La Pine Rural Fire Protection District

10/13/2026

October 1, 2026
Public Announcement: La Pine Rural Fire Protection District Board Agenda
Distribution Date: October 2, 2026
Meeting Date, Location, and Time: October 15th, 2026, 51550 Huntington Rd, La Pine, OR 97739 at 09:00 A.M.

1. 0900 Open Regular Meeting- Station 101 51550 Huntington Rd, La Pine, OR, 97739
a. *Please announce that this meeting is being recorded*
2. Flag Salute
3. Roll Call/Reciting of the Mission Statement
a. “Promote and protect the health and welfare of our community through excellence in preparedness, collaboration, and delivery of emergency services.”
4. Approval of the Consent Agenda
5. Employee Recognition
a. Nick Popp Probation Completion Oath of Office/Pinning
b. Employee recognition
6. Open Forum for Public Comment
a. 5 minutes per person
b. Please sign in to be recognized by the chair
7. Acceptance of Minutes
a. Regular Board Meeting Minutes- September 10th, 2026
8. Financials: Finance Director Andrew Salata
a. District Statement of Revenue and Expense
b. Monthly expense detail to date and by vendor
c. Approval of Bills: September 1, 2026 -September 30, 2026
9. Management Report: September 2026, Chief Holsey
10. Old Business
a. Community Based Consulting
b. Wildfire coordinator update
c. Firewise Community Recognition for October
11. New Business
a. Remodel update
i. IMEG
ii. Government financial Advisor
iii. Bond Attorney
b. Policies
i. 600.05 Patient Rights update
ii. Debt service update
c. Audit update
d. Shift Christmas Breakfast
12. Correspondence/News
a. Public Service Announcements sent to media, posted to reader board, and South County shopper.
b. ASA appointment
c. Fall trash bash
d. Press Releases
i. Structure Fire
ii. Open Debris Burning
13. Special Meetings/Workshops
a. Oregon Resilience Summit- Chief Holsey will be a panel presenter 10/21-10/23
b. Halloween 10/31/2026
c. Ops Meeting November 30, 2026
14. Good of the Order
15. Next Meeting- November TBD
16. Adjourn Regular Board Meeting
Executive Session: Pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2) (h) litigation & ORS 192.660 Personnel Issue, 192.660 (2) (d) Labor Contract.
At any time during the meeting, an executive session could be called to address issues relating to ORS 192.660(2)(e), real property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2)(h), litigation; ORS 192.660(2)(d), labor negotiations; ORS 192.660(2)(b), personnel issues; or other executive session categories. Executive sessions are closed to the public; however, with few exceptions and under specific guidelines, are open to the media.

10/13/2026

Public Affairs Specialist: Jaimie Olle
(541) 640-3192
[email protected]
fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes
Prescribed Burn Planned Wednesday Six Miles Northwest of Sunriver
Ignitions planned on up to 332 acres if conditions are favorable
Sunriver, Oregon, October 13, 2026 — On Wednesday, firefighters on the Deschutes National Forest plan to conduct prescribed burn operations on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District six miles northwest of Sunriver and 16 miles southwest of Bend near Wanoga Butte. Ignitions are planned for up to 332 acres on the Junction 6 Prescribed Burn unit if conditions are favorable.

Ignitions are slated to begin around 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Firefighters may continue with ignitions on Thursday if conditions are favorable. No road or trail closures are anticipated.

Smoke will be visible from Forest Service Roads 40 and 45, the Cascade Lakes Highway, Sunriver and the surrounding area. Residents along the Deschutes River corridor including La Pine, Sunriver and Bend are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours.

Prescribed burns can protect homes from tragic wildfires. Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.

What does this mean for you?
During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.
• All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.
• If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner.
• If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.
• When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating.
• If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.
• Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources.
For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Follow us on X . Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology—and rooted in communities—the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with Tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.
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A centralized prescribed fire smoke, wildfire smoke, air quality and community health resource for residents of Central Oregon.

10/01/2026

For Immediate Release:

Debris Burning is Open for Deschutes County Residents. Klamath County remains closed to debris. We will update this message upon Klamath County Opening for Debris Burning. Klamath County residents of our district should check with Walker Range in addition to La Pine Fire District for burning regulations. Thanks, and sorry for any confusion between the two counties rules.

