred fire inspections were conducted within the District. Of these inspections, 133 deficiencies were noted. The most common issues found included improper extension cord and power strip usage, and blocked or obstructed fire exits. All noted deficiencies are followed up on to ensure hazards are corrected. The District conducted consultations and Fire Protection System inspections of new constructions, as well as existing facilities. This is a major task for buildings the size of Amazon's data centers, Walmart's Distribution Center, Lamb Weston's processing facilities, and Good Shepherd Medical Center.

Fire investigations also include coordination with insurance companies, manufacturers, contractors, owners, occupants, and law enforcement agencies. In 2024, the Prevention Division completed 31 origin and cause fire investigations. UCFD#1 participates in the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Defensible Space Survey Program. These are free surveys that assess properties for defensible space around structures that have exposure to wildland fires and provide recommendations to reduce risks.