Rope Training & New Cadets
North Curry Fire Bulletin
This monthly bulletin is intended to keep our community informed about the ongoing activities and services of the Sixes Rural Fire Protection District (RFPD), Langlois RFPD, Port Orford RFPD, and the Coos Forest Protection Association (CFPA). We sincerely appreciate the continued support of our community and value the opportunity to share updates from across the region.
Calls & Training
During the month of April, Port Orford Fire responded to eleven calls, while Langlois and Sixes Fire each responded to two. On April 25, CFPA facilitated a “Burn to Learn” training in Coquille, where firefighters from several departments—including Sixes and Port Orford—participated in hands-on, live fire training.
April was a significant month for the local SCARR (Sixes Combined Aquatic and Rope Rescue) Team. Seven SCARR volunteers (along with four CFPA and Myrtle Point firefighters) completed a five-day, 50-hour rope rescue course, earning their Rope Technician Certification. This milestone marks the final step in establishing SCARR as a fully operational, all-hazards rescue unit.
This achievement builds on extensive training completed over the past eighteen months, including certifications in swiftwater rescue, wilderness first aid, wilderness navigation, and wilderness search and rescue. The rope technician course was rigorous and demanding, with participants practicing rappelling techniques and conducting rescues from the rope tower in Myrtle Point, as well as along the bluffs and cliffs at Cape Blanco State Park. Trainees developed advanced skills in patient packaging under challenging conditions and learned how to safely manage high-angle rescue operations.
We extend our sincere thanks to Chief Willy Burris of Myrtle Point Fire for providing the classroom for the first two days of instruction and tower training. The remainder of the course took place in the field, offering invaluable real-world experience. The instructors both traveled quite a distance to provide their expertise for our local rescuers: Rich Chitwood from Glide and Travis Doggitt all the way from Montana!
This training has been nearly two years in the making, requiring both the right instructors and sufficient funding. It would NOT have been possible without the generous support of our community. Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative funded half of the SCARR team’s participation costs. Additional significant contributions were made by the Jeff Common Foundation, Myrtle Point Fire and Rescue, the Port Orford Senior Center, Langlois Fire and Sixes Fire.
We are fortunate to live in a community that so strongly supports its emergency services. From the volunteers who took time away from work and family to complete this demanding training, to the donors who made it possible, this effort reflects the very best of our region. Your support directly contributes to a safer community for us all, and we are deeply grateful.
Upcoming Event: Hometown Heroes
The Sixes RFPD Auxiliary is pleased to announce the fourth annual Hometown Heroes Fair, 5K Walk/Run, and Car Show, taking place on August 15. This year’s event will feature a large exhibit from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in the newly refurbished Community Building.
This festival continues to grow each year, and we are excited to partner with OMSI to offer engaging and educational experiences for attendees of all ages. The Auxiliary is currently seeking vendors. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to contact Shayla at SixesRPFDAux@gmail.com.
Community
Sixes RFPD also visited South Coast Head Start to deliver a fun, safety-focused presentation for our local youth. Firefighters shared important lessons such as staying low in smoke, practicing “get out and stay out,” and understanding that firefighters are there to help and protect.
At the end of the visit, Sixes Fire proudly welcomed a dozen new honorary junior firefighters, who all earned their fire helmets! We may have some future recruits in the making!
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