North Douglas County Fire & EMS Receives Two SPIRE Grants for New Rescue Tools and Thermal Drone
North Douglas County Fire & EMS received two SPIRE grants from Oregon Emergency Management, funding new Holmatro battery rescue tools for vehicle extrication and a thermal imaging drone to boost search and rescue and scene awareness. Crews are now training with the equipment.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — North Douglas County Fire & EMS has been awarded two grants through the Oregon Emergency Management State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) program, bringing new equipment to strengthen emergency response and rescue capabilities across the district.
According to the department, the first grant funded Holmatro battery-operated rescue tools, which will enhance vehicle extrication operations during serious crashes and rescue incidents. Fire officials say the modern, battery-powered tools improve responder safety, reduce setup time, and help crews operate more efficiently in time-critical situations.
The second grant provided funding for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with thermal imaging technology. The department said the drone will significantly improve search and rescue operations and situational awareness during emergencies by allowing responders to locate heat signatures and assess scenes from the air.
North Douglas Fire & EMS confirmed that all grant-funded equipment has now been received from Oregon Emergency Management, and that a formal equipment agreement has been finalized.
Crews are currently training and familiarizing themselves with the new tools and drone system to ensure safe and effective use in the field.
North Douglas County Fire & EMS said it remains committed to improving emergency services and strengthening preparedness for the communities it serves.
Information provided by North Douglas County Fire and EMS
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