On April 30th at 1415 hrs, Bend fire and rescue provided assistance to Crook County fire and rescue. A kayaker was stranded on a debris island in the middle of the Crooked river, near the Crooked river dog park in Prineville. The Crooked river is flowing at its highest level of the year, at nearly 3000CFS through Prineville.
Seven members of Bend fire and rescues special operations team responded with a heavy rescue apparatus and rescue raft. The team was able to paddle directly to the island, provide a helmet and PFD (personal floatation device) and deliver to person safely to the shore. No medical care was required.
Bend fire and rescues special operation team is trained and equipped to handle technical rescues required in our community. The team is expanding to include members from other Deschutes county fire agencies to augment staff, and promote closer working relationships. This interagency mutual aid provides the highest level of emergency service to the central Oregon area, in an efficient and safe manner.