Gaston Rural Fire District

Ron Hoodenpyl served as Chief of Gaston Fire for 46 years. At his side the entire time was his wife, Corky. His story is a Gaston Fire legend.

So it's appropriate that Ron and Corky would serve as Grand Marshals of the 2008 Gaston Good Ol' Days Parade. It's also appropriate that at their side would be son Chip, a volunteer since 1969 and currently assistant chief.

At 2:45 p.m. on Friday, November 25, 1983, Chief Ron Hoodenpyl was driving home from Forest Grove when he heard the unthinkable: The Gaston Fire station was on fire.

After racing to the scene, the chief found Engine 1172, then less than a year old, engulfed in flames.

National Night Out gave Gaston a chance to party.

By 8:30 in the morning, you could tell that the day was going to be beautiful. It would be a perfect day for a summer picnic, a trip to Hagg Lake or just a bike ride with friends.

But on July 12, eight young women from our community were willing to give up their beautiful Saturday to learn how to become better babysitters.

Washington County has lifted its Outdoor Burn Ban until December 15, 2008.

Residents may burn yard debris, such as leaves. Fire danger still exists, however, so do not leave fires unattended and have a hose or bucket of water handy. Make sure you have a fire break around your blaze.

For daily burning updates, call 503-992-3242.

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