Clackamas Fire

09/02/2026

On Sunday, August 30th, Milwaukie Police and Clackamas Fire responded to an electric motorcycle that caught fire following a crash on SE 17th Ave. While crews were assessing the rider, the e-moto’s battery began popping and sputtering and released a large volume of white gas. The battery then went into thermal runaway, a dangerous chain reaction that causes a battery to rapidly heat and catch fire. First responders established a safe area away from the battery, and extinguished the fire. Clackamas Fire’s HazMat team responded and submerged the battery in a tote full of water before it was properly disposed of.

This incident is an important reminder that lithium-ion batteries damaged in a crash or other impact can become a serious fire hazard, even if they don’t catch fire immediately.

Watch for warning signs:
•Battery becomes unusually hot
•Swelling or bulging
•Popping, hissing or sputtering sounds
•Unusual odors
•White or gray gas, smoke or v***r
•Changes in the battery’s appearance or performance

If a lithium-ion battery starts smoking, releasing gas or catches fire:
•Call 911 immediately
•Tell dispatch that a lithium-ion battery is involved.
•Do not attempt to pick up, move or handle the battery.
•Move away from the smoke or gases and, if possible, stay upwind
•Follow firefighters’ instructions after the fire is extinguished. Damaged lithium-ion batteries can reignite and may require specialized handling and disposal.

Help prevent lithium-ion battery fires:
•Use the charger and battery recommended by the manufacturer.
•Never charge a damaged, swollen or overheating battery.
•Charge batteries on a hard, noncombustible surface away from anything that can burn.
•Avoid charging batteries while you’re sleeping or away from home.
•Protect batteries from extreme heat and physical damage.
•If a battery has been involved in a crash or sustained significant damage, stop using it and have it evaluated by a qualified professional.

Lithium-ion batteries are found in electric motorcycles, e-bikes, scooters, phones, laptops, power tools and many other everyday devices. When damaged or overheated, they can fail rapidly and produce intense heat, fire and hazardous gases.

If a battery doesn't look, smell or sound right, don't take a chance. Stop using it and get help.

09/01/2026

On August 31st, at 5:41 am, Clackamas Fire crews responded with a task force to a report of a wall on fire at a church on SE 85th Ave in Happy Valley. Based on the type of structure and its occupancy, the incident was upgraded to a commercial fire. The first arriving crews, only four minutes later, quickly investigated the incident while other crews began to search for any occupants. The fire was quickly located and extinguished, and the structure was deemed all clear by 5:56 AM. The cause of the fire is under investigation. There were no reported injuries.

09/01/2026

Backpacks: ✅
Lunch packed: ✅
Ready for another school year? Absolutely🎒📚

Engine 310 is heading back to school with a few safety reminders to help everyone start the year off right! 🚒

Drivers:
• Slow down and stay alert in school zones
• Watch for pedestrians, crossing guards and cyclists
• Be prepared to stop during drop-off and pick-up
• It is illegal to pass a school bus when its stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing

Walking to school:
• Use crosswalks and follow crossing guards’ instructions
• Look left, right, then left again before crossing
• Wear bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility

Biking to school:
• Always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet
• Make sure your bike has working brakes, properly inflated tires and reflectors
• Follow traffic laws and stay alert
• Need a properly fitted bike helmet? Reach out to Clackamas Fire at 503-742-2600 to learn more.

Wishing all of you a safe, successful and fun school year!

08/27/2026

Clackamas Fire is currently on scene of an approximately 1.5 acre Brush Fire off of Beeson Road in Beavercreek. Because of the quick response of our Fire crews as well as those from Colton Fire and Oregon Department of Forestry the fire was quickly brought under control just as it reached the standing timber. working conditions were made even more difficult as there are approximately 65 beehives right in the middle of the burn area and countless bees wanting to be a part of the action. Investigators are on scene to help determine the cause. Thank you also to Clackamas County Sheriff for helping get people where they need to be.

