Medford, OR – Rural Metro Firefighters had a busy start to 2025, responding to a total of nine emergency calls on New Year’s Day. The calls varied in nature, ranging from medical emergencies to vehicle crashes and even a fire caused by a candle.
Among the vehicle incidents, one involved a car that landed vertically in a ditch. Fortunately, the driver was able to escape without injury. The department also responded to four other vehicle accidents on the same day. In addition to these crashes, a fire broke out in Merlin when a candle ignited a paper towel roll. Fortunately, no major injuries were reported from the fire, and the situation was quickly under control.
As the new year unfolds, Rural Metro Fire is already looking ahead to the busy months of fire season. Fire Operations Chief Austin Prince noted that, although the team is always focused on emergency response, this time of year is critical for planning and preparation. “That’s when a lot of work starts to begin,” Prince said. “We start planning for those training events and meetings between upper-level officials about how we’re going to approach the on-coming fire season.”
In 2024, Rural Metro Fire responded to more than 2,800 emergencies, according to a post on the department’s social media. The start of the new year serves as a reminder that fire departments not only manage day-to-day emergencies but also prioritize long-term strategies to ensure readiness for the challenges of the upcoming fire season.