Columbia River Fire & Rescue

Columbia River Fire & Rescue CRF&R solves community problems by doing the right thing, the right way at the right time. St.

Columbia River Fire & Rescue protects approximately 200 square miles of Columbia County, Oregon. Helens, Columbia City and the City of Rainier reside within its borders. CRF&R operates out of 7 stations providing fire, rescue and ALS transport medical services.

Good things are happening at Columbia River Fire & Rescue!We’re proud to recognize Firefighters Hunter Johnson, Alex Bil...
04/27/2026

Good things are happening at Columbia River Fire & Rescue!

We’re proud to recognize Firefighters Hunter Johnson, Alex Bilton, and Tyler Carroll on successfully completing their 12-month probation. This milestone reflects a year of hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving our community, and we’re excited to see their continued growth in the fire service.

We also want to congratulate Firefighter David Bair on his promotion to Lieutenant. This achievement is a testament to his leadership, experience, and the effort he has consistently shown throughout his career.

Please join us in celebrating all of these members for their accomplishments and for the positive impact they make every day.

Yesterday at 12:06pm, Columbia River Fire & Rescue crews responded to a vessel fire involving two boats. Upon arrival, c...
04/06/2026

Yesterday at 12:06pm, Columbia River Fire & Rescue crews responded to a vessel fire involving two boats. Upon arrival, crews found an approximately 65-foot vessel and a 35-foot sailboat heavily involved in fire.
Both vessels have since sunk.

The investigation into the cause of the fire will begin today.

Preliminary information indicates that no occupants remained on board either vessel during the incident. No injuries have been reported.

Both boats were tied to a floating anchored dock approximately 50 feet from shore.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Thank you to the following agencies for their assistance and response.
Scappoose Fire
Clatskanie Fire
Clark County - Cowlitz
Vancouver Fire
Columbia 911
Bernet Barge Line
Shaver

Big thanks to the Coast Guard and DEQ who responded to help keep the river clean.

Please see the attached press release regarding a meeting between the fire districts in Columbia County.
02/23/2026

Please see the attached press release regarding a meeting between the fire districts in Columbia County.

Today, Columbia River Fire & Rescue was proud to participate in the career fair at St. Helens High School.Paramedic Emil...
02/19/2026

Today, Columbia River Fire & Rescue was proud to participate in the career fair at St. Helens High School.

Paramedic Emily Green and Firefighter/Paramedic Doug Kirchhofer represented CRFR and did a fantastic job connecting with students interested in careers in Fire and EMS. They shared what it’s like to work in the fire service, discussed the responsibilities of the job, and highlighted the rewards and challenges of serving our community.

Students had the opportunity to see some of the equipment we use in the field and learn about the education and certifications required to become a firefighter or paramedic. Emily and Doug also provided information about colleges and schools that offer Fire and EMS training programs to help students begin planning their career paths.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to support and inspire the next generation of public safety professionals. Thank you to St. Helens High School for having us!

Columbia River Fire and Rescue responded to a reported commercial fire in the 58000 block of McNulty Way at the Lee Broa...
02/10/2026

Columbia River Fire and Rescue responded to a reported commercial fire in the 58000 block of McNulty Way at the Lee Broadbent Training Center and Volunteer Fire Station 479. Units arrived at 6:17 a.m. to find an active fire in the bay and vehicle storage area of the building. Heavy black smoke was pouring from the bay doors, reducing visibility to less than one foot.

Crews discovered an ambulance on fire in bay number one, with heat and smoke damage throughout the building. Firefighters brought the fire under control within 20 minutes and fully extinguished it approximately one hour after arrival.

Columbia River Fire and Rescue would like to thank Scappoose Fire for assisting with fire suppression and Clatskanie Fire for covering the west end of our district, which allowed the Rainier engine to respond to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Several other fire vehicles were damaged but are expected to be repaired and returned to service soon.

