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Circling Back to Help the Community

As part of Portland Fire & Rescue's CHAT after-care team, Kyle LaClair circles back to 911 callers to provide ongoing support that goes beyond what first responders can offer.

Updated October 14, 2025 2:22 pm Blog post

A CHAT emergency responder holds open an exit door in an apartment building.

Portland Fire & Rescue Hosts Open House Event for Aspiring Firefighters

Learn how to become a Portland firefighter at this free open house event.

October 12, 2025 7:00 pm News article

Silhouette of three Portland firefighters in breathing apparatus on a roof battling a fiery plume of flame.

Portland names Bob Cozzie as deputy city administrator for public safety

Longtime public safety leader Bob Cozzie will serve as Portland’s deputy city administrator for public safety.

September 18, 2025 10:00 am News article

Man with beard wearing tie with flags in background

Portland Fire & Rescue Crews Save Life in NW Apartment Fire

Portland Fire & Rescue crews from Engine 3 and Truck 3 performed a daring rescue Aug. 17 during an apartment fire in Northwest Portland.

August 20, 2025 2:26 pm News article

Portland Fire and Rescue team lowers a fire victim down the ladder and out of a burning apartment

New chief takes charge at Portland Fire & Rescue

Lauren Johnson is sworn in as Portland's fire chief, leading the city bureau that responds to fire, medical, natural disaster, and other emergencies 24/7.

August 18, 2025 12:17 pm News article

Portland Fire Chief Lauren Johnson takes oath of office. Mayor Wilson stands behind her.

Smoke on the water, fire in the sky

Fires can start and spread anywhere. Portland’s industrial waterfront includes many structures that are hard for firefighters to access from land. As a harbor pilot and fire fighter for Portland Fire & Rescue, Colin Mcgladrey safeguards the city from the bridge of Fire Boat 21.

July 22, 2025 7:44 am Blog post

Firefighter Colin Mcgladrey on a fire boat

City taps longtime assistant chief from Dallas to lead Portland Fire & Rescue

Lauren Johnson will start work as Portland’s fire chief Aug. 18, taking the helm of 744 employees and a nearly $200 million budget.

Updated July 2, 2025 2:20 pm News article

Save a life, install a smoke alarm

Public education officer Lieutenant Laurent Picard of Portland Fire & Rescue works helps Portland residents save lives, prevent fires, and prepare for urban wildfire.

June 30, 2025 2:23 pm Blog post

Firefighter Laurent Picard stands by firetruck at Belmont Firehouse.

Portland names interim deputy city administrator for public safety

Bob Cozzie, who has served as director of emergency communications since 2018, replaces outgoing service area leader Mike Myers.

May 28, 2025 8:29 am News article

New tool helps Portland firefighters tackle electric vehicle fires

Battery fires in electric vehicles pose a real hazard to emergency responders. A new water-lance system helps Portland Fire & Rescue bring these fires under control faster, with less risk of toxic fumes. (In this training exercise, a firefighter is drilling through the door of a donated sedan.)

May 12, 2025 3:19 pm News article

Firefighter trains with water-lance tool for putting out battery fires.

Portland Fire & Rescue launches search for next fire chief

March 10, 2025 2:22 pm News article

Portland Fire & Rescue names interim fire chief

Fire veteran AJ Jackson will lead the bureau starting March 4, replacing retiring Chief Ryan Gillespie.

January 30, 2025 9:30 am News article

Urban wildfire: How Portland is prepared, and what you can do

Wildfires are becoming more frequent west of the Cascade Mountains. Learn what the City of Portland is doing to prepare for the possibility of urban wildfires, and find out simple steps you can take to get ready and keep our city strong and resilient.

January 16, 2025 4:15 pm News article