Portland Fire & Rescue Sends Specialized Rescue Team To Akawa Butte Fire Near Sisters
PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Fire & Rescue has deployed a specialized rescue team to support firefighters battling the Akawa Butte Fire near Sisters, where crews are expected to remain on assignment for seven to 14 days.
The agency’s four-member Rapid Extrication Module Support (REMS) team left Wednesday to assist the Oregon Department of Forestry by providing emergency rescue and medical support for firefighters working in remote and rugged terrain.
REMS teams are trained to locate, treat, package and transport injured or ill wildland firefighters from the fireline to advanced medical care. Their role is to provide a rapid response when firefighters are injured or become incapacitated during wildfire operations.
Portland Fire & Rescue’s team is trained in high-angle rope rescue, vehicle extrication and advanced prehospital emergency medical care. The crew also carries specialized rope rescue, technical rescue, extraction and advanced life support equipment designed for difficult-to-access environments.
Before departing, Crew Boss Lt. Eric Dryer said the assignment is both an honor and a responsibility.
“I’m excited and nervous all at the same time. This is a great opportunity for us to support our partners and help protect the firefighters working on the front lines,” Dryer said.
The team traveled to Central Oregon with two four-wheel-drive pickup trucks, a utility side-by-side vehicle and a support trailer. They will remain assigned to the incident throughout their deployment, providing specialized rescue capabilities in support of wildfire suppression efforts.