SW Polk Fire

06/13/2026

Burn Ban Effective June 16, 2026

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on June 16, 2026, a burn ban will take effect throughout Polk County. This action is being implemented in coordination with all adjacent counties as well as the Oregon Department of Forestry as fire danger continues to increase across the region.

Under the burn ban:
❌ Open burning is prohibited.
❌ Burn barrels are prohibited.
❌ Any outdoor burning of yard debris, slash, or other materials is prohibited.

The following activities are still allowed at this time:
✅ Barbecues and outdoor cooking devices used in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
✅ Warming and recreational fires, where otherwise permitted and attended responsibly.
✅ Consumer fireworks, where legally allowed.

While fireworks remain legal, residents are strongly encouraged to use extreme caution. Dry vegetation, warmer temperatures, and seasonal conditions can allow small sparks to quickly develop into significant fires.

Polk County agencies will continue to monitor weather conditions and fire activity. Additional temporary restrictions may be implemented throughout the summer based on changing weather and fire conditions.

If you live within the West Oregon Department of Forestry District Boundary, Regulated Use Restrictions apply. Please visit https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/PFR.html for more information.

Please do your part and exercise caution throughout this fire season.

06/13/2026

SW Polk had been fortunate enough to gain some recent volunteers and our numbers are up but we need more help. Contact our office if you are interested in volunteering.

Fire departments are struggling to recruit volunteer firefighters. Here's what you need to know about the nationwide shortage https://www.investigatetv.com/2026/06/11/volunteer-firefighter-shortage-threatens-communities-nationwide/

06/12/2026

Be wildfire aware 👀

You've probably heard this summer isn't looking too great for wildfire. With the outlook over the next few months showing above average potential for large fires, please do you part to prevent human-caused fires.

Roughly 70% of the fires in Oregon are sparked by humans, and a big chunk of that, unintentionally.

Check out the prevention section on our website to learn more and help protect what we love about our great state.

LINK: https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx

06/09/2026

Burn to Learn's are a crucial training experience for our teams, and we love when our neighbors join too!!

Special thanks to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and Falls City Fire Departmebts for joining us 🚒

05/25/2026

Today is about remembering and honoring those that gave their lives for our freedom.

We respectfully fly our stations flags at half staff and will look to the skies for the flyover honoring those who gave all 🇺🇲🪖🙏

05/23/2026

05/23/2026

SW Polk Fire District received notice that effective September 1, 2026, the district’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification rating will improve from a Class 5/10 to a Class 4/10. This improvement reflects the dedication, training, operational readiness, and service capabilities provided by district personnel and resources made possible through the voter-approved 2022 levy.

An improved ISO rating is significant for property owners within the district because it is commonly used by insurance companies when calculating property insurance premiums. In many cases, a lower ISO classification can result in reduced insurance costs for homeowners and businesses located within the district’s response area.

Importantly, this improved classification is directly tied to service enhancements and operational improvements made possible through the district’s previous voter-approved levy. Investments in staffing, firefighter training, apparatus readiness, response capability, and station operations all contributed to the district achieving the higher ISO rating.

“This improved rating is a direct reflection of the hard work and commitment of our firefighters, staff, and community investment in fire protection services,” said Fred Hertel. “The previous levy allowed the district to make meaningful improvements to emergency response capabilities and operational readiness, which played a major role in achieving this better classification for our community.”

However, district leadership cautions that maintaining this improved classification depends heavily on sustaining operational staffing levels and response capabilities.

As outlined in the district’s recent communications regarding the failure of Levy 27-148, SW Polk Fire District is preparing for staffing reductions, longer emergency response times, and the unstaffing of the Bridgeport Fire Station effective June 30, 2026. These reductions come at a time when the district is entering increasingly demanding wildfire seasons and continuing to experience growing service expectations.

The district also warns that reductions in staffing and service levels may negatively impact future ISO evaluations and could ultimately result in the reversal of the improved rating if emergency response capabilities decline below current standards.

“ISO ratings are built on measurable emergency service capabilities,” Chief Hertel said. “When staffing decreases, stations become unstaffed, and response times increase, those changes can affect the level of fire protection available to the community. Maintaining this improved rating will require maintaining the resources that helped us achieve it.”

SW Polk Fire District remains committed to providing the highest level of emergency services possible while responsibly managing taxpayer resources and adapting to the financial realities facing the district.

05/19/2026

TODAY is the last day to make your voice count! Make sure to drop your ballot off at the County Courthouse before 8pm 🗳

05/19/2026

Make sure to cast your ballot! We've provided ballot drop locations for you 🗳

05/18/2026

Representative Anna Scharf presented a proclamation on May 14, 2026, honoring the Oregon Fire District Directors Association for more than 75 years of promoting public safety and supporting fire district leadership across Oregon.

The proclamation was presented to the SW Polk Fire District Board of Directors in recognition of the association’s longstanding commitment to strengthening fire service governance, emergency preparedness, and community protection.

Thank you to the Oregon Fire District Directors Association and all fire district leaders who continue working to keep Oregon communities safe!