Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District, known as Umatilla Fire, serves the City of Umatilla and surrounding rural communities in northeastern Oregon. Our district covers approximately 28 square miles and serves a population of about 10,000, including Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI). We are an independent special district governed by an elected Board of Directors. Working closely with local government and regional partners, we provide fire suppression, emergency medical first response, vehicle collision response and extrication, water rescue, and public education.

Our district protects a community where residential neighborhoods, schools, and local businesses share the landscape with major transportation routes, waterways, and critical infrastructure. Our response environment includes McNary Dam and Locks, the Port of Umatilla, industrial facilities and data centers, correctional facilities, highways, bridges, and rail corridors. This variety requires preparation for emergencies ranging from a medical call at a home to a complex incident involving multiple agencies.

Water rescue is an important part of our service. Umatilla Fire responds to water rescue incidents on both the Columbia and Umatilla rivers, supporting residents, visitors, and those who work and recreate on these waterways. Our boat and specialized equipment help trained personnel reach emergencies beyond the shoreline and coordinate rescue efforts with partner agencies.

Our people bring career staffing, volunteer service, and firefighter development together. Six union-represented career shift personnel—three lieutenants and three firefighters—work a 48/96 schedule, providing two career firefighters on duty each day, supported by a duty officer. Fire Chief Christopher Baker and Battalion Chief of Training and Safety Raymond Harris provide district leadership. Volunteers and resident interns supplement our crews and contribute to emergency response, training, and community service.

Umatilla Fire is also actively involved in Oregon’s statewide conflagration response, providing personnel and apparatus to help communities facing significant fires. These assignments extend our commitment to service beyond district boundaries and strengthen the experience and partnerships we bring home. Locally, mutual and automatic aid relationships help us access additional resources when an incident exceeds the capacity of a single agency.

Between calls, our members train, inspect equipment, maintain apparatus, and prepare for the next emergency. Through our Resident Intern Program, we help future firefighters connect college education with practical experience and mentorship. As Umatilla grows, we remain focused on operational readiness, responsible stewardship, and maintaining the trust of the community we serve