Frequently Asked Questions

Oregon law requires landlords to provide working CO alarms in rental dwellings with a CO source, and all residences built after 2011 are required to have CO alarms even if there is not a CO source.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engine-powered equipment such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers also produce CO.

Because CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness

High level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including:

• Mental confusion
• Vomiting
• Loss of muscular coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Ultimately death

Symptom severity is related to both the CO level and the duration of exposure. For slowly developing residential CO problems, occupants and/or physicians can mistake mild to moderate CO poisoning symptoms for the flu, which sometimes results in tragic deaths. For rapidly developing, high level CO exposures (e.g., associated with use of generators in residential spaces), victims can rapidly become mentally confused, and can lose muscle control without having first experienced milder symptoms; they will likely die if not rescued.

On average, about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products. These products include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned in homes and other enclosed areas.

Still others die from CO produced by non-consumer products, such as cars left running in attached garages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms every year to be treated for CO poisoning.

The health effects of CO depend on the CO concentration and length of exposure, as well as each individual’s health condition. CO concentration is measured in parts per million (ppm). Most people will not experience any symptoms from prolonged exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm but some heart patients might experience an increase in chest pain.

As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms become more noticeable and can include headache, fatigue and nausea. At sustained CO concentrations above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death are possible.

If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately. Leave the home and call your fire department to report your symptoms from a neighbor’s home. You could lose consciousness and die if you stay in the home.

It is also important to contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Tell your doctor that you suspect CO poisoning is causing your problems. Prompt medical attention is important if you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning. If the doctor confirms CO poisoning, make sure a qualified service person checks the appliances for proper operation before reusing them.

CO alarms always have been and still are designed to alarm before potentially life-threatening levels of CO are reached. The safety standards for CO alarms have been continually improved and currently marketed CO alarms are not as susceptible to nuisance alarms as earlier models.

Consumers should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a test button tests whether the circuitry is operating correctly, not the accuracy of the sensor. Alarms have a recommended replacement age, which can be obtained from the product literature or from the manufacturer.

CO alarms should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. CPSC recommends that one CO alarm be installed in the hallway outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area of the home. CO alarms may be installed into a plug-in receptacle or high on the wall. Hard wired or plug-in CO alarms should have battery backup. Avoid locations that are near heating vents or that can be covered by furniture or draperies. CPSC does not recommend installing CO alarms in kitchens or above fuel-burning appliances.

Never ignore an alarming CO alarm! It is warning you of a potentially deadly hazard.

If the alarm signal sounds do not try to find the source of the CO:

If authorities allow you to return to your home, and your alarm reactivates within a 24 hour period, repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 and call a qualified appliance technician to investigate for sources of CO from all fuel burning equipment and appliances, and inspect for proper operation of this equipment. If problems are identified during this inspection, have the equipment serviced immediately. Note any combustion equipment not inspected by the technician and consult the manufacturers’ instructions, or contact the manufacturers directly, for more information about CO safety and this equipment. Make sure that motor vehicles are not, and have not been, operating in an attached garage or adjacent to the residence.

CO alarms are available for boats and recreational vehicles and should be used. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association requires CO alarms in motor homes and in towable recreational vehicles that have a generator or are prepped for a generator.

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• NFPA Firefighter I Certification
• Current Oregon EMT or Paramedic
• Valid Driver’s License and acceptable driving record

• CFD#1 Volunteer Firefighter
• Career Firefighter Experience
• Additional NFPA Certifications
• Degree in Fire Science

CPAT results will be honored for one year from the time of test.

• Successful Background Check Clearance
• Successful Completion of NFPA 1582 Physical
• Successful Passing of Psychological Profile Evaluation

Yes. You need a minimum of a current Oregon EMT certification or EMT National Registered EMT, Advance EMT, or Paramedic certified and proof of reciprocity. Information on Oregon Reciprocity is available at Oregon Health Authority.

Clackamas Fire District #1 follows the NFPA 1582 “Standard on Medical Requirements for Firefighters”.

