Happy 4th of July, Hillsboro! Did you know the 4th of July holiday is one of the busiest times of year for 9-1-1 calls? Our police officers and firefighters across Washington County are ready to respond to emergencies over the holiday weekend, however, you can do your part to help make the celebrations safe and fun for everyone.

To help reduce the risk of fire and injury:

• Keep your fireworks legal. Fireworks that fly through the air, explode or act uncontrolled are illegal in Oregon.
• Keep your fireworks safe. Stay away from people, pets, and buildings when lighting fireworks. Keep a fire extinguisher or charged hose nearby and soak used fireworks overnight in water before discarding them in the trash.

Remember:

• Only call 9-1-1 if there is an injury, active fire, or other immediate threat to safety or health. 
• DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report the use of illegal fireworks. Fireworks violations and noise complaints can be reported to non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111.

From everyone at Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, we wish you a safe and happy Independence Day!

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue proudly welcomed a new fire engine with a push-in ceremony at Station 2. Firefighters teamed-up to physically push the new engine into the bay – celebrating the beginning of the apparatus’ service life to the community.

Push-in ceremonies date back to the 1800s, to the days when fire departments used horse-drawn equipment. When returning from a call, firefighters had to unhitch the horses and physically push the wagons back into the station.

The tradition lives on today as a welcome for new apparatus and a symbol of our continued commitment to serve our community with the best tools and technology available in the fire service.