HOODLAND FIRE DISTRICT # 74 HAS IMPLEMENTED THEIR INCIDENT MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SOLAR ECLIPSE (PHOTO)


News Release from Hoodland Fire Dist. #74
Posted on FlashAlert: August 17th, 2017 8:25 PM

Downloadable file: ATV.jpg
Downloadable file: Motorcycles are at the fire station
Downloadable file: Motorcycles are at the fire station
Downloadable file: Motorcycles are at the fire station

Welches, Or - Our Fire District is expecting thousands of visitors from all over the world to travel through or view the eclipse near Mt. Hood. Although the eclipse does not occur until Monday, the influx of visitors is expected to impact our area throughout the weekend starting today, August 17. Highway 26 through the Hoodland corridor could see traffic congestion to the point of gridlock. The public needs to be aware that there are no other major roads to bypass Highway 26 between Sandy and Government Camp.

To prepare for gridlock on Highway 26, Hoodland Fire District is implementing the use of two (2) BMW adventure sport motorcycles staffed with a Paramedic and EMT to respond to emergency incidents ahead of larger fire engines. The two motorcycles were rented from Cascade Back Road Adventures and Rentals out of Wahkiacus, Washington. The "motor-medic" crews will provide advanced medical care as well as scene management or landing zone support and will be equipped with medical, traffic control and landing zone equipment. The Fire District is also utilizing their side-by-side ATV out of the Government Camp substation to reach visitors camping on National Forest lands around the Government Camp area.

Hoodland Fire District would like to remind Fire District residents to be prepared for the Eclipse that will occur this Monday, August 21. Residents are asked to take some proactive measures to minimize the impact. Use common sense. Do not travel over the weekend and especially Monday if you do not have to. If it is necessary, allow yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination. Remember first responders may also have trouble traveling to calls for service due to roadway congestion; however, there may be some delays in response time.