09/30/2026

Deschutes National Forest

Forest Service News Release

Public Affairs Specialist: Jaimie Olle
(541) 640-3192
[email protected]
fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes
Prescribed Burn Planned Thursday Nine Miles Southwest of Crescent
Ignitions planned on up to 42 acres if conditions are favorable
Crescent, Oregon, September 30, 2026 — On Thursday, firefighters on the Deschutes National Forest plan to conduct prescribed burn operations on the Crescent Ranger District nine miles southwest of Crescent and one mile south of the Two Rivers subdivision between Forest Service Road (FSR) 5830 and FSR 5835-400. Ignitions are planned for up to 42 acres on the Sting 6 Prescribed Burn unit if conditions are favorable.

Ignitions are slated to begin at 12 p.m. No road or trail closures are anticipated.

Smoke will be visible from Highways 58 and 97 and may have temporary impacts to Highway 58 between mile marker 80 to 84 likely during overnight and early morning hours. Operations are located approximately one mile south of the Two Rivers subdivision and four miles southeast of the Cascade Estates subdivision. Residents are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours.

Prescribed burns can protect homes from tragic wildfires. Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.

What does this mean for you?
During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.
• All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.
• If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner.
• If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.
• When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating.
• If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.
• Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources.
For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Follow us on X . Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology—and rooted in communities—the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with Tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.
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1220 SW 3rd Avenue
Portland, OR, 97204, USA

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A centralized prescribed fire smoke, wildfire smoke, air quality and community health resource for residents of Central Oregon.

09/30/2026

September 30, 2026

For Immediate Release

CONTACT: Ryan Herrera
Fire Chief, Redmond Fire & Rescue
Chair, Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association
541-504-5014

Central Oregon Fire Chiefs To Collectively Open Debris Burning Regionally on Thursday, October 1, 2026

The Central Oregon Fire Chiefs’ Association (COFCA) works with local, state, and federal partners to determine when to collectively open debris burning in the fall. The twelve local fire agencies in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties met and agreed to collectively open debris burning on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 12:00 a.m.

Even with the joint decision to allow burning, each local fire protection agency has discretion to open or close it on a daily basis. Before burning, residents should check online or call their specific fire department to get current information, understand the regulations, and obtain the necessary permits if required. If burning across multiple days, residents should check online or call each morning before burning.

All Central Oregon fire departments and rural fire districts will continue to monitor weather and fuel moisture conditions in their district and, because of localized variability, may make modifications on a day-to-day basis. For a comprehensive list of local fire districts, please visit https://centraloregonfire.org/fire-departments/.

Individual agency burn information phone numbers:

Alfalfa Fire District - 541-382-2333
Bend/Deschutes Rural District #2 - 541-322-6335
Black Butte Ranch - 541-595-2288
Cloverdale - 541-389-2345
Crook County Fire & Rescue - 541-447-BURN (2876)
Crooked River Ranch RFPD - 541-923-4633
Jefferson County Fire & EMS - 541-475-1789
La Pine Fire Department - 541-536-9056
Lake Chinook Fire - 541-410-5077
Redmond Fire & Rescue - 541-504-5035
Sisters-Camp Sherman - 541-549-2333
Warm Springs Fire & Safety - 541-553-1146

Partner Organizations:
541-383-5300 - Deschutes National Forest
541-416-6500 - Ochoco National Forest/Crooked River Grasslands
541-416-6700 - Bureau of Land Management
541-447-5658 - Oregon Department of Forestry
541-549-2731 - Oregon Department of Forestry (Sisters Sub-Unit)

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09/30/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
La Pine Rural Fire Protection District Responds to Residential Structure Fire on Railroad Street
LA PINE, OR. (September 26, 2026) – The La Pine Rural Fire Protection District responded to a reported residential structure fire at 52594 Railroad Street in La Pine at approximately 7:22 a.m. on September 26, 2026.

Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke and fire conditions within the residence and initiated an aggressive interior fire attack. Crews quickly brought the fire under control and prevented further damage to the structure.

A total of 11 firefighters and command staff responded to the incident utilizing 3 engines, 1 tender, and 2 command units. Assistance was provided by Sunriver Fire, whose personnel supported fire suppression, operations.

There were no civilian injuries or fatalities associated with the incident. The occupants safely evacuated the residence prior to firefighter arrival. As a result of the fire, two occupants have been displaced and are making temporary housing arrangements.

