ESF crews responded to series of simultaneous critical calls, including a car fire, a water rescue and a person on fire

Eugene, OR – According to the statement, at 1:54 PM, crews were dispatched to a non-injury car accident involving a vehicle in a ditch that had caught fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found the car burning, with flames spreading to the nearby grass. They quickly contained the fire to a small area, preventing further spread.

Just minutes later, at 2:01 PM, Boats 5 and 6, Engine 14, Medic 4, and Battalion Chiefs 1 and 3 were called to a water rescue on the McKenzie River between Hayden Bridge and Harvest Landing in Springfield.

Callers reported seeing an unconscious female floating in the river after falling out of her raft. Fortunately, Boat 5 was already training in the vicinity and arrived quickly.

Bystanders had managed to get the female to shore and had initiated CPR. Boat 5’s crew continued CPR while transporting her to the nearest boat launch, where Engine 14 took over with advanced life support. The patient was successfully resuscitated and transported in life-threatening condition to RiverBend Hospital.

At 2:05 PM, ESF crews, along with the Eugene Police Department, were dispatched to a 7-11 at 150 Hwy 99 North in West Eugene for a report of a person on fire.

Witnesses stated that an individual had doused themselves with gasoline from one of the pumps, walked 40 feet away, and set themselves on fire. Bystanders used fire extinguishers and blankets in an attempt to suppress the flames. The individual was transported to RiverBend Hospital with life-threatening burns.

These back-to-back incidents showcased the rapid response and teamwork of the Eugene Springfield Fire Department and their commitment to public safety.