Powder River Rural Fire Department

06/30/2025

10/08/2024

Well today was a first for me. Yesterday there was a devastating house fire in Sumpter that totally destroyed the home of Jeff and Ananda Bode.
So, this morning while meeting with the Fire Investigator, I met Jeff and Ananda for the first time. I was telling them how sorry I was and if there was anything we could do...well Ananda asked if we could try to locate the bodies of their 2 pets that were in the house , a Turtle named Pakwaan and a Tarantula named Sally. I could tell they were really attached to these pets as Ananda broke down sobbing as she explained that finding Sally would not be imaginable, but she thought at least the shell of Pakwaan, as he was in a water tank in the front room.
I thought there is no way since the building was totally burned and collapsed, but I mentioned this to Kurt Clark, Sumpter's Fire Chief, and Al Jones, Sumpter Fire Volunteer. Well Al spotted the tank near a corner of the collapsed front room, so Kurt got his Telehandler fork lift and was able to lift a section of the collapsed ceiling just enough for me to get to the tank. Well after removing chared wood and insulation from the 2/3 full tank of water my gloved had felt a moving object....it was Pakwaan, very much alive! I have never seen anyone so emotional and overwhelmed as when I handed Pakwaan to Ananda and Jeff..... We were all in tears.
Lastly I would like to say the response to this fire from the county fire departments was overwhelming.
Sumpter Volunteer Fire Dept, Powder River Rural Fire, Baker Rural Fire, Baker City Fire, Keating Fire (Buzz Harper), Bowen Valley Fire, North Powder Fire, Oregon Department of Forestry, Baker County Sheriff's Office, and the local Sumpter Citizens!

09/10/2024

These are not my words, but are a kinder version of my thoughts🤗

"OK folks, here's the deal. It is still dry out there.

If you shoot into dry grass, it will start a fire. If you stop your ATV on dry grass, it will start a fire. If you abandon your campfire, it will start a fire. If your horse strikes a shoe on a rock in the dry grass, it will start a fire.

It's so dry that if you clap your hands near the dry grass, it may start a fire. If your dog scratches a flea near the dry grass, it may start a fire. If you kiss your girlfriend near the dry grass, it may start a fire.

Please, don't start a fire.

Thank you. That is all.

Signed,
Your local firefighters!!"

07/23/2024

It's a good thing you Durkeeites are tougher than shoe leather, cause most people would have given up by now.

05/27/2024

I would like to thank everyone that supported our Baked Goods/Pie sales fund raiser. We had fenominal support from our local Pie makers and Bakers, and the local Businesses, like Safeway, Albertsons, The Little Pig, Sweet Wife Baking, and Campbell Vanderwiele.
In a few short hours we sold out of a huge amount of amazing goodies. Many locals and out of towners opened their hearts and pockets to help us raise over $3000.
With these funds our all-Volunteer department can continue to support our area with Fire and EMS services.

05/24/2024

Straight from Grama Cindy's kitchen, and headed for our famous Bake Sale at the Powder River Rural Fire and EMS fund raiser!
See you at the Mosquito Flats Station, Sumpter Hwy, at 8AM tomorrow (SATURDAY).
We have some amazing BAKERS that bring AMAZING goods!

05/20/2024

It's time for our annual Baked Goods/Pie sale! This is a major fund raiser for our Powder River Rural VOLUNTEER FIRE AND EMS DEPARTMENT.
We serve all of Sumpter Valley and the surrounding area. We respond to all medical and fire emergencies.
So, if you enjoy visiting our area and find yourself in need we will be able to respond.....with your support!
So, bring a baked item to donate, or donate to purchase, or cash donations are always welcome.
SATURDAY
MAY 25
8 AM
MOSQUITO FLATS FIRE STATION ON THE SUMPTER HWY (ONE MILE AFTER SUMPTER JUNCTION TOWARD SUMPTER)

WE SELL OUT FAST!

We

03/23/2024

Your Volunteer Departments need your support desperately, and in the case of the services you receive.....it's way more than what you're paying for it. Please remember that when it comes time to ante up.
We don't ask for much, but are expected to be there to answer your call 24/7.
So, whether you live in Baker City, or Baker County, we've got you covered, but it takes financial resources to make that happen, so please look long and hard when it comes time to Vote to support your dedicated responders.

03/14/2023

Powder River Rural Fire/EMS in remembrance of Firefighter Ryan J. Brecko.

07/02/2022

We're proud to continue our support of our local first responders!

We recently donated $1,500 to the Powder River Rural Fire Department to help its effort to build a new helipad!

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3ONk85k

02/04/2022

Oregon Firefighters lost one of their own today. Austin Smith, 30, passed away after being critically injured at a barn fire in St. Paul. Oregon. Firefighter Smith was a 7-year veteran of the St Paul Fire District.

Rest In Peace brother. You and your family have our thoughts and condolences.

Powder River Rural Volunteer Firefighters and Medical.

12/19/2021

Let it snow
Let it snow
But please keep your driveways wide and open.