WINSTON-DILLARD FIRE DISTRICT RECEIVES NEW WATER REQUEST FROM OSFM – KQEN News Radio

June 19, 2024 3:20 a.m.

The Winston-Dillard Fire District is one of the first fire agencies to get a new water tender under an Oregon State Fire Bureau program .

A release from OSFM says the first deliveries mark an important milestone in the state's ongoing efforts to strengthen firefighting capabilities and protect communities from the growing wildfire crisis.

Two other agencies – Amity Fire District and Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District – received water tenders, which are the first of 30 that will be distributed across the state, increasing the resources available to local agencies structural firefighting.

The State Fire Marshal purchased 76 units through the OSFM engine program, including 26 Type 3 engines, 20 Type 6 engines and 30 water tenders. To date, eight Type 3 engines have been delivered, with more expected to arrive throughout the summer. Deliveries of water tenders and Type 6 engines will continue over the coming weeks.

Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said, “We are excited to see the first of these new water systems delivered to our fire districts.” Ruiz-Temple said, “This program represents an important investment in the safety of our communities and the effectiveness of our firefighting efforts.”

The release states that the OSFM engine program is funded by Senate Bill 762 of 2021. The goal is to modernize equipment within Oregon's structural fire departments, ensuring that fire agencies Local fire authorities have the tools they need to effectively fight forest fires and protect lives and property.

Photos of the water dispenser delivered to the Winston-Dillard Fire District are linked to this story at www.541radio.com.