Columbia River Fire and Rescue appreciates the community’s support and offers of assistance. We will work diligently with our insurance company to restore our training center and volunteer station to full operation as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your continued support.

Highway 30 at Larson Rd and Heath Rd is closed in both directions due to a vehicle accident. Please avoid the area. Tha...
02/10/2026

Highway 30 at Larson Rd and Heath Rd is closed in both directions due to a vehicle accident. Please avoid the area. Thank you

Yesterday Lt Lockhart and FF Parshall from our Fairgrounds station had the opportunity to spend time at Warren Elementar...
01/28/2026

Yesterday Lt Lockhart and FF Parshall from our Fairgrounds station had the opportunity to spend time at Warren Elementary working with some awesome preschool students learning about fire safety!

The kids learned important basics like what firefighters wear, that we’re there to help (not scare), and what to do if they ever see smoke or fire. We also talked about staying low in smoke and listening to teachers and adults during emergencies.

Of course, the highlight was getting an up-close tour of the fire engine. The students got to see the tools we use and ask some great questions — we might have a few future firefighters in the group!

We love getting out in the community and helping our youngest residents learn how to stay safe. Thanks to Warren Elementary for having us!

Structure Fire – Ridgeway LoopAt approximately 11:30 PM last night, Columbia River Fire & Rescue responded to a reported...
01/23/2026

Structure Fire – Ridgeway Loop

At approximately 11:30 PM last night, Columbia River Fire & Rescue responded to a reported structure fire in the 60,000 block of Ridgeway Loop.

Upon arrival, crews found the garage of a two-story home heavily involved, with fire extending into the second floor. Firefighters quickly initiated an aggressive attack on the fire while simultaneously checking the structure for occupants.

The fire was successfully confined to the garage and a second-floor bedroom. A travel trailer and a passenger vehicle were also damaged by the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Sadly, a well-known Halloween Town taxi cab stored in the garage was destroyed.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

We would like to extend our thanks to Scappoose Fire District, along with Law Enforcement and Columbia 911 for their assistance. Mutual aid makes a difference, and we appreciate the teamwork.

Last night, our volunteer firefighters braved the chilly weather for hands-on vehicle extrication training. This vital s...
01/20/2026

Last night, our volunteer firefighters braved the chilly weather for hands-on vehicle extrication training. This vital skill helps ensure occupants are removed safely and efficiently during vehicle accidents.

Thank you to Lt. Pulito for instructing, and to the Columbia County residents who generously donated vehicles to support this training. These donations make realistic, hands-on practice possible.

If you have an old vehicle you’d like to donate, please contact Battalion Chief Wonderly at 971-757-5943 via text or phone call. Vehicle donations qualify for a $500 tax write-off and directly support firefighter training in our community.

Friday evening around 8:45 p.m., Columbia River Fire & Rescue responded to a reported residential fire in Columbia City....
01/18/2026

Friday evening around 8:45 p.m., Columbia River Fire & Rescue responded to a reported residential fire in Columbia City. It was reported that an adult female occupant was inside the home and unable to get herself out as smoke filled the house.

Columbia City Police Officer Mary Goodwin arrived prior to fire units and entered the home, assisting the occupant to the front hallway. When the occupant was unable to continue, Columbia River Fire & Rescue firefighters Maria Preston and Doug Kirchhofer made entry, and carried the occupant safely outside.

Both the occupant and Officer Goodwin were evaluated by paramedics and did not require further medical treatment.

We would like to recognize Officer Mary Goodwin, Firefighter Maria Preston, and Firefighter Doug Kirchhofer for their teamwork and quick actions. We also thank the Columbia City Police Department for their continued dedication to the safety of our community, along with the Oregon State Police, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, St. Helens Police Department and Columbia 911 dispatchers for their assistance.

Address

270 Columbia Boulevard
Saint Helens, OR
97051

Telephone

+15033972990

Website

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