Apparatus Spotlight: Brush 374 Protects the Sandy Community

By Clackamas Fire

When emergencies happen in the Sandy area, having the right resources available can make all the difference. At Clackamas Fire's Dover Station, one of those resources is Brush 374, a Type Six wildland apparatus staffed by dedicated volunteer firefighters who are ready to respond when the community needs them.

While Brush 374 is designed for wildland firefighting, it responds to all types of emergencies, providing another valuable resource for residents throughout the area. The apparatus is typically staffed by four volunteers from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., ensuring additional firefighter coverage most nights. 

As a Type Six wildland apparatus, Brush 374 is built for mobility and versatility. Its four-wheel-drive capability allows firefighters to access steep terrain, narrow roads, and rural areas where larger fire engines may have limited access. This makes it an important tool when responding to brush fires, wildfires, and other incidents in the more rugged areas surrounding the Sandy community.

Brush 374 carries approximately 400 gallons of water, along with hose, hand tools, and specialized wildland firefighting equipment. These capabilities allow firefighters to quickly begin fire suppression operations while navigating challenging terrain. The apparatus is especially valuable during the warmer months when dry vegetation and changing weather conditions increase the risk of wildfire.

During the summer months, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) also staffs a Type Six brush rig engine at the Dover Station to assist with wildfire response in the community. This partnership highlights the importance of coordinated emergency response and the value of combining resources to provide a faster, more effective response when wildfire threats arise. By working together, Clackamas Fire and ODF strengthen the community’s wildfire preparedness and response capabilities.

The Dover Station plays an important role in serving the Sandy community. Volunteer firefighters assigned to the station dedicate their time to training, maintaining their skills, and responding to emergencies. Many balance their volunteer service with careers, families, and other responsibilities, yet continue to make themselves available when their neighbors need help.

To ensure they are prepared, volunteers regularly train on Brush 374 and other emergency response equipment. Training includes wildland firefighting skills, emergency medical response, vehicle crashes, and other incidents they may encounter while serving the community.

Brush 374 represents the combination of specialized equipment and dedicated people working together to protect the Sandy community. Whether responding to a fire, a medical emergency, or another call for service, the volunteers at the Dover Station stand ready to answer the call.