All fire service professionals are subject to nationwide criminal background checks in the State of Oregon and must be fingerprinted in order to be certified with the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. Further information can be obtained on the DPSST website.

Clackamas Fire has provided Advanced Life Support (ALS) on all first response units since 1991. All career staffed engines, trucks, and rescue units are staffed with a minimum of one Paramedic per shift. Clackamas Fire has employed a practice of hiring Paramedic firefighters for many years and has maintained a 75 percent ratio of ALS to Basic Life Support (BLS) firefighters in recent years.

Most Clackamas Fire District #1 firefighters work a 24-hour on and 48-hour off schedule.

Benefits change based on what has been negotiated with the union, Local 1159. Typical benefits however include, but may not be limited to:

• Paid Sick Leave
• PERS Retirement
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid Vacations
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Post-Employment Health Plan (PHEP)
• Deferred Compensation
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Comprehensive Wellness Program

Training Center (click HERE for a map)
The cog of the training campus is the Training Center, which houses four state of the art training rooms.  The two largest rooms can be opened up to seat over 100 people and are outfitted with multimedia equipment.

Training Offices & Logistics (click HERE for a map)
This is where our Training Office is located, along with the fire district logistics center.

Please visit our Volunteer Program or you may contact Clackamas Fire District #1’s Volunteer Program at 503.742.2652 with any additional questions.

We have a section in our website devoted to this exact question. Click here to learn more.

Yes, we list all current job openings (firefighter and non-firefighter) through NEOGOV. You can find a link to the job openings page here.

The Fire Prevention Division keeps track of all Clackamas Fire District #1’s public records. They can be contacted at 503-742-2660 or through the website (click HERE).

Clackamas Fire District #1 emergency response personnel are dispatched to more than 150 false alarm calls a month. The cause of many of these false alarms is poorly designed or maintained fire or medical alarm systems. Warning Letters are generally sent out as an educational tool once two or more false alarms have occurred in a calendar year at the same address.

The Fire District enacted a local ordinance to serve as a financial incentive so that business and residential owners properly maintain their alarm systems. Reducing false alarms also reduces community risk. Once a crew is dispatched to a fire alarm, they are generally unavailable for other life threatening or higher priority responses; every responses puts our personnel and the public at risk.

The Fire District will assess fees for subsequent nuisance automatic fire and medical alarm responses after the first three per calendar year per address. The fee shall be $125.00 minimum which includes the first 30 minutes of apparatus and staff time. Responses requiring multiple units and/or lasting longer than 30 minutes may be billed using established hourly rates for all apparatus and staff committed.

Beginning on January 1st each year, Clackamas Fire District #1 tracks false alarm responses by business or residential address. Warning letters are generally sent prior to an invoice and the date of warning letter mailing is available. Beginning on the fourth false alarm response in a calendar year, responses are eligible for invoicing. Prior to invoicing, alarm responses are reviewed to confirm the alarm was not a real fire. Smoke from cooking or a toaster is not a real fire. Responses are counted toward the annual total if emergency response crews begin a response to your location as every response requires staff time to complete a report.

There are three general exceptions to invoicing for false alarms.

All other false alarm responses qualify for invoicing.

Contact accounts payable at 503-742-2600 and provide documentation of a building permit, alarm upgrade invoice, or insurance claim for a fire loss on this date.

Information is available at ClackamasFire.com

Step 1 – Contact Accounts payable at 503 742 2600.

Step 2 – Contact the Fire Marshal at 503 742 2660.

Step 3 – Appeal the invoice in writing, providing documentation. Mail this to:

Clackamas Fire District #1 Fire Marshal
2930 SE Oak Grove Blvd
Milwaukie, OR 97267

Written appeals will be reviewed by the Fire Marshal. Decisions of the Fire Marshal will be final. Delinquent invoices will be processed to collections as deemed appropriate by the Fire Marshal. All costs related to collection procedures shall be added to Fire District invoiced fees when collection services are required.

The adopted Oregon Fire Code and Oregon Revised Statues require businesses to maintain their buildings under the requirements in place at the time it was built or the requirements of the latest construction permit. Disabling a required fire alarm from monitoring service, if it is required, is a violation of the Oregon Fire Code and may also be a crime.

