SAMS VALLEY, Ore. -- Battalion Chief Brandon Mitchell is working to teach residents living in rural areas to help themselves.
In an effort to shorten response time, Jackson County Fire District No. 3 has hired a new chief to focus on rural areas.
Mitchell will be keeping an eye out for residents living in fire active areas such as Sams Valley, Gold Hill and areas near Agate Lake.
Right now it takes crews about 10 minutes to respond to emergencies there.
"Our goal is to improve that response time, but until that happens they need to know what to do before it gets worse," he said.
Mitchell will be stationed in Gold Hill equipped with everything he needs to help until more crews arrive.
He also will be going into communities to teach residents what to do in case of a fire and in medical emergencies.
"Teaching them 911 techniques and basic CPR and first aid," Mitchell said.
Long-time Sams Valley resident Carol Lutz has seen her fair share of fires.
The Hull Mountain Fire, which burned more than 7,000 acres in the 1990s was miles from her home.
She also had several fires on her own property. She says more tips on fire safety is always helpful.
"Any ideas they can give us would be a good thing," Lutz said.
The new position is also a way for communities to form a stronger relationship with the fire department.
Chief Mitchell plans on meeting with Gold Hill city leaders next week.
Related Stories
- National News
- International News
Automotive
Find valuable information about buying your next car, including price quotes and your latest automotive news.
We Know Why You're Awake
We Know Why You're Awake. We can help.
Closings & Delays
Check here for closures and delays.
Community Calendar
Looking for something to do? Check the events calendar.
Gas Prices
Gas prices are on everybody's mind. So News10 is working with Gas Buddy to help you find the cheapest gas in the area.
Word of the Day
The Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo is sponsoring our "Word of the Day" contest. Click image to see details!
2013 Last Band Standing
Enter this years Last Band Standing! Click to enter online and find out about the contest.
No Text Zone
Help make our roads safe and you could win prizes! Read the official rules here!
KTVL Top Stories
Business News
Asia stocks rise as Fed official backs easy policy
BANGKOK (AP) -- Asian stock markets were mostly higher today after investor confidence was boosted by a Federal Reserve official's comments that the U.S. central bank should stick with its super-easy monetary policy.
Consumer Info
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
"DANCING WITH THE STARS" - KELLIE PICKLER WINS
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Kellie Pickler didn't win on "American Idol."
Get This
DOG BEACH WEAR
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- From bikinis to Hawaiian shirts -- it's time to gear up for the beach.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: TEENS MOVING TO TWITTER TO DODGE PARENTS, OTHER BORES
WASHINGTON (AP) -- If you're one of those parents who are on Facebook in part to keep an eye on what your kids are up to -- here's a news flash: your kids are on to you and have moved to Twitter.