Preliminary damage estimates place the loss at approximately $5,000 to $7,000. The fire remains under investigation; however, the suspected cause is associated with a pellet stove. The exact cause has not been officially determined.

Rapid notification, early evacuation by the occupants, and a coordinated response by fire crews were key factors in limiting damage to the home.

The La Pine Rural Fire Protection District reminds residents to ensure pellet stoves, wood-burning appliances, and associated venting systems are properly installed, inspected, and maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. Regular cleaning and inspection of heating appliances can help reduce the risk of fire.

Incident Summary
• Incident Type: Residential Structure Fire
• Location: 52594 Railroad Street, La Pine, Oregon
• Date/Time: September 26, 2026, 7:22 a.m.
• Civilian Injuries: None
• Civilian Fatalities: None
• Occupants Displaced: 2
• Estimated Loss: $5,000 to $7,000
• Suspected Cause: Pellet stove malfunction or associated heating equipment.
• Responding Personnel: 11
• Assisting Agencies: Sun River Fire

Media Contact
La Pine Rural Fire Protection District
51535 Huntington Road
La Pine, OR 97739
(541) 536-2935
www.lapinefire.com

09/29/2026

Forest Service News Release

Public Affairs Specialist: Jaimie Olle
(541) 640-3192
[email protected]
fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes
Prescribed Burn Planned Seven Miles Southwest of Crescent on Tuesday
Ignitions planned on up to 187 acres if conditions are favorable
Crescent, Oregon, September 28, 2026 — On Tuesday, firefighters on the Deschutes National Forest plan to conduct prescribed burn operations on the Crescent Ranger District seven miles southwest of Crescent near the Rivers North OHV Staging Area and the junction of Highway 58 and Forest Service Road (FSR) 5825. Ignitions are planned for up to 187 acres on the Rabbit 42A and UB CE 16 Prescribed Burn units if conditions are favorable.

Ignitions are slated to begin at 11 a.m. Trail #55 will be closed within the Three Trails OHV Trails System. Closures will remain in place for multiple days while mop-up and patrol operations continue after the prescribed burn is complete. Firefighters will reopen the trail once conditions have been assessed and are determined safe for the public.

Smoke will be visible from Highway 58 and the surrounding area. Operations are located approximately two miles northwest from the Two Rivers subdivision. Residents are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours.

Prescribed burns can protect homes from tragic wildfires. Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.

What does this mean for you?
During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.
• All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.
• If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner.
• If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.
• When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating.
• If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.
• Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources.
For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Follow us on X . Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology—and rooted in communities—the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with Tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.
# # #



This email was sent by: Pacific Northwest Region
1220 SW 3rd Avenue
Portland, OR, 97204, USA

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Update Profile

To view this email as a web page, click here.

A centralized prescribed fire smoke, wildfire smoke, air quality and community health resource for residents of Central Oregon.

09/29/2026

09/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

La Pine Rural Fire Protection District Receives $2.499 Million Grant for Station 101 Upgrades and Expansion

LA PINE, Ore. La Pine Rural Fire Protection District has been awarded a $2,499,000 grant to complete seismic upgrades and major facility improvements at its main headquarters, Station 101 on Huntington Road, enhancing the district’s ability to serve the community while improving firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities.

The funding will support critical seismic strengthening of the station, ensuring the facility remains operational following a major earthquake or other disaster. In addition, the district will undertake a significant remodel and expansion project that will add firefighter living quarters, modern contamination-reduction spaces, and additional apparatus bays to meet current and future service demands.

Among the planned improvements are new dormitory accommodations for emergency response personnel, dedicated turnout gear cleaning and storage areas designed to reduce firefighter exposure to carcinogens, and expanded apparatus storage space to house a recently donated aerial telesquirt fire apparatus.

The aerial apparatus will provide enhanced firefighting capabilities for commercial buildings, multi-family housing, schools, and other low-rise structures throughout the district’s service area.

"This grant is a transformational investment in the future of public safety for our community," said Fire Chief Erick Holsey. "Station 101 serves as the operational heart of our District. These seismic upgrades will help ensure that our firefighters, paramedics, and emergency responders can continue serving our citizens when they are needed most, even following a major seismic event. At the same time, the expansion project allows us to improve firefighter safety, increase our response capabilities, and prepare for the future growth of our community."

