7 Unmissable Facts About Forest Grove Fire & Rescue: Inside The Combination Department Protecting Western Washington County

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue (FGF&R) is not just a standard fire department; it is a vital, combination paid and volunteer service that forms the backbone of emergency response across the City of Forest Grove and surrounding rural areas. As of today, December 17, 2025, the department continues to showcase its commitment through rapid response to diverse incidents, from critical medical emergencies and fire alarms to managing large-scale events like two-alarm brush fires sparked by welding activities and house fires involving gas leaks. The department’s unique structure allows it to cover a vast territory, including unincorporated communities like Dilley and Gales Creek, often working through crucial Intergovernmental Agreements with neighboring agencies.

The success of the department hinges on its professional leadership and the dedication of its volunteer force, which is often comprised of individuals enrolled in Fire Science or EMS educational programs. This blend of seasoned paid staff and enthusiastic, trained volunteers ensures a high level of service across its jurisdiction, making the FGF&R a model for community safety in Western Washington County.

The Leader and The Legacy: Fire Chief Jim Geering's Profile

The leadership of Forest Grove Fire & Rescue is anchored by Fire Chief Jim Geering, who brings decades of experience from one of California's major metropolitan areas. His arrival marked a new chapter for the department, emphasizing a commitment to professional standards and regional cooperation.

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• Name: Jim Geering
• Current Title: Fire Chief, Forest Grove Fire & Rescue
• Start Date: Began his tenure on a Wednesday in November (specifically November 17), leading the department and, through an Intergovernmental Agreement, several other Western Washington County fire agencies.
• Previous Experience: Prior to joining FGF&R, Chief Geering spent over 35 years with the Chula Vista Fire Department in Southern California.
• Career Trajectory: He rose through the ranks in Chula Vista from an entry-level firefighter position all the way up to Fire Chief, demonstrating a deep, comprehensive understanding of fire service operations and administration.
• Role Scope: As Fire Chief, he is responsible for the overall operations, strategy, and administrative functions, including overseeing two Division Chiefs, a Deputy Fire Marshal, a Logistics Technician, and an Administrative Assistant.
• Contact: Fire Chief Geering can be reached at 503-992-3240.

The Two Pillars: Forest Grove Fire & Rescue Station Locations

To effectively cover both the urban core of Forest Grove and the expansive, often rugged, rural landscape of its fire district, the department operates out of two strategically located fire stations. These stations are the hubs for all emergency response, housing the apparatus and personnel necessary for rapid deployment across the vast service area, which includes the unincorporated communities of Dilley and Gales Creek.

Forest Grove Fire Station 4 (Primary)

Station 4 serves as the main operational center for Forest Grove Fire & Rescue. It is responsible for first-due calls within the city limits and acts as the primary administrative and training facility. Its central location ensures quick access to the most densely populated areas and commercial zones.

• Station Name: Fire Station 4
• Location: 1919 Ash Street, Forest Grove, OR
• Area Covered: City of Forest Grove and surrounding areas.

Gales Creek Fire Station 7 (Rural)

Station 7 is crucial for protecting the more remote, rural communities within the fire district, such as Gales Creek. The presence of this station significantly reduces response times to incidents on the western edge of the district, which often involve brush fires, motor vehicle crashes on Highway 6, or remote medical emergencies.

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• Station Name: Fire Station 7
• Location: 52155 NW Old Wilson River Road, Gales Creek, OR
• Area Covered: Rural communities including Gales Creek.

Recent Incidents and The Power of Regional Cooperation

The daily life of Forest Grove Fire & Rescue is a constant cycle of readiness, training, and response. The department’s recent activities highlight the diverse challenges it faces and its reliance on robust mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire districts.

Navigating Complex Emergency Calls

FGF&R regularly responds to a high volume of calls, including frequent Medical Emergency and Fire Alarm dispatches. However, recent incidents illustrate the complexity of their work:

• The Two-Alarm Brush Fire: A significant recent event involved a two-alarm brush fire that consumed approximately five acres of land. The fire was sparked by a property owner who was welding in a field, and it threatened two barns before being contained. This incident underscores the constant wildland-urban interface risk in the region.
• House Fire and Gas Leak: Firefighters recently battled a two-alarm house fire where they discovered a leaking gas cylinder. This dangerous situation required a brief shelter-in-place order for the surrounding neighborhood to ensure public safety, demonstrating the quick thinking and hazard mitigation skills of the crews.

The Strength of Mutual Aid

No fire department operates in a vacuum, and FGF&R is a strong proponent of regional cooperation. During major incidents, the department receives and provides assistance through mutual aid agreements, bolstering its operational capacity. Key partners frequently on scene include:

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• Cornelius Fire Department
• Hillsboro Fire & Rescue
• Banks Fire District
• Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal

The Volunteer Engine: How FGF&R Builds Its Force

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue operates on a unique "combination" model, utilizing a mix of full-time professional staff and dedicated volunteers. This model is essential for maintaining high service levels across a large geographical area while keeping costs manageable.

A Path to Professional Firefighting

The volunteer program is highly structured and serves as an excellent pipeline for future career firefighters and EMS professionals. The department actively recruits individuals who are committed to public service and looking to gain hands-on experience.

• Requirements: Prospective volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
• Educational Focus: Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and be currently enrolled in a Fire Science or EMS educational program. This requirement ensures that volunteers have a foundational knowledge base, making them effective and trainable members of the team.
• Commitment: Volunteers are integral to the daily operations, responding to a wide range of calls from medical aid to structure fires. They embody the department's long-standing commitment to the community, a tradition that dates back to the department’s founding on February 4, 1894.

The combination of a professional administrative team, led by Fire Chief Jim Geering, and a dedicated, trained volunteer force ensures that Forest Grove Fire & Rescue remains a highly effective and responsive agency. From its two critical stations—Station 4 in Forest Grove and Station 7 in Gales Creek—the department continues its mission to protect the lives and property of citizens in one of Oregon's most picturesque and challenging service areas. The proactive approach to training, combined with strong relationships with partners like Cornelius and Hillsboro, solidifies FGF&R's role as a cornerstone of safety for Western Washington County.