Klamath County Fire District 1

06/02/2026

Honoring Extraordinary Civilian Action
Patrick Carroll - Distinguished Citizen Service Award
Lia Adamson - Emergency Response Activation Award

06/02/2026

Honoring Extraordinary Civilian Action

Klamath County Fire District 1 took the opportunity to recognize Patrick Carroll and Lia Adamson whose quick thinking and selfless actions made a critical difference during a recent residential fire.

Patrick Carroll was recognized with the Distinguished Citizen Service Award for his quick and courageous response. He immediately directed someone to call 911, checked the home for occupants despite heavy fire conditions, helped guide an occupant to safety, and prevented her from re-entering the burning structure—an action that likely prevented a tragedy.

Lia Adamson was recognized with the Emergency Response Activation Award for her critical role in the early response. She promptly called 911, relayed key information to dispatch, and confirmed an occupant was still inside while coordinating communication between dispatch and the scene, helping ensure a rapid and informed response.

Their willingness to act in a moment of crisis exemplifies the very best of our community. Because of their awareness, courage, and concern for a neighbor, a life was protected during a dangerous and rapidly evolving emergency.

While firefighters and emergency personnel are often recognized for their service, incidents like this remind us that public safety is truly a shared responsibility. We are grateful for citizens who are willing to step forward when seconds matter.

On behalf of everyone at Klamath County Fire District 1, thank you, Patrick and Lia, for your outstanding actions, exceptional courage, and commitment to helping a neighbor in need.

05/26/2026

Effective May 22, 2026, KCFD1 will enforce a closure on all open burning within District boundaries due to increasing fire danger and the onset of fire season conditions.

This closure applies to all areas within KCFD1’s jurisdiction, including the City of Klamath Falls and surrounding suburban and rural areas of the District.

Visit https://kcfd1.com/f/fire-season-declaration-and-burn-closure for full details.

Effective May 22, 2026, Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) will enforce a closure on all open burning within District boundaries due to increasing fire danger and the onset of fire season conditions.

05/22/2026

☀️🌲 What an incredible stretch of weather we’ve been having! The sunshine is out, temperatures are warming up, and Klamath County is heading into that time of year where everyone is excited to get back outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather.

With the warmer temperatures and dry conditions also comes the beginning of increasing fire danger throughout the Klamath Basin. As conditions continue drying out, fuels such as grass, brush, leaves, pine needles, and dead wood become more susceptible to ignition and rapid fire spread.

As we move closer to wildland fire season, Klamath County Fire District #1 firefighters are actively preparing equipment, training, and staffing to be ready for the months ahead.

We ask our community to help do their part by practicing outdoor fire safety:
🔥 Use extreme caution with campfires and ensure they are completely extinguished
🔥 Never leave fireworks unattended and follow all local regulations
🔥 Be cautious while mowing or operating equipment in dry grass
🔥 Avoid parking hot vehicles or trailers in tall vegetation
🔥 Keep chains from dragging on roadways and creating sparks
🔥 Have water or fire extinguishers readily available during outdoor activities and property work

Preparation starts now — for firefighters and for our community. Together, we can help reduce the risk of preventable wildfires and keep Klamath County safe this summer.

Stay safe, enjoy the sunshine, and have a great weekend from all of us at Klamath County Fire District #1. 🚒🌲

www.kcfd1.com

05/21/2026

KCFD1 swore in four new EMS employees on Friday, May 15. EMS Academy Instructors Firefighter Shawn Elliott and Paramedic Leland Ortis led the academy with students Chris Deese - Paramedic, Alyssa Brennan - EMT-A, Chance Friend - EMT, and Charles Jaco - Paramedic. The new employees now have their assigned shifts to continue their KCFD1 training under a Field Training Coach.

Congratulations Chris, Alyssa, Chance and Charles! Welcome to KCFD1!

05/20/2026

On May 7, KCFD1 celebrated the end of probation for Firefighter Myles Moore since he made a lateral transfer to firefighter from EMS in October. Firefighter Moore joined the District in 2024 as an EMT and continues to be a great asset to the District; his peers and staff have enjoyed coaching and watching him grow into his new role.

Congratulations Firefighter Moore!

05/17/2026

On May 16, 2026, crews responded to the Spence Mountain Trailhead for an injured mountain biker located approximately two miles from the main trailhead on the Speed King Trail.

Klamath County Fire District 1 assigned an Engine, an Ambulance and a Battalion Chief to respond to the incident.

This incident was a great example of teamwork and coordination between multiple agencies. Klamath County Fire District 1 worked alongside Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath County 911, Oregon State Police, and the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit to locate, access, and safely extricate the injured rider and his K9 companion from the mountain.

