Umatilla County Fire District sees 7% increase in service calls in March

Crews respond to over 500 calls, including fires and vehicle crashes, as call volume remains high.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:00am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a distant wildfire, with thick smoke billowing across a desolate, windswept plain, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural disaster.A raging wildfire in the distance highlights the growing threat of natural disasters that Umatilla County's fire department must confront.Hermiston Today

Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 responded to 510 calls for service during March 2026, a 7% increase from the previous year. The calls included 359 paramedic calls, 20 vehicle crashes, 14 fires, and 39 public service calls, as well as 98 other incidents. The district's paramedics and EMTs treated 397 patients and transported 316 people to local hospitals, with crews experiencing a high call volume and needing mutual aid from neighboring agencies to maintain service.

Why it matters

The increase in service calls highlights the ongoing demand for emergency response in the Umatilla County area, putting pressure on the fire district's resources and requiring coordination with other agencies to ensure adequate coverage across the district.

The details

Of the 510 calls the Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 responded to in March 2026, 359 were paramedic calls, 20 were for vehicle crashes, 14 were fire calls, and 39 were public service calls. The district also responded to 98 other incidents, including alarms, hazards, and good intent calls. The district's paramedics and EMTs treated 397 patients and transported 316 people to local hospitals.

  • The Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 responded to 510 calls in March 2026.
  • This represents a 7% increase from the 477 calls the district responded to in March 2025.

The players

Umatilla County Fire District No. 1

The fire department serving Umatilla County, Oregon, responding to a variety of emergency calls including fires, medical incidents, and vehicle crashes.

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The takeaway

The high call volume and need for mutual aid from neighboring agencies highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Umatilla County Fire District in meeting the emergency response demands of the local community.