WARNING: This video contains Body Camera footage of a rescue during the Almeda Fire. Some viewers may find the images disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.
On September 8, 2020, Jackson County experienced the worst disaster in our history. The Almeda and South Obenchain Fires displaced, and rendered homeless, over 7,500 residents in a matter of hours. The fires destroyed more than 3,000 structures and killed three people.
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners have proclaimed September 8 of each year as the Almeda and South Obenchain Fires Day of Remembrance. During this terrible tragedy, first responders and our community came together to rescue hundreds of people from the path of the fire. This video provides a glimpse of the courage the first responders and community showed that day.
For their actions shown in the video, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Deputy’s Justin Hall and Cody Ponder were presented Life Saving awards by the Governor’s office, Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, and JCSO.
We are proud of how Jackson County came together through this horrific disaster. To our community and first responders who put themselves in harm's way to evacuate residents and save lives, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
