Lookingglass Rural Fire District (LRFD) recently deployed its Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Tactical Tender 1060 and a two-person crew as part of the Douglas County Structural Task Force in support of the Oregon Conflagration Act response to the Brewer Fire.

The Douglas County Structural Task Force was mobilized on July 23 and remained assigned until returning home on August 3. During the deployment, LRFD personnel initially responded to the Brewer Fire. As fire activity intensified, the Brewer Fire merged with neighboring incidents to form the Rowe Creek Complex, where the Douglas County Task Force was assigned to the Rowe Creek-West Division.

Throughout the deployment, LRFD firefighters worked alongside structural firefighters from across Oregon to protect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure threatened by the wildfire.

The Douglas County Structural Task Force included personnel and apparatus from Lookingglass Rural Fire District, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Tenmile Rural Fire Protection District, Riddle Fire District, and Sutherlin Fire Department. Together, these agencies represented Douglas County while supporting communities impacted by one of Oregon's largest wildfire incidents of the season.

Understanding the Oregon Conflagration Act

The Oregon Conflagration Act provides the authority for the Oregon State Fire Marshal to mobilize local structural fire departments when a wildfire or other major emergency exceeds the capabilities of local resources and poses a significant threat to life or property. Once activated, structural fire departments from across the state respond as organized task forces to provide additional firefighting resources where they are needed most.

The Role of Structural Task Forces

While wildland firefighting agencies focus on constructing fireline and containing the wildfire, structural task forces have the primary responsibility of protecting communities and structures threatened by advancing fire.

These specialized teams prepare homes and commercial properties for fire, extinguish spot fires, patrol neighborhoods for new fire starts, establish water supplies, defend structures from ember storms and direct flame impingement, protect critical infrastructure, assist with evacuations when needed, and respond to structure fires that occur within the incident area.

LRFD's OSFM Tactical Tender 1060 is specifically designed for this mission. The apparatus carries 2,000 gallons of water and is equipped with two 200-foot preconnected 1¾-inch attack lines, allowing firefighters to rapidly establish water supply and begin structure protection operations in areas where fire hydrants are unavailable.

Proud to Serve Oregon

Volunteer firefighters from Lookingglass Rural Fire District left their families, employers, and community for nearly two weeks to assist fellow Oregonians during this deployment. Their willingness to respond wherever needed reflects the dedication of volunteer firefighters throughout the state and the importance of mutual aid during large-scale emergencies.

Lookingglass Rural Fire District extends its sincere appreciation to Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Tenmile Rural Fire Protection District, Riddle Fire District, and Sutherlin Fire Department for their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment throughout the deployment. The successful operation of the Douglas County Structural Task Force demonstrates the strength of interagency cooperation and the partnerships that protect Oregon's communities during major emergencies.

LRFD also recognizes the countless firefighters, dispatchers, emergency managers, logistics personnel, and support staff who contributed to the Rowe Creek Complex response. Their collective efforts helped protect lives, property, and communities during a challenging wildfire incident.