Government Housing Upgrade and MOU

Our team took on a crucial project to enhance fire protection services in an underserved housing community in Winchester Bay. Situated just outside the jurisdiction of the Reedsport City Fire Department, this community faced significant safety risks. Reedsport FD, in accordance with city guidelines, was not obligated to provide fire protection or respond to emergencies in Winchester as they did not take precedence. Consequently, the community's safety relied heavily on a volunteer fire department, whose members could only respond when available, often outside of working hours. This arrangement left 95 families and $7.5 million in property vulnerable to catastrophic damages and, potentially, lost lives.

Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, our team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the volunteer fire department’s capabilities. We discovered a severe lack of manpower, funding, training, and resources. Additionally, there was a glaring absence of basic fire code and safety measures in the housing units, making the community more vulnerable to damages.

In response, we collaborated with the city and county to advocate for the community's needs. Despite their location outside the district's lines, we proposed a mutually beneficial agreement. Our plan was to train and equip the volunteer fire department with more resources and upgrade the existing units with initial fire protection features through government funding, thereby enabling Reedsport FD to extend additional support when necessary. We presented a compelling case to all parties involved, emphasizing the critical need for these enhancements.

With new funding available, we prioritized upgrades to water main distribution, fire hydrants, and sprinkler and alarm systems in residences. Moreover, we facilitated training programs for volunteer firefighters and drafted a county-wide Memorandum of Understanding outlining fire safety protocols for all involved stakeholders.

This project not only fortified the community’s fire safety infrastructure but also established a vital support system with the volunteer fire department. Our strategies and collaboration with local authorities strengthened the fire protection support in an underserved community and enhanced the security of its residents and their homes. Through this initiative, we set a new precedent for addressing fire safety challenges in similar communities.