SW Polk Fire

09/05/2026

It is with profound sadness that the Southwest Polk Fire District announces the passing of longtime Board President Rod Watson.

Rod served the Southwest Polk Fire District Board of Directors for 32 years, many of those years as President. Few individuals have had a greater or more lasting influence on the direction, culture, and future of our Fire District.

Rod believed deeply in service to his community and in doing things the right way. Throughout his years of leadership, his guidance was consistent: take the high road, do what is right, and always remember who we are here to serve. That philosophy became more than advice; it became part of the standard by which our District operates.

During his tenure, Rod played a key role in many of the District’s most significant accomplishments. His leadership helped bring three new fire stations to the District, strengthen regional fire services, establish ambulance services, and secure funding to hire additional firefighters and staff the Bridgeport Fire Station.

Rod was more than a Board President. He showed up. He attended District events, supported our firefighters and staff, and remained deeply invested in the people and communities we serve. It was a privilege to work alongside him, and his legacy cannot simply be measured by his accomplishments. It lives on in the organization he helped build, the lives he influenced, and the standard of integrity he left for us to follow.

Outside the Fire District, Rod was the owner of RG Watson Farms, a respected member of the Rickreall community, a husband, a father of four, and the proud grandfather of twenty. His dedication to family, agriculture, community, and public service reflected a life centered on service to others.

The Southwest Polk Fire District extends its deepest condolences to Rod’s family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his friendship and service.

President Watson, thank you for 32 years of extraordinary service, leadership, friendship, and unwavering commitment to this District and its people.

Your watch has ended, but your legacy will remain with us always ❤️

09/03/2026

It's a great time to check/replace batteries in alarms ⏰️

Rainy days in the forecast has it feeling like fall. Spending some time indoors over the next few days? Let's check and test those smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. If you test them and they aren't working, try a new battery/replace pronto.

Working alarms save lives!

09/03/2026

Be weather aware 🌧

There is a 20-30% chance for thunderstorms across all of SW WA and NW OR. Severe weather is not expected but thunderstorms that develop could produce gusty winds and small hail. Be weather aware when spending time outdoors, and take shelter indoors if a storm forms near you!

08/15/2026

Be weather aware ⚡️

Isolated thunderstorms are possible across NW OR & SW WA overnight into Saturday morning, including the Willamette Valley, Coast Range, & Cascades. Thunderstorm chances then transition to the Cascades Saturday afternoon. Be weather aware if you have outdoor plans!

08/10/2026

We had so much fun at the Polk County Fair!! Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth and those who ran the obstacle course 👨‍🚒

We appreciate all the work that goes into the fair each year and are honored to participate!

08/08/2026

Stay informed and travel safely 💪

08/06/2026

The majority of wildfires are human-caused, and together we can all help reduce the risk. A few simple ways to help prevent wildfires:

✅ Never discard cigarette butts or other smoking materials into dry grass, brush, or other vegetation.
✅ Don’t drive or park on dry grass. Hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation.
✅ Avoid using lawn mowers, chainsaws, or other spark-producing equipment during hot, dry, or windy conditions. Lawn mowers are designed for lawns, not dry grass or weeds.
✅ Check for local campfire and fire restrictions before heading outdoors, and follow them.
✅ Check old burn piles for lingering hot spots by stirring the ashes and adding water until everything is cool to the touch.
✅ Make sure trailer safety chains are secured and never drag on the roadway.
✅ If you see fire, report it to 911 immediately.

A single spark can have lasting consequences. Thank you for doing your part to help protect our communities, forests, and the places we all enjoy.

08/06/2026

Hopefully today is our last day of all the smoke 🙌 Stay safe out there!!

08/06/2026

We are sooo thankful 🙌