What Fire Department Serves Gaston Oregon?

Learn about What fire department serves Gaston Oregon?

People often ask, “What fire department serves Gaston Oregon?” The short answer: Gaston Rural Fire District (GRFD) protects the City of Gaston and nearby rural areas, with help from neighboring departments when needed. This guide explains who responds, how it works, and what to expect if you live in or visit the area.

Quick Answer

The agency that serves Gaston is the Gaston Rural Fire District. It covers the city and surrounding countryside near Hagg Lake, with 911 dispatch through Washington County. GRFD handles fires, medical first response, crashes, and rescues, and works closely with nearby departments like Forest Grove Fire & Rescue. For emergencies, always call 911.

What What fire department serves Gaston Oregon? Means

When people ask “What fire department serves Gaston Oregon?” they want to know which crew shows up if there’s a fire, medical emergency, or crash.

  • The local department is Gaston Rural Fire District (GRFD).
  • They respond to calls in Gaston and nearby rural areas along OR‑47, between Forest Grove and Yamhill/Carlton, and around Henry Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park).
  • They receive mutual aid from Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, and neighboring Yamhill County districts when needed.

Why People Search for This in Gaston, Oregon

  • Moving or buying property and want to know local emergency services.
  • Planning trips to Hagg Lake and curious about water or wildfire response.
  • Insurance questions about fire protection and distance to a station or hydrant.
  • Outdoor burning rules and who enforces them.
  • General peace of mind for families and businesses.

What to Expect

  • Who responds: GRFD firefighters (a combination of career and volunteers) are your first responders. They handle fire suppression, medical aid, vehicle crashes, and rescue.
  • Ambulance transport: Paramedic ambulances are provided by county ambulance services (in Washington County, that’s typically Metro West Ambulance). Firefighters often arrive first to start care.
  • Where they’re based: The main fire station is in downtown Gaston, just off OR‑47. Coverage extends north toward Forest Grove, south toward Yamhill/Carlton, and west toward Hagg Lake and rural hills.
  • Mutual/automatic aid: For bigger incidents, expect units from Forest Grove, TVF&R, and nearby Yamhill County departments.
  • At Hagg Lake: GRFD responds with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol. Summer weekends can be busy—wear life jackets and watch changing wind conditions.
  • Wildfire season: Late summer and early fall bring burn bans, dry grass, and higher wildfire risk. Expect stricter rules on outdoor burning and equipment use.

Tips for Visitors / Residents

  • For emergencies: Call 911. Describe your location clearly—use a nearby crossroads, trailhead, boat ramp number at Hagg Lake, or a mile marker on OR‑47.
  • Address visibility: Post reflective address numbers at the road and on your home or driveway entrance. It helps crews find you fast at night.
  • Defensible space: If you’re rural, clear brush, limb trees, and keep a 30–100 ft safety zone around structures.
  • Outdoor burning: Only burn when it’s allowed. Check the local burn line and county/ODF restrictions. Burn bans are common in summer.
  • Travel notes: Gaston is about 7 miles south of Forest Grove, 14 miles from Hillsboro, and roughly 30 miles west of Portland. Cell service can be spotty in some hills near Hagg Lake.
  • Events and wineries: Summer brings more traffic on OR‑47 for wine tasting and lake days. Drive carefully and watch for bicyclists and farm equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions About What fire department serves Gaston Oregon?

  • Who is the primary fire department for Gaston?

    • The Gaston Rural Fire District.

  • How far is Gaston from Portland if help needs to come from the city?

    • Gaston is about 30 miles from Portland, but your first responders are local (GRFD), not Portland Fire & Rescue.

  • Who responds to emergencies at Hagg Lake?

    • Gaston RFD and partners, with Washington County Sheriff’s Office handling marine patrol. Ambulances are dispatched by county 911.

  • Is the department volunteer or full-time?

    • It’s a combination department. You’ll see both career and volunteer firefighters.

  • Can I do outdoor burning in Gaston?

    • Sometimes, outside of fire season and with proper rules. Always check current burn restrictions and permitted burn days before you light anything.

Best Local Resources

  • Gaston Rural Fire District (website or Facebook) — current news, safety info, events.
  • Washington County burn information and PublicAlerts sign-up — countywide notices and burn ban updates.
  • Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) — wildfire restrictions and seasonal rules.
  • Scoggins Valley Park / Henry Hagg Lake pages — park hours, boat ramp maps, safety tips.
  • Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (WCCCA) — regional 911 dispatch info.

Tip: Search the resource names above to find the latest official pages and phone numbers. Hours and policies can change seasonally.

Summary

  • The fire department serving Gaston is the Gaston Rural Fire District.
  • They cover the city, nearby rural areas, and respond around Hagg Lake, with mutual aid from neighboring agencies.
  • Call 911 for emergencies. Expect capable local first response, ambulance transport by county providers, and seasonal burn restrictions—especially in late summer.
  • Living near Hagg Lake: safety, seasons, and best times to visit
  • Moving to Gaston: utilities, schools, and everyday essentials
  • Getting around OR‑47: driving tips between Forest Grove, Gaston, and Yamhill