The fire code requires annual inspection and testing of alarm systems in commercial buildings when fire alarm systems are required. Older equipment may be more susceptible to false alarms especially if not properly maintained or updated. Maintain your equipment and work with your alarm company to reduce false alarms by correcting equipment or behavioral issues that cause false alarms. Removing or relocating a toaster is a simple fix.

Engineering solutions may include relocating equipment, changing equipment, more frequent testing and/or cleaning, and regular system upgrades as technology improves. Changes to required alarm systems require permits to ensure compliance with local fire and building codes. Please work with your alarm professional to identify solutions that work for you.

This question doesn’t have a simple answer at this time because there are so many variables. Please contact the Fire Prevention Department directly at 503-742-2660.

A recreational fire (also known as a camp fire, cooking fire, or warming fire) is a small, occasional (less than four per month) fire which is no larger than three feet in diameter and two feet high, burning only dry, cut firewood. For fire safety reasons, recreational fires shall be 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, or only 15 feet if contained in a non-combustible fire pit less than four feet in diameter and a minimum of 12 inches high.

Charcoal briquette BBQ’s are no longer permitted on combustible balconies or within 10ft of combustible construction. The exception to that rule is when buildings, balconies or decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

Propane tanks, five gallon or smaller are permitted. A smoker would fall under the same requirements as the charcoal briquette BBQ. With all this said, the apartment owner does have the final say and they may have their own policy regarding BBQ’s and grills on balconies.

If the driveway is in a housing development, then it would have met fire department access requirements. In most cases, if it is a new driveway to a new home, then the county or city driveway standard is the requirement, in which case, the county or city usually asks for input from the local fire department. Most of the time, the concern for a residence is the grade of the driveway as anything greater than 10 percent requires approval.

The fire district doesn’t have any enforcement powers when it comes to high grass. Generally this is a code enforcement issue, so try contacting your local code enforcement officer – either with your city or Clackamas County.

These come out of the Oregon Fire Code Book. If this doesn’t fully answer your question, please contact our Fire Prevention Office through our website HERE.

Oregon Fire Code 508.5.4 (Obstruction)
Posts, fences, vehicles, growth, trash, storage and other materials or objects shall not be placed or kept near fire hydrants, fire department inlet connections or fire protection system control valves in a manner that would prevent such equipment or fire hydrants from being immediately discernible. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment or fire hydrants.

1. When you hear or see lights or sirens on a emergency vehicle, immediately pull to the right and stop.

2. When an emergency vehicle is along the side of the roadway with their emergency lights on, move over to the left and slow down

The Ordinance:
811.147 Failure to maintain safe distance from emergency vehicle or ambulance; penalty.

(1) A person operating a motor vehicle commits the offense of failure to maintain a safe distance from an emergency vehicle or ambulance if the person approaches an emergency vehicle or ambulance that is stopped and is displaying required warning lights and the person:

(a) On a highway having two or more lanes for traffic in a single direction, fails to:

(A) Make a lane change to a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency vehicle or ambulance; or

(B) Reduce the speed of the motor vehicle, if making a lane change is unsafe.

(b) On a two directional, two-lane highway, fails to reduce the speed of the motor vehicle.

(2) The offense described in this section, failure to maintain a safe distance from an emergency vehicle or ambulance, is a Class B traffic violation. [2003 c.42 §2]

There are two options to get rid of your old fire extinguisher:

1) Contact the fire extinguisher company and ask if they will take it back
2) Recycle the extinguisher through Metro (click HERE)

Any hardware-type store, such as Lowes or Home Depot, carry many different types of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. They carry carbon monoxide detectors as well.

The dry powder in ABC fire extinguishers is non-toxic but can cause skin irritation. You can check the manufacturer’s website or the information on the extinguisher itself. The chemicals used vary by model and manufacturer but if they sprayed toxic chemicals they’d never be licensed for home use.

