Row River Fire Response Newsletter

Published: Tue, 12/10/24

Updated: Tue, 12/10/24

Row River Fire Response is now:

December 2024

We began this journey as a small group of neighbors working together to improve fire safety in our area. With the formation of the Row River Rural Fire Protection District (RRRFPD), we have now changed our name to eliminate any confusion and better reflect our expanded role and mission. Thank you for giving us the time to get all the heavy lifting underway and for your continued support as we move forward.

GOOD NEWS:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We hope this message finds you well! It’s been a busy and productive time as we continue our transition from the “fire group” to the nonprofit arm supporting the newly established Row River Rural Fire Protection District.

It’s been quite the journey—with plenty of legal, procedural, and organizational steps along the way—but we’re making great progress!

Here’s a quick update to keep you in the loop:

Main Station and Substations:

The temporary main station is currently operating from a central location on Booth Kelly Camp.
Plans for the permanent main station near Row River Church are underway, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2025, pending all necessary county, state, and federal approvals.
The Rat Creek substation is equipped with a fire truck, thanks to a generous donation by a local homeowner.
The Disston substation will be built on land donated by Weyerhaeuser, near Row River Road and Laying Creek. Work is expected to begin pending all necessary county, state, and federal approvals.

Fire Mitigation Programs:
Our fire mitigation programs for homeowners are in full swing! These initiatives will continue through winter 2025 and into spring 2026. We’re also pursuing additional funding to expand these critical efforts. For program details or participation, reach out to Karen Bentson at programs@rowrivervalley.org.

We Need You!
Building a safe, connected, and resilient community takes a team, and we’re always looking for people who can donate their skills, time, or resources. If you’re interested in lending a hand, have questions, or simply want to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Stay connected:

Fire District website: https://rowriverfire.org
Nonprofit website: https://rowrivervalley.org

Thank you for your ongoing support and patience as we continue this important work. We’re excited to keep you updated as progress unfolds!

Making it Happen

We are deeply grateful to our community for voting in the Row River Rural Fire Protection District. As a nonprofit organization, we are committed to supporting the fire district's mission. However, we are not alone in this endeavor—many incredible organizations, agencies, and government leaders are working alongside us to bring this important project to fruition. Their collective efforts are instrumental in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

Our Wonderful Donors:

Co-Bank
Cow Creek Foundation
Grove Christian Camp
Lane Electric Cooperative
Locals Helping Locals, McKenzie Chapter
Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund
McKenzie Long Term Recovery
Roundhouse Foundation
Siletz Tribal Charitable Contributions Fund
The Cottage Grove Community Foundation
Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund
Woodard Family Foundation

Dedicated Agencies Working with Us:

ISO
Lane County Commissioners
Lane County Emergency Management
Lane County Fire Defense Board
Lorane Fire and Rescue
Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF)
Oregon Office of Emergency Management (ORCEMS)
Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM)
Sauvie Island Fire & Rescue
Scappoose Fire
Special District Association of Oregon (SDAO)
South Lane County Fire and Rescue (SLCFR)

Our Governmental Supporters

Congresswoman Hoyle
Governor Kotek
Representative Conrad
Senator Hayden
Senator Merkley
Senator Prozanski
and many others!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

SUNSHINE CLUB Meetings:

Join your neighborhood Community Group.

1st Wednesday of the Month (closed Jan 1,2025)

10am - 12pm

Row River Christian Fellowship Church

NEXT COMMUNITY FIRE MEETING:

We are planning new community meetings beginning January 2025.

To Be Determined

VOLUNTEER:

We are looking for committed volunteers to help with assorted responsibilities. Please CLICK HERE to fill out a volunteer form. We will contact your shortly.

Sincerely,

The Row River Community Partnership Team