Valley Fire Suppression

06/29/2026

We are saddened to share the identities of the three firefighters we lost responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado on Saturday. The firefighters were assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew and were engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire when the incident occurred.

The deceased firefighters have been identified as:
💜Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Michigan, assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack.

💜Nick Hutcherson, 27 of Glendale, Arizona, assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Kaibab National Forest.

💜Sydney Watson, 27, of Warrior, Alabama, assigned to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rifle Helitack.

Two additional firefighters were injured during the incident and are receiving medical care.

“We mourn the loss of three firefighters who answered the call to protect others and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens,” said U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy. “Our thoughts are with their families, loved ones, friends and crewmates as they face an unimaginable loss. These firefighters embodied the courage, professionalism and selflessness that define the wildland fire service. Please join me and my family in keeping our thoughts and prayers with the families of the fallen and our injured firefighters and their families.”

The full press release can be found here: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/identities-released-three-firefighters-who-died-responding-knowles-fire-colorado

06/01/2026

05/05/2026

Well done SAR!

53 year old female rescued from Blue Pool

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 12:00 PM, Linn County dispatch received a call of an injured hiker at Blue Pool.

The patient, a 53 year old female from Terrebonne, had severely injured her knee while hiking at Blue Pool. Due to the steep terrain and difficulties accessing the area, Linn County Search & Rescue immediately began mobilizing their technical rope rescue team. The Upper McKenzie Rural Fire District, Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, and Eugene Mountain Rescue responded and assisted in the rescue.

Linn County SAR worked with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to coordinate support from the United States Coast Guard with a helicopter. SAR members prepared the patient for helicopter transport and the Coast Guard operated a hoist-rescue. The Coast Guard transported the patient to a nearby airfield where she was transported by the Sweet Home Fire District to the Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend in Springfield.

During this call, a separate SAR incident was reported in the Pamelia Lake area of Linn County, and Sheriff Duncan would like to thank the Marion County Sheriff’s Office SAR team for handling this call.

03/18/2026

Good morning family and friends. I don't do this often but I feel the need to make a public service announcement. The word around the wildland fire community says this fire season is forecast to be extremely active. That means more risk to life and property. Knowing this, it is important to take precautions. Clearing or thinning brush and dead and down fuel around your property is necessary to reduce the risk of losing your home to fire. Especially if you live in an area surrounded by foliage and other fuels. It's also important to cut ladder fuels to prevent the fire from climbing and touching which can lead to faster spread due to direct flame impingement and spot fires. Ladder fuels are low hanging branches that could easily ignite from fire on the ground. It may also be necessary to use hand tools or heavy equipment to dig a fire line around your home down to mineral soil. The fire line should be 1.5 to 2 times the hight of the fuel on either side of the line. Preparing a water supply system may also be necessary, especially if your well or city water system is insufficient to provide the volume and pressure needed. This could be a swimming pool or portable water tanks. Of course you will need a pump and plumbing to complete the system. Fine dead or dry fuels such as grass or firewood will need to be removed from under your deck and around structures.
These are just ideas to better protect your home and property from a possible incoming wildland fire. I understand some may not be possible for your area due to limited space or recourses. Another source to look at for defensible space ideas:

https://www.nfpa.org/en/education-and-research/wildfire/preparing-homes-for-wildfire

photo credit: https://ar.casact.org/mitigation-that-matters-a-wildfire-case-study/

12/29/2025

Hello everyone! My end of season post has been delayed a bit. I got distracted with side projects. That being said, another season passed and as usual my crew went above and beyond. This was a short season. The shortest I've experienced as a matter of fact. However, the Rattlesnake Fire did not disappoint. Abundant in views and wildlife, the Colville Reservation was breathtaking. Again, I'd like to give a huge shout out to my crew, Chansaray Hut and Jesse Judy. They answered the call, made sacrifices and worked their tails off. I hope they know by now they have my respect, appreciation and admiration. It takes a special person to leave their life behind to go fight fire with me. Thank you both. I hope you all have had a fantastic holiday season. Until next season! Cheers.