Try to minimize your exposure using a surgical mask or at least the kind sold for yard work or painting, but unless you have respiratory problems like asthma there shouldn’t be much risk if you have no mask.

Typically,  a vacuum and wet cloth will remove the residue.

If you have a fire extinguisher that needs servicing or needs to be refilled, look up the fire extinguisher service companies online. Fire stations do not have the capabilities to refill at our fire stations. Most of the time people just get a new one instead of refilling.

Business…
If an extinguisher is brand new, it needs to be visually checked monthly by the business owner. If the owner does not want to take on that responsibility, they need to have it serviced annually. Every 6 years a full servicing should be done, and every 12 years a hydro-static test should be done. It is often a better deal to buy a new extinguisher at the 6 and 12 year marks.

Residential…
There are no requirements for personal residences, but it is recommended that they be visually checked every year to make sure there are no cracks or rust and to make sure the pin is still in the green. After 10 years or so the extinguisher should be replaced.

Yes, you can burn paper mail in your fireplace. We recommend that you have a cap on your chimney so that the paper doesn’t float out and carry an ember onto some dry grass, other vegetation, or your roof. Also, watch the quantity that you burn as chimney fires have been known to happen if you burn too much, too hot, too fast.

We generally give out smoke alarms to anyone that can’t afford one. We want everyone to be safe. If you need us to install it, we can also do that for you. Any fire station will have a smoke alarm to give to you.

We always recommend a working smoke alarm outside of every sleeping area and on every level of a home.

Click HERE to go to our “Carbon Monoxide Information” page.

An ionization smoke alarm uses a small amount of radioactive material to ionize air in the sensing chamber. As a result, the air chamber becomes conductive permitting current to flow between two charged electrodes. When products of combustion enter the chamber, the conductivity of the chamber air decreases. When this reduction in conductivity is reduced to a predetermined level, the alarm is set off. Most smoke alarms in use are of this type.

Ionization models are best suited for rooms that contain highly combustible materials that can create flaming fires. These types of materials include flammable liquids, newspapers, and paint cleaning solutions.

A photoelectric type smoke alarm consists of a light emitting diode and a light sensitive sensor in the sensing chamber. The presence of suspended products of combustion in the chamber scatters the light beam. This scattered light is detected and sets off the alarm.

Photoelectric models are best suited for living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens. This is because these rooms often contain large pieces of furniture, such as sofas, chairs, mattresses, counter tops, etc. which will burn slowly and create more smoldering smoke than flames.

Our firefighters are not allowed to receive any type of donation that has a value related to it. They are happy to receive store bought food items if you would like to treat them as a thank you for a job well done.

Firefighters are required to stay together at all times in case we have to respond to an emergency. Mission readiness to serve the community is our #1 priority. If we aren’t all together, we aren’t able to quickly respond when someone needs us. It also gives us an opportunity to interact with our community, give tours of the fire engine and answer questions people may have.

Firefighters shop because meals are not provided for us, we have to buy our own food. The taxpayers do not buy our food, we do. We are on shift for a 24 hour period and, of course, we have to eat during that time.

The reason a fire engine responds to a medical call is due to the type of 911 system that we have here in Clackamas County (and it is the same in Washington and Multnomah County). This system puts a fire engine and an ambulance in route to a medical call for the safety of the citizens. Generally, this will get more than one paramedic on scene to provide patient care. Also, many times calls require additional manpower. This means that if someone needs to be carried out of their home or their condition worsens, there are plenty of people there to help- as opposed to calling for more and having to wait longer for assistance.

Another reason that a fire engine is called along with an ambulance is that there is always more fire engines working than there are ambulances at any given time. This makes for a much quicker response when seconds count.

Firefighters work 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off duty, broken down into three shifts- A, B & C which averages out to a 53 hour work week.

Because there are so many businesses in the area, the Fire Prevention Office cannot get into every single business once every two years as required. This also allows the crews to become familiar with their first response area and helps them connect with our citizens.

Firefighters breathe compressed air, NOT oxygen when using their self-contained breathing apparatus. The cylinders are filled with air using a filter system to obtain the cleanest air possible. The mask has what is called a “demand valve” which only brings air into the mask during inhalation (breathing in). The air is cool, which makes the firefighter more comfortable during a hot fire fight.

