Gaston Rural Fire District

There is much more to the Gaston Rural Fire District than the city of Gaston.

Next time you see the Gaston Rural Fire District in action, remember that nearly everyone you see is a volunteer.

And some of those volunteers are full-time professional firefighters.

Confused?

It's pretty simple. Most of the folks you see out there risking their lives work as log truck drivers, contractors or some other profession to earn a living.

Four of the volunteers, however, are firefighters for neighboring districts when they're not helping out here.

Call numbers below before you burn. Also keep in mind that permits are required in land covered by the Oregon Department of Forestry Fire District.

You have been clearing brush and you want to burn it. You and your neighbors have different opinions about when it's legal to do so.

So when is backyard burning legal? The honest answer is: it depends.

On most summer weekends there are many boaters out enjoying the sun at Henry Hagg Lake ... and then there are a few out on the lake to save lives.

Firefighters and emergency medical technicians spend their time patrolling the popular lake to help in emergencies large and small.

Spending a day out on the lake might sound like a vacation, but the folks who do it are all volunteers, and they've devoted a lot of time to train for the job.

Here are some of the men and women of Gaston who help keep the community safe. If you would like to join us, whether by fighting fires, patrolling Henry Hagg Lake or flipping pancakes at the Wapato Showdown, click here for an application.

Board of Directors
Phil Anderson, Chair
Don Allen
Michael Pedemonte
Phil Dey
Steve Hedin

With a staff of just four paid employees, the Gaston Rural Fire District is charged with protecting more than 6,000 residents in Washington and Yamhill counties, not to mention the thousands more who visit Henry Hagg Lake and the bustling wineries in the area.

Home fire safety inspection checklist
Make sure your home is safe inside and out. Contains tips for trimming trees, fireplace and furnace maintenance, electrical cord maintenance, chemical storage, cooking, smoke alarms, escape drills and much more. Click here to download and print the form.