08/25/2026

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has lowered the fire danger level from EXTREME to HIGH. Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and calmer afternoon winds have helped reduce fire potential. However, limited rainfall means vegetation remains very dry, and precautions are still necessary.

For private properties within ODF boundaries:
• Recreational fires: Allowed only in designated fire pits
• Power saws: Allowed before 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m.
• Cutting, grinding and welding: Allowed before 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m.
• Mowing dried grass: Allowed before 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m.
• Fireworks: Strictly prohibited during the regulated fire season

For properties outside ODF boundaries:
• Clackamas Fire does not have the authority to enforce ODF restrictions outside ODF boundaries.
• We still strongly discourage residents in these areas from performing tasks that could start a wildfire, including recreational fires.

📍 Not sure if you live within an ODF boundary? Check the boundary map: https://bit.ly/3OJazE1

High fire danger restrictions remain in effect until further notice. Please continue to use caution and help prevent wildfires in our community.

08/24/2026

Update: Owner reports that Sundrop is doing better! ❤

Today’s rescue call in Beavercreek took some teamwork and a little horsepower🐴 Engine 310 responded to a horse stuck in a creek and assisted the owners in getting it safely out. Crews, neighbors and the owners carefully worked a sling underneath the horse, then used an excavator to lift and pull it to safety. Once out of the creek, the horse was able to stand and walk on its own, but was going to get checked out by a vet to make sure everything was OK.

Great teamwork by everyone involved!

08/20/2026

Today we were honored to join the Portland Police Bureau for another Shop with a Cop event and help local students get ready for the year ahead. From picking out new clothes and school supplies to finding a few things that simply made them smile, it was a day full of great moments and even better memories.

Thank you to the Sunshine Division for inviting us to be part of such a special back-to-school shopping experience alongside so many amazing students! Wishing all of you a safe and successful school year ahead📚✏️

08/20/2026

GRASSHOPPER FIRE UPDATE: Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has lifted the Level 1 evacuation zones tor the Grasshopper Fire.
While the fire is still active, fire response and containment conditions continue to improve.

⚠️ UPDATE: Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has lifted the Level 1 evacuation zones for the Grasshopper Fire. While the fire is still active, fire response and containment conditions continue to improve.

The public is advised to continue to stay informed about fire activity and to become familiar with evacuation levels if conditions change.

Know the types of evacuation orders that you could experience and make a plan in advance (Level 1: Be Ready/Level 2: Be Set/Level 3: GO!).

Get information:
• Sign up for PublicAlerts: https://bit.ly/ClackCoPublicAlerts
• Updates for Grasshopper Fire: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ormhf-grasshopper-fire
• For preparedness information, visit: https://www.publicalerts.org/get-ready
• For road conditions and closures, visit Oregon TripCheck: https://tripcheck.com/ or call 511
• For air quality information and resources, visit: https://www.clackamas.us/wildfires/air-quality
• Learn about local evacuation levels and maps: https://www.clackamas.us/clackcoalerts

08/19/2026

Today is Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day, and we’re taking a moment to recognize and thank the incredible volunteers who serve with Clackamas Fire District.

Volunteers have been a cornerstone of our fire service since its earliest days. Today, they continue that proud tradition by working side by side with our career personnel to help carry out the District’s mission and serve our communities.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and contribute in many different ways. Suppression volunteers train and respond to emergency calls from Station 74 in Sandy, assisting with firefighting, and emergency medical care. Support volunteers provide critical assistance through rehab, water tender response, Chaplain services, and other essential roles. Beyond emergency response, our volunteers are an important part of the community, helping support and participate in local events throughout the year.

Whether answering an emergency call, supporting crews on scene, participating in community events, training, or helping behind the scenes, our volunteers give their time, skills, and dedication to make a difference in the lives of others.

To every Clackamas Fire volunteer, past and present: thank you. Thank you for the countless hours you have devoted to training and service, and for the many ways you give back to our communities.