Due to the remote location of many of our facilities and the response times for emergency personnel it was decided that for the safety of the district employees and to assist the public in an emergency, we needed to have key personnel trained for rescue and recovery. In January of 2007 the Owyhee Irrigation District, with the assistance of a grant from Special Districts Association of Oregon, we organized, equipped, and trained a rope rappel and confined space rescue team. These are all employees of the Owyhee Irrigation District.

The team has equipment and radios compatible with local emergency response. All our ropes are NFPA rated, two man rescue ropes, with lengths up to 600'. Radios have frequencies for communication with area emergency services. This is a great resource to the public and we are proud to maintain that benefit.

In October of 2009 we held a multi-agency training exercise at the Owyhee Dam. Personnel included Malheur County Search and Rescue, Ontario Fire & Rescue Department, Albany Fire, Vale Fire, Treasure Valley Paramedics, Eugene, and other local responders. Attendees toured the facility and discussed special rescue considerations.

This day concluded with a 400'+ rappel of the dam face.

RRCS Rescue Team Photo Album

Owyhee Irrigation District Rope Rappel and Confined Space Rescue Training:

September 2012

Photo Album