Fire chief and homeowner association back proposed Tanglewood fire station; county seeks funding plan and volunteers

Linn County fire leadership and residents discussed placing a staffed fire engine in the Tanglewood subdivision to close a service gap identified in the ISO grading maps and potentially lower homeowners’ insurance costs for properties within five miles of a station.

Randy Hegweld, of Linn County Rural Fire and Emergency, told the commission the county has "a big void right in the middle of the county" that places many properties outside the five-mile ISO coverage that yields lower insurance ratings. He said he raised the idea of locating a station in Tanglewood and that the subdivision’s board has indicated willingness to help with recruitment and possibly lease space for a vehicle. "I think staffing, that'd be one thing," Hegweld said, noting retired firefighters in the area and local interest.

Les Warner, president of the Tanglewood Homeowner Association, addressed the board during public comment and said the association strongly supports the proposal and will help recruit volunteers and provide a vehicle garage space if needed. "We are in super big support for that," Warner said.

Hegweld also reported that he submitted paperwork for a state-managed federal grant that could fund replacement and additional storm sirens in under-covered areas including Sugar Valley, Lane County Park and Tanglewood. "That's the start of it," he said, and added the process may take time.

Commissioners did not make formal commitments at the meeting but expressed general support for studying the station concept, asking staff to prepare cost estimates and potential operational models (leased space, rehabbing an existing engine or purchasing a vehicle). They also asked staff to pursue the siren grant and report back on grant timelines and requirements.