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P/CLOUDY Temp: 48 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Thursday, November 21, 2002 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend November 5, 2002 John Hunt says he holds no ill will toward Jackson County Fire District No. 3 crews for standing by while his Meadows Road home burned Saturday night. Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli A fiery reality The destruction of a couple’s home in Sams Valley Sunday shows the risks of being outside a rural fire district boundary By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune SAMS VALLEY — John and Barbara Hunt were vaguely aware that their Meadows Road home fell outside the boundaries of Jackson County Fire District No. 3. But the situation came into brutal focus Saturday night as the couple watched firefighters stomping out nearby grass fires rather than dousing the flames that engulfed their home. "It wasn’t a reality at all until we saw the fire," John Hunt said on Monday as his wife poked around the charred rubble of their home, looking for personal belongings. "I figured you call and then (firefighters) will just be here. But they have guidelines they have to follow." The Hunts are just two of at least 1,000 Jackson County homeowners who don’t pay for and don’t receive fire protection services in rural areas. The county assessor’s office was unable to determine the exact number of homeowners in that category on Monday. "A lot of people assume fire protection is a given. It’s not in Oregon," said fire protection specialist Dennis Turco with the Oregon Department of Forestry. "I’m sure there’s a lot of people out there who are unaware that they don’t have fire protection." Crews from fire districts or departments, along with ODF, will respond when a blaze erupts at a residence outside of boundaries to ensure wildfires don’t spread. But Fire Marshall Lou Gugliotta of Fire District 3 said crews have their hands tied when it comes to dousing structure fires outside of their jurisdiction. "It’s tough. I’m sorry about that," Gugliotta said. "But we charge our patrons a fee, a tax rate, and we would be protecting someone who’s not paying for those services by putting out their fires." Turco said ODF personnel aren’t trained, equipped or authorized to enter a burning building or fight structure fires. "We hear, ‘Oh my gosh, how can a fire department just stand there and watch it burn,’ " Turco said. "It seems pretty hard core. It’s a hard reality." Residents living outside a district or department boundary can apply for annexation. But approval isn’t guaranteed. It’s a complex and lengthy process that varies with each district or department, said Gugliotta. However, Gugliotta said Southern Oregon fire protection agencies have a few similar requirements. Many districts and departments will turn down requests if the property is too far away from the nearest station to provide adequate protection. And fire districts often prefer to expand boundaries rather than accept random pockets of property owners. "A lot of districts want contiguous properties," Gugliotta said. "Neighbors (between the boundary and applicant) have to agree." Bill Fuller, chief of the Evans Valley Rural Fire District No. 6, has launched an effort to educate residents living outside of his district who would qualify for annexation. "With all the low interest (rates) and development, this area is growing pretty quick," Fuller said. "The Realtors, they want to sell and may not say anything. People (from) big cities don’t realize." Although their home was a total loss, the Hunts hold no ill will toward Fire District 3 crews. "They did what they could. They were so upset they couldn’t do more," she added. The fire, which reportedly started near the Hunts’ furnace and hot water heater, was discovered at about 9 p.m. Saturday. It had been burning for some time before the Hunts arrived home. The couple and their neighbors saved a nearby garage by pumping water from their swimming pool. It is not known how the fire started. The couple have fire insurance and plan to rebuild what was lost. John Hunt said they will apply for annexation into Fire District 3 "just as soon as we can." The Hunts are staying in a local motel and are looking for permanent homes for their two dogs who survived the blaze. Those interested in adopting the dogs may contact the Hunts at 944-3575. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Are you covered? If so, here’s how to reach your fire district If a blaze breaks out at your rural home, are you sure firefighters will come to the rescue? More than 1,000 Jackson County residents aren’t taxed for and don’t receive fire protection. Also, many homeowners aren’t aware that fire protection isn’t guaranteed in Oregon. Residents who have questions or concerns should contact the fire department or district nearest them Local fire district officials also recommend that homeowners contact their insurance company for additional advice. Here’s a list of local fire protection service agencies: Ashland, Talent and Phoenix areas Ashland Fire and Rescue — 482-4222. Colestin Rural Fire District — 488-1768. Jackson County Fire District No. 5 — 535-4222. Phoenix Fire Department — 535-2883. Medford and surrounding rural areas Medford Rural Fire Protection District No. 2 —774-2300. Central Point, Gold Hill, Eagle Point, Sams Valley, White City Jackson County Fire District No. 3 — 826-7100. Jacksonville, Ruch, Wimer areas Applegate Rural Fire District No. 9 — 899-1050. Evans Valley Rural Fire District No. 6 — 582-0678. Jacksonville Fire Department — 899-7246. Shady Cove and surrounding areas Jackson County Fire District No. 4 — 878-2666. Rogue River and surrounding areas Rogue River Rural Fire Protection District — 582-4411. 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