Fire & EMS: A Community Update

Sandy is a community defined by resilience. But living at the gateway to the mountain also means facing real and evolving risks. From rising emergency call volumes to increasing wildfire danger in the wildland-urban interface, the demands on modern fire and EMS services have never been greater. Our responsibility is straightforward: ensure Sandy is ready.

Across the district, 2025 was one of the busiest years in our history, with more than 34,000 emergency calls for service. That number represents more than growth — it reflects complexity. We are responding to more cardiac arrests, more overlapping emergencies, and heightened wildfire exposure across our communities.

Not long ago, Sandy relied on a single fire engine company to cover its entire territory. When two serious incidents happened at the same time — a cardiac arrest on one side of town and a house fire on the other — additional help often had to come from outside the community. Today, that has changed. In addition to the 24/7 engine company, a two-person rescue unit is staffed during peak hours, and the nearby Eagle Creek station operates around the clock with three additional firefighters. During our busiest times, as many as eight firefighters are available to respond within the Sandy area.

That matters most during major medical emergencies. For someone in cardiac arrest, minutes mean everything. More firefighters and paramedics on duty means CPR begins sooner, advanced life support arrives faster, and survival chances improve significantly. These staffing increases are not theoretical — they directly impact families on their worst days. Looking ahead, if Sandy voters approve annexation into Clackamas Fire, rescue staffing would expand to 24 hours a day, placing even more firefighters in the community and further strengthening medical response reliability.

Wildfire preparedness remains equally critical. Sandy borders forested terrain where wind-driven fires can move quickly. Through regional coordination — including Clackamas Fire’s specialized wildfire hand crew and partnerships with the Oregon Department of Forestry — residents benefit from expanded suppression capability, fuels mitigation efforts, and defensible-space education. The Firwood Road station, staffed by volunteers most nights during last fire season, provides an additional layer of protection close to the interface.

This spring you may see our crews cross-training on CH-47 helicopters with the national guard, removing dense vegetation to reduce wildfire risk, conducting home wildfire assessments, or just stopping by Mountain Moka for a cup of coffee. If you see us out, please stop and say hello. Strong relationships and informed residents are just as critical to our work as engines and equipment.

Sandy deserves fire and emergency medical services that are as dependable and resilient as the community itself. That is the standard we hold ourselves to, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and your loved ones.