We would also like to thank the riders who assisted with locating the injured mountain biker, stayed with him until emergency crews could reach his side, and helped support the extrication effort. Their willingness to step up and help made a meaningful difference.

The rider sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported for further care. His K9 companion was safely reunited with the patient’s wife while en route to the hospital.

Backcountry and trail rescues can be challenging due to distance, terrain, and access. We appreciate the cooperation and coordination from everyone involved during incidents like this.

We are proud of the coordinated effort by everyone involved and grateful for the strong partnerships that help keep our community safe.

www.KCFD1.com

05/14/2026

Yesterday in Sunriver, Oregon, members of Klamath County Fire District #1 were formally recognized by the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association and presented with a Unit Citation for their actions during the November 14, 2025 residential structure fire rescue in Klamath Falls.

The award recognized Battalion Chief Toni Brimmer, Captain Brandon Friend, Paramedic Ken McKeane, Firefighter Treyson Robbins, Firefighter Jonathan Rott, Firefighter/Paramedic Jade Ames, Firefighter/EMT Luke Cronin, and Firefighter/EMT Owen Boswell for:

“Exceptional courage, bravery, and teamwork in providing coordinated rescue and advanced medical care to a critically injured patient during a residential structure fire on November 14, 2025, under extreme and challenging conditions.”

While firefighters train every day for incidents like this, the reality is that confirmed live rescues from active residential structure fires are relatively uncommon in a firefighter’s career. National firefighter rescue data shows only a small percentage of residential fires result in viable victim rescues, making incidents like this especially significant.

On the morning of November 14, 2025, KCFD #1 crews arrived on scene in under four minutes and immediately initiated an aggressive fire attack and primary search under rapidly deteriorating conditions. Through coordinated teamwork, decisive action, and advanced medical care, crews were able to locate, remove, and begin treatment of a trapped occupant within minutes.

Firefighter rescue research has shown that victims rapidly located and removed from residential structure fires by firefighters have approximately a 74% survival rate, reinforcing the importance of staffing, training, rapid response, and coordinated operations during critical incidents.

KCFD #1 is extremely proud of the professionalism, composure, and courage displayed by all personnel involved. The recognition received yesterday from the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association reflects the highest traditions of the fire service and the commitment firefighters make every day to protect the citizens of our community.

www.KCFD1.com

05/14/2026

Klamath County Fire District 1 is excited to announce the rollout of the Handtevy Pediatric System across our department.

Calls involving sick or injured children can be some of the most stressful emergencies our crews respond to. Kids require different medication doses, equipment sizes, and treatment approaches than adults, and those decisions often need to be made very quickly.

The Handtevy System helps simplify that process by giving our firefighters and paramedics quick access to pediatric treatment information, medication dosing, and equipment sizing right at the patient’s side. The system also improves how pediatric equipment is organized, helping crews work more efficiently during critical moments.

This represents a comprehensive upgrade to how KCFD1 approaches pediatric emergency care — combining updated equipment organization, additional training, and technology designed to help our crews provide the best care possible when seconds matter most.

A crucial part of the Handtevy system is a bag which holds and organizes the pediatric equipment. It has everything from an OB kit to multiple sizes of BVM, BP cuffs, and intubation supplies organized in age/size increments making it simple to have the needed equipment ready to go. Each ambulance has the same Handtevy bag to help ensure each pediatric call will be handled with competent compassionate care.

05/11/2026

KCFD1 Responds to Structure Fire on Arthur Street

Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) responded to a reported structure fire in the 1700 block of Arthur Street earlier today involving an abandoned residential structure.

A total of four engines, two ambulances, one Battalion Chief, and one Duty Officer responded to the incident. Klamath Falls Police Department and Klamath County Sheriff’s Office also assisted on scene.

Fire crews arrived to find smoke and fire coming from the vacant residence. Initial observations indicate the fire appeared to have started on the covered porch before extending into the attic space, causing extensive damage to the structure.

KCFD1 crews performed a rapid and coordinated fire attack, quickly locating the seat of the fire and preventing extension to neighboring homes and properties. Their aggressive interior operations and efficient scene coordination allowed the fire to be brought under control in a timely manner despite challenging conditions within the abandoned structure.

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time. KCFD1 would like to thank the eyewitnesses who noticed the fire and immediately called 911, allowing crews to respond quickly and limit further spread.

KCFD1 also reminds the public that abandoned buildings can present significant safety hazards and encourages residents to report suspicious activity around vacant properties.