We do not provide this service anymore, but you might contact your local water district to find out if they do.

Clackamas Fire District #1 has a policy, as do most fire departments, that we do not get cats out of trees anymore, due to a career-ending firefighter injury. Check online for tree cutting services, as they can provide assistance.

At Clackamas Fire District #1, as with most departments or districts, the Fire Chief manages the entire department. But, there are different levels of chiefs.

There are Battalion Chiefs which manage day-to-day operations and Division Chiefs which manage different divisions- such as Training, EMS, Operations and Prevention.

A Captain is part of a regular crew working on either an engine, truck or rescue unit. He also oversees his particular fire station, which includes maintenance, personnel, the budget, etc…

Another difference is that a Chief wears a white helmet and a Captain wears a red helmet.

Yellow = Firefighter
Red = Lieutenant or Captain
White = Chief Officer

A truck has a BIG ladder on top and an engine doesn’t. Also, engines carry more water. You can learn more about the difference and about other fire apparatus that we use in our Apparatus Showcase.

The burning seasons are March 1st to June 15th (may be shortened due to high fire danger) and between October 1st to December 15th.

You can also visit our Outdoor/Open Burning webpage HERE for more specifics.

It is illegal statewide to burn garbage. Paper is okay outside the burn ban area but during a burn ban there is NO burning whatsoever. Burn barrels are not an effective way to burn anything due to the amount of smoke they produce since there is no air flow.

If you have a neighbor burning during a burn ban or , you need to call 911 and we would respond because of the possible fire danger. Then you need to call DEQ at 888-997-7888, or visit their website, to report it.

If they are burning garbage on a burn day during the burning season, you would need to report that to DEQ. If you have other questions regarding burning feel free to call our Fire Prevention Office at 503-742-2660.

Fire pits are allowed and can be used during non-burn bans. Complete burn bans are generally in effect from July to October. Other rules regarding fire pits are: you must burn dry seasoned fire wood. NO lumber. Have a water source nearby and be up to 25 ft away from structures.

If smoke complaints are generated you will be asked to extinguish your fire. Multiple complaints from neighbors will be considered nuisance complaints and it could lead to financial penalties.

Medical records and reports can be requested by clicking here.

Fire reports can be requested by contacting us here. Make sure you have the address and date/time of the incident.

All residential fire sprinkler systems shall be designed by a knowledgeable and trained person as approved by local permit authority. NFPA 13D-Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes will guide in determining a sufficient water source.  Some circumstances, depending upon your sprinkler water demand, you may be able to use city water supply, stationary water tank or wells.

Manufactures specify that a standard 5/8”x 3/4” water meter will only provide 20 PSI of water pressure.  NFPA 13D-Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems In One and Two Family Dwellings requires a two head sprinkler design, meaning, your pressure needed to support that system is 26 PSI. A full 3/4″ water meter is needed to properly support the sprinkler demand.

Click HERE for a brochure.

The Fire District no longer installs or assists with Child Safety Seats. This is due to the amount of re-certification and training that it takes to remain a Child Safety Seat Technician.

For information regarding Child Safety Seats, please visit www.childsafetyseat.org or call them at 503-643-5620 (or 1-800-772-1315).

Contact the Oregon State Police at: 800.452.7888

They have jurisdiction and can help coordinate proper disposal for you.

You should never, ever drive over a fire hose at a fire scene. That hose is supplying water to firefighters that are inside fighting fire. If that hose was to burst (which they do when a vehicle runs over them), those firefighters would not have any water protection between them and the flames and they could be killed or injured.

Visit the Apply Now by clicking here.

To submit an application online, click here.

Applications can, also, be printed and mailed to:

You will receive an online confirmation once a completed application is submitted.

Visit the Apply Now page for more information.

Logan Station 12, Clarkes Station 13, and Centennial Park Station 21.

In order to apply to be a volunteer, you do not need to live near a fire station. Learn more about the Volunteer Program here.