District officials noted that many fire stations throughout Oregon were constructed before modern seismic standards and firefighter health-and-safety practices were established. The improvements at Station 101 will bring the facility closer to current best practices while increasing operational readiness.

Board President Michael Vietzke emphasized the long-term value of the project for District residents.

"This project represents a responsible investment in both community resilience and taxpayer resources," said Board President Vietzke. "The Board has worked diligently to position the district for opportunities like this. By securing outside grant funding, we are able to make critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit our community for generations while reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers."

The project will also create the capacity needed to house the district’s donated aerial telesquirt apparatus, a specialized firefighting vehicle that provides for firefighting and rescue capabilities on larger buildings not previously available within the district. The district would like to thank Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District for its consideration and future donation to our citizens.

"The addition of this apparatus gives our firefighters another valuable tool to protect lives and property," Holsey added. "Having the facility space to properly house and maintain this unit ensures it will be ready when our community needs it and the facility will have the capacity for any necessary future aerial upgrade."

Planning and design activities are expected to begin in the coming months, with construction timelines to be announced as the project advances.

La Pine Rural Fire Protection District thanks the grant administrators, local partners, elected officials, and community members whose support helped secure this funding. Grant funds will cover most project costs. If additional funding is needed for the remodel, the district will use its existing capital fund. The project will not require additional taxes or impose any added cost on constituents.

Media Contact
Chief Erick Holsey
La Pine Rural Fire Protection District
16405 First Street
La Pine, OR 97739
(541) 536-2935

About La Pine Rural Fire Protection District
La Pine Rural Fire Protection District provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, fire prevention, and emergency response services throughout southern Deschutes County. The district is committed to protecting life, property, and the environment through professional service, preparedness, and community partnership. The district operates out of three stations, two stations staffed 24/7, and an administrative building. The district annually responds to approximately 3200 calls for service per year with 78% being EMS Response. Through careful planning, community collaboration and efficient ex*****on, the district continues to drive its mission: “Promote and protect the health and welfare of our community through excellence in preparedness, collaboration, and delivery of emergency services.”

09/10/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

La Pine Rural Fire Protection District Selects IMEG for Fire Station 101 Seismic Upgrade and Remodel Project

La Pine, Oregon — September 10, 2026 — The La Pine Rural Fire Protection District is pleased to announce the selection of IMEG as the awarded firm following the District’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for the La Pine Fire Station 101 Seismic Upgrade and Remodel Project.

The project is intended to improve the seismic resiliency, functionality, and long-term serviceability of Fire Station 101. Planned improvements will support the district’s ability to continue providing superior emergency response services to the La Pine community before, during, and after a major seismic event.
IMEG was selected based on the qualifications and experience presented through the RFQ process, including the firm’s demonstrated capabilities in structural engineering, seismic upgrades, public safety facilities, and project delivery. The district will work with IMEG and project partners to refine the project scope, schedule, and implementation plan.

“Fire Station 101 is a critical community asset and an essential part of our emergency response system,” said Erick Holsey, Fire Chief of the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District. “Selecting a qualified and experienced firm for this work is an important step toward ensuring the station can continue serving our community for years to come.”

Additional information regarding project design, construction scheduling, and potential impacts to station operations will be shared as the project progresses. A press release speaking to the overall project scope will be released shortly. The district remains committed to transparency and will provide updates to the community throughout the planning and implementation process.

For more information, please contact:
Erick Holsey
Fire Chief
La Pine Rural Fire Protection District
541-536-2935
[email protected]
www.lapinefire.com

About La Pine Rural Fire Protection District
The La Pine Rural Fire Protection District provides fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue, fire prevention, and related emergency services to residents and visitors throughout the district’s service area in Central Oregon. The district is committed to protecting lives, property, and the community through preparedness, professional response, and public service. The district operates out of three stations, two stations staffed 24/7, and an administrative building. The district annually responds to approximately 3200 calls for service per year with 78% being EMS Response. Through careful planning, community collaboration and efficient ex*****on, the district continues to drive its mission: “Promote and protect the health and welfare of our community through excellence in preparedness, collaboration, and delivery of emergency services.”

Due to the extreme fire conditions that now exist, all outdoor burning is banned, both on La Pine private properties and on public lands. This includes camping and warming fires. Please see the Department of Forestry Release below: