'08 Olympics
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ron wrote on Jul 24, 2008 4:48 PM:
Is there still mutual aid cordinators that respond to the North Bend station when the need arises for other departments to move up when needed?
FRUSTRATED wrote on Jul 16, 2008 5:50 PM:
Nepotism? Who are all of you experts? All this crap written on here just shows stupidity on your part. This has now turned into a "bashing" free for all. I have bit my tongue for weeks on this but can no longer....Those of you that use this blog to write slanger, I challenge you to write a letter to the editor and SIGN it if you feel so strong about these issues. Or better yet like someone suggested earlier, take your concerns to the fire station and sit down with a firefighter and let them explain to you firsthand....none of this hearsay stuff. Everybody is a "Monday Morning Quarterback" and thinks they know everything! GET THE FACTS!!!
Thank you to all of the firemen and women who help protect us each day. You are doing a great job and don't let any of this "blog garbage" distract you. I really appreciate everything that North Bend Fire does for our community and the countless hours the men and women put into our community.
Enough of this bickering and get back to your day jobs!
Thank you to all of the firemen and women who help protect us each day. You are doing a great job and don't let any of this "blog garbage" distract you. I really appreciate everything that North Bend Fire does for our community and the countless hours the men and women put into our community.
Enough of this bickering and get back to your day jobs!
sengery wrote on Jul 15, 2008 12:56 PM:
Earl
You are so right. Portland should have been called. The OUTCOME would have been the same. Lost Homes, Burnt down building. and Huge insurance Profit to Owner of building. And North Bend Gets to buy Property.
We Shall Watch and See.
It is to Bad that they Brought Coquille's Best into this mess of North Bend. Coquille Did What they Are Suppose to do, and Expected to do. My hat is off to the Good Men and Women Who Protect us from the Bad Guys.
You are so right. Portland should have been called. The OUTCOME would have been the same. Lost Homes, Burnt down building. and Huge insurance Profit to Owner of building. And North Bend Gets to buy Property.
We Shall Watch and See.
It is to Bad that they Brought Coquille's Best into this mess of North Bend. Coquille Did What they Are Suppose to do, and Expected to do. My hat is off to the Good Men and Women Who Protect us from the Bad Guys.
Me wrote on Jul 15, 2008 12:09 PM:
Mnpenny! How dare you blame all of NB for a stupid comment of some stupid people. Like CB has never said anything stupid like that? Come on. That's predjudiced. Like someone not liking any person of color because of what a few might say. Give me a break. Instead of complaining why don't people do something about it? Like isn't the fire chief there because of nepatism?
RE Moonpenny wrote on Jul 14, 2008 4:16 PM:
moonpenny don't just make things up for fun. those are hardworking firemen and officers. they would not say such a thing. and even if they did they would probably be right.
Earl wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:40 PM:
should have called the portland fire department. they are way cooler. and that is what it takes to put out a fire
Wife of a FF wrote on Jul 12, 2008 6:28 PM:
You people are sad and ridiculous. You complain because closer agencies weren't called first, than you complain because you want to know who was watching out for your city while they responed to a mutual ais call. Did you ever think the reason the depts that were called, were called because they had suufficent resources to responsed and still keep their own cities well protected? The smaller depts might only have one truck or not enough personnel to cover both their own cities and a mutual aid call out. Use your head before you comment.
Tom wrote on Jul 11, 2008 3:47 PM:
To Coquille Citizen and to Jeff
I was on the Coquille ambulance for 15 years when we had 3 minute reponse to the hall, not the 12 minutes that I witnessed just two weeeks ago. I was also a Coquille Police reserve for 8 or 9 years.
Not all of the firemen are bad, I know most of them personally, and they are very didicated. But some are "glory hunters, "Look at me I got a uniform and everything."
Oh, did I mention I was elected to serve on the City Council for 8 years, and did so with pride. I figure I put in my share of time for the City, and loved every minute of it. The fire fighting part did not interest me much, but while on the City Council, I talked with the Fire chief, on a reqular basis, and he would tell me what he needed for his department and expecially his people. I did everything I could to see that he had adaquat things to work with, and he did. So don't even go there with me, you see, I DO know what I am talking about.
I was on the Coquille ambulance for 15 years when we had 3 minute reponse to the hall, not the 12 minutes that I witnessed just two weeeks ago. I was also a Coquille Police reserve for 8 or 9 years.
Not all of the firemen are bad, I know most of them personally, and they are very didicated. But some are "glory hunters, "Look at me I got a uniform and everything."
Oh, did I mention I was elected to serve on the City Council for 8 years, and did so with pride. I figure I put in my share of time for the City, and loved every minute of it. The fire fighting part did not interest me much, but while on the City Council, I talked with the Fire chief, on a reqular basis, and he would tell me what he needed for his department and expecially his people. I did everything I could to see that he had adaquat things to work with, and he did. So don't even go there with me, you see, I DO know what I am talking about.
Friend of sumone who lost their home wrote on Jul 10, 2008 4:34 PM:
from what ive heard the owner of the property wanted it to burn. He had alotta insurance on it or something. and i dont think it matters what department responds as long as the fire is put out. yes i do agree that they shouldve called some of the other closer fire stations but they may have been busy as well.
Coquille Citizen wrote on Jul 9, 2008 8:52 AM:
Dear Tom, I also have lived in Coquille for 40 plus years. In that time, I was even a volunteer firefighter for Coquille. Did you ever join the Coquille Fire Department and help the citizens of Coquille? Oh wait, that's right you probably had to work to much, or had a medical condition or even be the type of person that sits back and complains but does not get dirty in the trenches. What a way to live your one and only life you have. I truly beleive Coquille is blessed to have the department, personnel and equipment that Coquille Fire Department has. They are professional, dedicated and caring. I am sure if you were to go to the Coquille fire station and air your frustration, you may end up seeing the other side of the story. It is a sad day when you attempted to smear Coquille Fire Departments reputation on a blog site. Very sad Tom
Jeff wrote on Jul 7, 2008 7:20 PM:
Tom,
I am a Coquille firefighter as well as a Coos Bay firefighter. I have lived in Coquille for over 30 years and I would put Coquille's department up alongside anyone!
There are several homes that have been saved by Coq. Fire; recently there was a house less than a mile out Fairview that was saved by the homeowner and CFD. There was an apartment complex near the courthouse that could have been a complete loss if it hadn't been for the CFD.
Coq. Fire has always been highly regarded by the community and I hope others will share with you their experiences. Come to our steak feed in August and talk to us, I will even pay for your meal.
Also, two years ago one of our firefighter Captains was named Oregon's Firefighter of the year. And this year another one of our members was in the top four. This is from a state wide association. I don't think we would have two firefighters in that group if we were as bad as you say.
I am a Coquille firefighter as well as a Coos Bay firefighter. I have lived in Coquille for over 30 years and I would put Coquille's department up alongside anyone!
There are several homes that have been saved by Coq. Fire; recently there was a house less than a mile out Fairview that was saved by the homeowner and CFD. There was an apartment complex near the courthouse that could have been a complete loss if it hadn't been for the CFD.
Coq. Fire has always been highly regarded by the community and I hope others will share with you their experiences. Come to our steak feed in August and talk to us, I will even pay for your meal.
Also, two years ago one of our firefighter Captains was named Oregon's Firefighter of the year. And this year another one of our members was in the top four. This is from a state wide association. I don't think we would have two firefighters in that group if we were as bad as you say.
Tom wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:19 AM:
All of you are right about North Bend should not have called the Coquille Fire department. I have lived here in Coquille for 51 years and the fire department we have now is peobably the worst I have seen. Anytime they go out on a fire, you can bet your bottom dollar it will burn to the ground. Maybe it is past time that we do some serious changing here also.
Retired FF wrote on Jul 4, 2008 11:01 AM:
Guys and Gals? Lets all show a little maturity, after all we are Professionals. Those who post bad things on here slamming other fire departments, shouldn't be in this profession.One thng Lt. Carpenter taught by his death and Chuck Hanners and Jeffey Commons, is we are a team, team work and Commoradery go hand in Hand. We are all part of a family.lets not lose our perspetives.
Hey wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:08 PM:
There is a big problem here. Why are some of you trying to cover up for NB? Do you really think having Coquille come all the way over here was the right choice? What if there had been a fire in Coquille while they were in North Bend? If you don't think that North Bay should have been called or could have helped what about Hauser, Lakeside, Charleston, Millington or GreenAcres? All of these departments have had fires in their own districts and didn't need to call Coos Bay or North Bend for help.
TO NOT A NB FF wrote on Jun 29, 2008 6:48 PM:
IF YOUR NOT A FIREFIGHTER, THEN YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO BAD MOUTH ANY FIRE DEPARTMENT. AND YOUR NOT A FIREFIGHTER SO NO...YOU DO NOT "KNOW WHATS UP". ALL YOU ARE DOING IS MAKING MORE OF A PROBLEM BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS IN THE AREA.IF YOU ARE NOT A FIREFIGHTER OR WERE NOT ON THE SCENE THEN LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE..THIS IS FROM A NB FF
Daenae wrote on Jun 29, 2008 12:46 PM:
First of all, thanks to ALL of the firefighters that responded. They were there to help when they were called. For that they should be getting thanks instead of criticsm. To the residents of this complex, I'm happy that no one was injured or killed in the blaze and am so sorry you lost everything. In today's world where just about everyone has so much excess in their lives, it's easy to forget about those that are still struggling and have little. Losing a piece of furniture can be devastating in these situations. Everyone should show more compassion for them instead of assuming they didn't have anything to lose anyway. The focus needs to be on the owner of the building and holding him/her/them responsible for this tragedy. That building has been a fire risk for years. If it was up for sale, maybe that should be looked at as a motive for the sudden fire. Put the blame on the right people and stop bickering over who responded and who didn't get called. Be happy that in today's economy we were lucky enough to have 3 departments there.
Not a NB FF wrote on Jun 27, 2008 9:36 AM:
I have posted about five of these comments and I am NOT a North Bend Fire fighter...I just know what's up! Don't assume that these comments are from the NB FF's it just makes you look like an idiot.
NB Local wrote on Jun 27, 2008 8:18 AM:
I have lived in North Bend for over 30 years. The problem with the fire department is the same as the problem over at city hall. Little man syndrome! North Bend is so scared that Coos Bay or someone else may "one up them" that they say "screw you" to everyone. Get over it and let us move on to a better town like we should be. I love North Bend, but hate the stupid politics of it!
ITS FUNNY wrote on Jun 26, 2008 8:31 PM:
it's funny how the north bend firefighters are logging on and bad mouthing other departments.sad that they have to do that to make themselves feel better.the departments getting put down have supported north bend when asked about the fire. (true brothers)...guess every family has black sheep!!!
CHECK IT OUT wrote on Jun 26, 2008 3:33 PM:
Hey Rick, you mentioned North Bay Fire Dept. is available and close to North Bend. Earlier this year they let a house burn to the ground because someone in their command staff couldn't make a decision. Do you want that kind of talent and expertise backing up North Bend Fire Dept? Of course not!
NOT LIKELY wrote on Jun 26, 2008 3:28 PM:
To RICK:
North Bay volunteers can't even make it to a structure fire in their own district before it is burned to the ground, much less somewhere else! Didn't fire burn a good portion of the Glasgow Daycare that is approx. 20 feet from their dept?! "HMMMMM"
North Bay volunteers can't even make it to a structure fire in their own district before it is burned to the ground, much less somewhere else! Didn't fire burn a good portion of the Glasgow Daycare that is approx. 20 feet from their dept?! "HMMMMM"
babys mama wrote on Jun 26, 2008 12:26 PM:
I would like to thank Jason and Jake from the fire dept. Baby was featured in the article and pictured. No amount of gratitude can express my relief at seeing her alive. that being said, if it were not for those brave guys baby would not have made it out of there. words of the firechief when my bf richard begged him for his little dog 'my main priority are those structures.'
babys mama wrote on Jun 26, 2008 12:21 PM:
first off, i would like to thank jason and jake from the fire dept for rescuing our little dog, she was the one featured on the front page. No expression of gratitude can adequately express my relief when they brought her out to me. That being said, without those two firefighters our baby dog would not have made it out of there. I was shocked at the words of the fire chief 'these structures our my first priority'. If everyone who has an issue with the way things are handled would write to our commissioner these things could get taken care of.
Rick wrote on Jun 26, 2008 12:17 PM:
North Bend should have called for closer help. How many miles is Coquille from North Bend? I would guess 15? And how many other departments are closer? North Bay volunteers can be at the station and to a fire in a few minutes in their district. Hmmm!
Tom wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:57 AM:
Why don't the fire marshal check the faulty wiring by the front entrance of the building. It has been faulty for years and the landlord refused to up date it. He said" this old building and it's tenants are not worth spending money on. Just so they keep paying their rent is all I care about" What a shame. All the tenants there should file a law suit against the owner. The tenants know the real truth about the owner
mnpenny wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:03 AM:
Amanda,
Why would I lie about something like this?
My family has 4 firefighters within, throughout the country. They lay their lives on the line every single day. I have nothing but respect for firefighters and police. But when shameful comments are overheard, it places a black mark on the entire community.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, they just didnt have the basic intelligence to know "right place right time".
Perhaps a bit of due diligence on your part would of helped you before you made your worthless assumption.
Why would I lie about something like this?
My family has 4 firefighters within, throughout the country. They lay their lives on the line every single day. I have nothing but respect for firefighters and police. But when shameful comments are overheard, it places a black mark on the entire community.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, they just didnt have the basic intelligence to know "right place right time".
Perhaps a bit of due diligence on your part would of helped you before you made your worthless assumption.
Amanda wrote on Jun 25, 2008 5:28 PM:
Moonpenny,
I dont beleive you at all.
I dont beleive you at all.
over wrote on Jun 25, 2008 4:01 PM:
As a local FF and bystander on scene from the begining of the fire, only two things were done wrong. Coquille should not have been called for mutual aid over closer depts. and more salvage should have taken place. IC knew the building was ballon framed and was pretty much going to the ground without a miracle. So with having crews inside wht weren't they saving these people important belongings?
moonpenny wrote on Jun 24, 2008 7:22 PM:
I have a dear friend whos young son and new wife had their first apartment in that building when it caught fire the other nite. As they stood there, watching everything in the world they owned going up in flames, they did hear the firefighters and police making comments about "those people had nothing to loose anyway".
I am shocked and disgusted. A perfect example of North Bend's elitest attitude about everything, even someone elses loss.
I am shocked and disgusted. A perfect example of North Bend's elitest attitude about everything, even someone elses loss.
Fire Scene Observer wrote on Jun 24, 2008 2:01 PM:
As i was watching the firefighters making a galliant effort to suprress the fire in the apartment building, i noticed that a majority of the firefighters had a look of disappointment that they would be unable to safely put this fire out. All firefighters (if they have a heart) would go to the brink of almost dying to be able save (someone that they do not even know)someone's house and property or the occupant. This fire could have been one of those fires that could have killed multilple firefighters. My hat is off to the incident commander for saving firefighters lives.
NB RESIDENT YEARS wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:54 AM:
The majority of you complaining know absolutely NOTHING about firefighting! And those of you that do know "something" about firefighting are just crying like little babies because nobody called you! Why would NB call on your dept. when you are strictly volunteer based and you have to respond from your house, drive to your station, and go from there. Why are you people so quick to judge? How often do you hear about fires destroying property or taking lives in North Bend? Not very often, and why is that? Because NBFD is AWESOME and knows what they are doing! And the reason they are so awesome and know what they are doing is because they have such a great fire chief. To say Scott got his job because of his family name is just absurd!
Matt NB citizen wrote on Jun 23, 2008 7:18 PM:
I heard there are brothers that work for NBFD and CFD! Is that why CFD went?
Resident of Burned Apartment wrote on Jun 23, 2008 1:31 PM:
To answer "Questions in North Bends" question. No fire alarms went off at the time that we were alerted to get out. There was a main fire alarm that was located above the stairs in the apartment but I do not believe it ever went off even after the fire really got going. After the fire was in full blaze some of the fire alarms in a couple of the apartments went off because you could hear then from the outside. But because of the location of the fire(under the building) when we actually got out the building was not yet smoke filled.
Coos Bay Kid wrote on Jun 23, 2008 9:52 AM:
Concerned North Bend Citizen:
Wow. By the looks of your grammar it seems you need to focus on learning how to write. Then you need to get your head out of the sand and smell reality. Your bitterness and unforgiveness is a major reason this area does not prosper like it should. I believe SWOCC still offers writing classes for a small fee.
Wow. By the looks of your grammar it seems you need to focus on learning how to write. Then you need to get your head out of the sand and smell reality. Your bitterness and unforgiveness is a major reason this area does not prosper like it should. I believe SWOCC still offers writing classes for a small fee.
sameosameo wrote on Jun 23, 2008 9:44 AM:
I believe it was in the late 80s when a North Bend City Councilor stated "I would rather see my house burn to the ground than have Coos Bay dispatch the fire truck" Sounds like nothing much has changed.
concerned north bend citizen wrote on Jun 21, 2008 6:22 PM:
Why do we but with a substandard fire dept chief the city management needs to get off its butt and fire the scott graham he only got the job because of his family name i had been at severla fire scens in the past and even witnessed his pushing a firefighter back in a strucure fire when they left because of a non safe structure in listening to the volunteers speak they are also tired of this macho type person who does not want his fire dept to progress did you know that he will not let his emts preform certain airway procedures that could save a life and are standard at other fire depts in the area we are not protected well in this city
sengery wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:41 PM:
Reading the comments and history of NBFD. And talking to the NBPD. Is it 'true the Propery is for sale, and the city of north bend is intrested in it'. Good luck north bend citizens.
questions in NB wrote on Jun 21, 2008 12:10 AM:
I am very sad for all the people who lost their homes and belongings in the fire. I read the articles in The World and on the KCBY website and everyones comments this. Something really bothers me, Resident of Burned Apartment said a passerby alerted her and other residents of the fire. Also another tenant was quoted in a KCBY story as saying he had to go to another apartment and alert his wife of the fire after the passersby told him about it. With all the complaints and comments about the how the fire was fought and who was called for mutual aid and such I see no one commented on an important fact. Why did a passerby have to tell these people their home was on fire? Were there no smoke alarms?
Resident of Burned Apartment wrote on Jun 20, 2008 11:43 PM:
Part 1 of first entry-I resided in the building that burned on saturday. I have mixed feelings about the way the firefighters handled the fire. I am confused as to why the NB fire department requested assistance from the Coquille fire department, instead of receiving help from a closer department. I was very disappointed from the lack of professionalism from "some" of the firemen. I overheard some of the firemen making comments that I felt were very inappropriate. One of the comments that I overheard was "They don't have anything worth a dam anyways". I overheard this comment before this fire was in full blaze. I do no (because I seen it) that at the time the firefighters came on scene that the fire was very small and appeared to be containable. Some of the firefighters appeared to be very slow and seemed to be taking alot of time to start the process of actually trying to put the fire out. However, I have not been trained in firefighting and maybe there is something they knew that I do not. I am saddened that everything I own was lost.
Local FF Too wrote on Jun 20, 2008 11:05 PM:
I am glad all the families that lived in the apartment complex are uninjured.
When the mutual aid was called Coos Bay Fire was asked to send (1) engine with crew, they sent (2) engines because of their proximity, the size of their department, and their available resources. They also knew that it would take Coquille atleast 30 min. to respond.
Kudoos to Coos Bay!
Kudoos to Coquille for responding as well!
I know our department would have liked to help out too, but sometimes smaller volunteer departments just don't have the manpower and trucks to send.
God Bless all the families who lost their belongings and God bless all our firefighters!
When the mutual aid was called Coos Bay Fire was asked to send (1) engine with crew, they sent (2) engines because of their proximity, the size of their department, and their available resources. They also knew that it would take Coquille atleast 30 min. to respond.
Kudoos to Coos Bay!
Kudoos to Coquille for responding as well!
I know our department would have liked to help out too, but sometimes smaller volunteer departments just don't have the manpower and trucks to send.
God Bless all the families who lost their belongings and God bless all our firefighters!
Resident of Burned Apartment wrote on Jun 20, 2008 7:34 PM:
I resided in the building that burned on saturday. I have mixed feelings about the way the firefighters handled the fire. I am confused as to why the NB fire department requested assistance from the Coquille fire department, instead of receiving help from a closer department. I was very disappointed from the lack of professionalism from "some" of the firemen. I overheard some of the firemen making comments that I felt were very inappropriate. One of the comments that I overheard was "They don't have anything worth a dam anyways". I overheard this comment before this fire was in full blaze. I do no (because I seen it) that at the time the firefighters came on scene that the fire was very small and appeared to be containable. Some of the firefighters appeared to be very slow and seemed to be taking alot of time to start the process of actually trying to put the fire out. However, I have not been trained in firefighting and maybe there is something they knew that I do not. I am saddened that everything I own was lost.
Resident of Burned Apartment wrote on Jun 20, 2008 7:33 PM:
However, I am grateful that a very kind passerbyer alerted myself and the other residents that are apartments were indeed on fire. I am thankful that my family survived as well as "My Neihbors for life". This has been a very tough time for our families but I have a very optimistic outlook:) I hope that everyone has learned something from our misfortune. I hope that the community realizes how important renters insurance is! I hope that people are aware of the importance of a plan in case of a fire. I also hope that the firemen learned that they need to devise a more effective way for fighting a fire and the importance of requesting assistance from a closer department.Thank you to the community for being so supportive and thank you God for watching over our families. I will be forever greatful to American Red Cross for there amazing assistance in this troubling time!
Former NB Fire Fighter of yrs wrote on Jun 20, 2008 7:32 PM:
2 reasons Mutual Aid is called. #1 The size of the fire or threat of the fire is larger then your Dept can handle. #2 The Dept has been fighting the fire and are starting to get tired and they call for help cleaning up after the fire is in final mop up stage.
When Coquille crew of 5 wer called to help a tired crew that had done a great job.
If the fire would have been threatning to take the whole block and urgency was the case I know that closer Depts would have been called. When the Mutal Aid System was set up it was decided by all Cheif's that each Dept would pick who they chose for Mutual Aid. Citizens of North Bend you have a good Dept. If you have questions go talk to the guys Paid and Volunteer.
For you arm chair firefighter wantabe's who live in other districts. Check out and see who is on the call up list for your Depts I bet you'll find that not always the closest Dept is on the call list.
When Coquille crew of 5 wer called to help a tired crew that had done a great job.
If the fire would have been threatning to take the whole block and urgency was the case I know that closer Depts would have been called. When the Mutal Aid System was set up it was decided by all Cheif's that each Dept would pick who they chose for Mutual Aid. Citizens of North Bend you have a good Dept. If you have questions go talk to the guys Paid and Volunteer.
For you arm chair firefighter wantabe's who live in other districts. Check out and see who is on the call up list for your Depts I bet you'll find that not always the closest Dept is on the call list.
NOT THE STATE wrote on Jun 20, 2008 4:04 PM:
IT SHOULD NOT BE UP TO THE STATE!!! its fine to have the chiefs call whom they wish, based on the fact the state does not know what equipment each department has. the chief knows what they need for each situation.but north bends page in the mutual aid book is unlike any other department in the area. it states that out of town departments be called first; bandon,coqu,reedsport, so on. the last departments called are local; charl, north bay, hauser,so on.why theirs is like that could cause a fire to spread or worse, a life.it needs to be fixed.sadly i think they will have to be forced to change it.(they just chose not to play well with others).WHEN HELPS AT THE BACK DOOR WHY CALL FOR IT AN HOUR AWAY???
Elaine wrote on Jun 20, 2008 12:16 PM:
All of us old time Benders know why we have the Fire Chief that we have. Enough said.
ff in town wrote on Jun 20, 2008 8:05 AM:
there shouldn't be any mutual aide power in the chiefs hand for who is called. The state should say this is who is called for each level alarm needed. Having Coquille come all the way up when there was plenty of resources closer is idiotic. Everyone that was there......GREAT JOB!!
local FF wrote on Jun 20, 2008 8:02 AM:
I just am overcome on the whole subject of why NBFD decided to call a dept that was more than 20 minutes away for response time when there were plenty of closer responding dept's that could have been there closer. Charleston has a sleeper program that I am sure if they were called to work could have been there quicker than 20 minutes.North Bay could have been there in half of that time also I think upper level politics need to be curbed when things like this happen
Frizzell wrote on Jun 18, 2008 11:29 PM:
In my 11 yrs of being in the fire service this has always been an issue in this area. There's no real governing body for the mutual aide system. Each agency has a list of contact departments with equipment and manpower info. It's the discretion of that department of whom plays and doesn't play.
And the only people that might question the mutual aide system may be the insurance company's. Did response time hinder operations on the fire ground??? In this case, maybe or maybe not?
And the only people that might question the mutual aide system may be the insurance company's. Did response time hinder operations on the fire ground??? In this case, maybe or maybe not?
STOP YOUR SNIVELING wrote on Jun 18, 2008 10:26 PM:
What a bunch of immature whiny adults. I can't believe that you're finding fault with North Bend Fire Dept. And to top it off, you don't have a clue as to what you are taking about. Everybody wants to be an expert. Were you there?
Did you try and save the building? Did you consider the safety of the firefighters? No lives were lost, no one was injured, several animals were saved. And the shops adjacent to the fire did not receive any damage. This is all due to the professionalism of North Bend Fire Dept.
And then you bellyache because Coos Bay Fire Dept. and Coquille Fire Dept. were requested for mutual aid. These departments exibit the same type of professionalism as North Bend Fire.
So for all you sidewalk quarterbacks out there that have nothing good to say about North Bend Fire Dept. "Get off their backs" Instead give them a round of applause for a job well done.
Did you try and save the building? Did you consider the safety of the firefighters? No lives were lost, no one was injured, several animals were saved. And the shops adjacent to the fire did not receive any damage. This is all due to the professionalism of North Bend Fire Dept.
And then you bellyache because Coos Bay Fire Dept. and Coquille Fire Dept. were requested for mutual aid. These departments exibit the same type of professionalism as North Bend Fire.
So for all you sidewalk quarterbacks out there that have nothing good to say about North Bend Fire Dept. "Get off their backs" Instead give them a round of applause for a job well done.
Coquille wrote on Jun 18, 2008 12:29 PM:
To Coquille Red Devil. As far as i can tell, Coquille sent over 1 engine with 5 firefighters. I believe CFD has 30 firefighters on the city roster. To me, the city was still well covered
Supporting the negative wrote on Jun 18, 2008 11:20 AM:
to: "To All Of You Experts in Firefighting " You talk about hiding behind screen names, yet I don't see your real name posted. I've had face to face time with NB firefighters. IF I were looking for a PR response I'm sure I could go talk to the chiefs or the firefighters. I think it's time someone did some investigating about the mutual aid system and the way things are run. I'm not contesting that the firefighters did their jobs, but I think more could have been saved had help been called sooner and from closer.
WONDERING wrote on Jun 18, 2008 10:56 AM:
what were all of you complainers doing the night of the fire??? Sleeping in your safe and comfortable beds? Shame on you for having anything negative to say about the men who risk their lives for your community. And as for Reedsport being added to list of departments ignored, it takes just as long to get from Reedsport to NB as it does from Coquille! Quit your crying!
bobcats wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:00 PM:
Where's the County Firefighter Willy at??? He'll get to the bottom of this!!!
Coquille Red devils wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:39 PM:
Sooo, who was watching my city when a truck full of firefighters and medics are a half an hour away???
Point at chiefs not the firefighters wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:29 PM:
It's not so much the firefighters themselves to blame but it's the people in command. The firefighters did there job well by protecting lives and property. It's the chief or chiefs call on whom comes and doesn't come. In that 45 minutes to an hour it took for Coquille to get there, two to four other agencies would of been there to help.
To All Of You Experts in Firefighting wrote on Jun 17, 2008 12:49 PM:
I find it interesting that there are so many complaints about how this fire was handled. How many of you people actually have been in a fire or have any training? Maybe before you write these negative comments, as you hide behind your screen names, you should stop by the NB Fire Dept. like I did and get your questions or complaints answered.
PROUD OF OUR MEN wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:51 PM:
Thank you North Bend Firefighters for keeping North Bend safe! You guys do a great job and I trust all the decisions you make! I do not believe you owe us (the public) any sort of explanation for the way you handled the fire. If it was too dangerous to risk your lives for a building with no one inside then I know you made the right choice. You saved the surrounding businesses and for that you deserve a pat on the back. Thank you!
Proud of our firefighters wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:19 PM:
You people complaining ought to be ashamed of yourselves. All the firefighters worked tirelessly to fight this fire and prevent it from spreading to surrounding buildings. And all you people can do is complain. It sounds like sour grapes. People lost their homes and that is tragic but no one lost their lives. You should thank ALL the firefighters.
its not funny wrote on Jun 16, 2008 6:51 PM:
My brother lived in those apartments and was home when the fire started. He lost everything that they had. But to add insult to injury, is it necessary for the firefighters in the black coats and pants to joke and mock there living situation? We live in a poor economy and high cost of living area, not much of a choice....
Whats really going on at North Bend city hall wrote on Jun 16, 2008 6:43 PM:
The City of North Bend couldn't work with its neighbors and now the fire department is doing the same!!! What is really going on??? Is my life and my family being jeopardized because of small town good ole boys politics???
DISgrace wrote on Jun 16, 2008 5:58 PM:
I cannot begin to say how sorry I am to be a tax paying citizen of this city. I am SO glad that I no longer permanantly reside here, but rather in a larger, safer, and more responisible city in the valley. NB fire should be ashamed of the way they responded and reacted to this situation. I have personal friends in the fire fighting field, and with their explanations, I'm convinced that NB really screwed the pooch on this one. That building should've have nothing more than a burnt up basement and smoke/water damage, for it to go up completely in flames after the fire dept was dispatched so quickly to such a containable fire is inexcusebale and for this I will look down on the NB fire dept untill they can prove themselves otherwise. Don't even tempt me to start in on who was called for backup, I won't be able to contain my anger if we go there. God Bless all of theose who lost their home, and God bless those of you remaining in NB, I fear for your safety.
Interesting wrote on Jun 16, 2008 4:55 PM:
Is there someone who oversees fire departments and mutual aid procedures? If not maybe there should be. If so, maybe there should be an investigation. I'm sure North Bay, or Millington's departments would've been more than happy to help!
Gail Lowery wrote on Jun 16, 2008 4:05 PM:
After reading this im appauled that north bend waitied so long and then called Coquille. As a mother of one of the tenants that lost everything she owned, shame on u all! I was born and raised in north bend and was always proud of the city. I cant say that any longer! If the city doesnt get sued by the tentants it will be a miracle, u all best hold your breath and hope to God that they pass on the idea! I for one would take your city to court in a heartbeat, but i no longer reside in oregon. I will however give my daughter any help she may need.
BVR BLVR wrote on Jun 16, 2008 3:31 PM:
Add Reedsport Fire Dept in with the list of ignored departments. Winchester Bay Fire as well.
KK wrote on Jun 16, 2008 2:58 PM:
thats such a bummer. I had some friends who lived there and they are struggling to get back on their feet. Hope all goes well.
Neighboring Business wrote on Jun 16, 2008 2:25 PM:
Good Job to the fire departments involved for a job well done in containing this fire to the one site and protecting other buildings on either side. As a business in the building directly South of the fire, we sustained a little smoke and water damage, but it could of been much worse.
Thank you all!
Thank you all!
A FIREFIGHTER wrote on Jun 16, 2008 2:16 PM:
I am a local firefighter and would like to inform the public that there were 4 local departments other then Coos Bay that had firefighters and trucks available to help and could have been there in less then 15 minutes.it is unknown why the local departments were passed,up but i'm sure if the World did a store to answer that question the public would love to here the answer as well as many other local firefighters and departments. POLITICS SHOULD NOT PLAY A PART IN LIFE SAFETY
WHY wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:55 PM:
I am a retired firefighter from New York.I have several friends in the fire service in this area.after talking to them i found out there are 7 local departments that were passed over prior to calling Coquille.I feel the fire would have been knocked down in less then 5 hours if they had called help from a closer department. I would think any politics would be put on the back burner when it comes to saving life or property.shame on North Bend,i am thankful I moved my family to another town in the area.
SCARED wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:43 PM:
I live across the street from where the fire was. I was very scared that the fire would spread, and when I over heard several firefighter joking about the fire being urban renewal it made me wonder if the reason they only called help from a department 20 miles away was because they wanted to let it burn? It was obvious they needed more help, why did they not call for it for almost an hour,and when they did why from so far away?
Concerned North Bend Tax Payer wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:34 PM:
It's very sad when residents of our community lose their belongings and home. I want to know why Coquille Fire Dept was the mutual aid call? Aren't there depts closer? Charleston (which has a sleeper program and is a guaranteed quick response) or North Bay (which is just over the bridge and less than 5 minutes away) Coquille is at least a 20 min drive + time to gather volunteers and they had to drive past Greenacres, Sumner AND Millington's depts to get to North Bend. I'm sure Coquille did a great job, but I think the mutual aid system must have broken down. Why not call the closests depts first? The mutual aid call center is run out of North Bend, shouldn't they know better than to call a dept that is 20+ mins away as the first line of defense (even second if you count Coos Bay)? As a North Bend tax payer I'm appalled that North Bend firefighters wouldn't utilize resources in their own backyard before calling the outerlying depts. I certainly hope that there is more thought applied if my house is on fire and requires additional aid.
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