By TIM HIRSCH
of the Sun

Whether it’s the threat of a medical emergency, storm-caused hazards or a blaze threatening your home, preparation is key to meet the challenge head on. But there’s good news — Tillamook County has a wide-range of resources to help.

In an effort to bring many of these resources together, Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District is hosting its Public Safety Open House on Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at its administrative center and fire hall in Hebo. The event, which is part of NRFPD’s celebration of Fire Prevention Week, will feature booths from a variety of agencies and programs including the many rescue arms of NRFPD, plus Adventist Health, Tillamook PUD, Tillamook 911 Dispatch, Oregon Department of Forestry and more. Though not all had been confirmed as of press time, 10-15 booths are expected.

A highlight will be the landing of one of Life Flight’s helicopters, which is planned for 11 a.m. The crew will also give a demonstration of how a landing zone works and work with fire crews before coming out to mingle with attendees and answer questions.

Following that, at 11:30 a.m., the district will do a “Push-In” ceremony for its newest fire engine, a 2026 Spartan, 31-foot, 10-inch long fire engine that features a 1,000-gallon tank and 1,500-gallon per minute pump.  As reported in the Sept. 4 edition of the Sun, the new engine cost the district $880,000. It is funding the purchase using the dollars freed up by finishing payments for its 2023 HME fire engine.

Next up, at noon, will be a demonstration of extricating a victim from a vehicle. As well, drone demonstrations will be held throughout the event.

Nestucca Fire will have separate booths highlighting a variety of its rescue operations including its water rescue program, rope rescue program, drone program, vehicle extrication program, CPR program, fire cause awareness, and one that will promote Community Connect, a program that allows residents to create a profile and share information — such as an entry code, pets, or disability — about their home and occupants that will make it easier and more efficient should Nestucca Fire be called out in an emergency.

Amongst the additional resources the public will learn about is electrical safety at the Tillamook PUD booth, and Narcan use and other drug overdose prevention/responses at a booth by Adventist Health. As well, various booths will hand out stickers and coloring books to kids. The event will also feature free ice cream and hot dogs.

“I would love for people to be more aware of fire safety,” said Logan Garrison, NRFPD division chief of public relations.

For more information about the Oct. 3 Public Safety Open House, held at 30710 Highway 101 South, Hebo, visit nrfpdor.gov or call Nestucca Fire at 503-392-3313. To learn more about Fire Prevention Week, visit nfpa.org/en/events/fire-prevention-week.