Firefighters busy in June
A busy June with more than 100 calls, including a large RV taking out part of a Cave Junction café, was outlined by Deputy Chief Jeff Gavlik during a meeting of Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) directors.
A fatal rollover crash happened on Takilma Road (Photo Michelle Binker/IVN)
The meeting, held Thursday evening, July 12 at IVFD headquarters, included special presentations to directors Joe Malcolm and Joel Downing, who left the board as of that evening.
Downing did not seek re-election on the May 15 ballot; he was replaced by Edwin “Bob” Butler. Jerry Lamb was elected in place of Malcolm.
Gavlik and Chief Harry Rich gave plaques and certificates of appreciation to the two “retiring” directors. They were cited for their “service, dedication and unselfish volunteerism” as well as for their contributions to the community in advancement of IVFD capabilities.
Malcolm has served as board president twice during his 10 years service. Downing served eight years. Following the presentations, the audience applauded the two; and joined them after the meeting for refreshments in their honor.
Lamb and Butler were administered their oaths of office by Rich. The newly constituted board then elected veteran Larrick Jones president and Sam Michel vice president; and re-elected Dusty Bouchard secretary.
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Emergencies Outlined
Gavlik told the board that staff and volunteers had responded to more than 100 alarms since the previous meeting on June 14.
“It was a busy month,” he said, including a single-vehicle crash on Takilma Road resulting in the deaths of two teen-age girls.
The driver of an RV was seriously injured when the vehicle hit a restaurant (Photo Michelle Binker/IVN)
Besides that and the crash of a 38-foot RV towing a four-door Jeep into Pizza Pit, firefighters were faced with three structure fires, including a major blaze on Reeves Creek Road that destroyed a residence and two vehicles. A candle in a garage is said to be the cause, Gavlik said, and the couple and their two children escaped unharmed.
Two other structure fires occurred, one on S. Junction Avenue and another on Addison Lane. Both incidents involved flames getting into subflooring. A heat pump and a clothes dryer were listed as causes, respectively. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters also worked with Oregon Dept. of Forestry on at least 17 escaped debris burns and wildfires, none of which were large.
Gavlik noted that the district is unaware of any fires that began on July 4 because of fireworks. He attributed this to the fact that IVFD personnel patrolled areas of the valley in fire rigs “just in case” and that residents seeing them patrolling apparently paid more attention to safe practices.
He noted that IVFD staff can issue citations to those violating fireworks safety rules.
A candle was thought to be the cause of a fire that destroyed a home and two vehicles.(Photo IVN)
Med Training Pay Off
Gavlik, who also serves as training officer, noted that because staff and volunteers have concentrated on advancing their medical skills, the July 2 RV crash in Downtown Cave Junction was handled well.
In fact, he noted, a California fire district chief and a member with him, who stopped at the wreck, were impressed at the level of medical training. It was indicated that his district wants to send some of its personnel to IVFD for training, said Gavlik.
Because of the number of medically trained IVFD personnel, with American Medical Response medics, it was possible to have four Emergency Medical Service teams aid the critically injured from the RV crash, which also involved two passenger cars.
The district, Gavlik said after the meeting, has 16 Basic Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), three Intermediate EMTs, and one paramedic.
District Adds Territory
Maintenance Battalion Chief Kris Sherman reported that arrival of a new tender is anticipated in 60 to 90 days. The rig is being paid for through a grant with a relatively small percentage coming from IVFD.
In another matter, the district was expanded through requested annexations. Directors OK’d annexation of 6.12 acres on Westside Road, and 20 Selma properties totaling 265 acres.
The Selma properties, mostly scattered on both sides of Hwy. 199, are owned by Selma resident Linda Crawford. All the annexations were recommended by IVFD Fire Marshal Jerry Schaeffer. He was on vacation, but provided the necessary paperwork for the July 12 meeting.
Rich said it is his understanding that the properties will be subdivided.
Also during the meeting, Rich praised the work of Gavlik during his absence. The chief was on vacation, and Gavlik added those duties to his schedule.
“Everything ran well thanks to Jeff,” said the chief, adding that other staffers also deserve recognition for their support.
