Umatilla County Search and Rescue lauded for work on the fires
By Terry Murry on Monday, August 31st, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) is tasked with going door-to-door to warn residents to evacuate during wildfires. It is then tasked with keeping those properties secure while their owners are away.
It’s a big job, but it has to be done and UCSO Capt. Paul Wolverton said it’s extremely important to do it right.
“These events are all occurring in our backyard,” he said. “These are all Umatilla County properties and Umatilla County residents that are impacted. People that come in and do what they can to help their neighbors – that’s what it’s all about.”
Umatilla County Search and Rescue is staffed mainly by volunteers. Wolverton says that group has made it possible that people and properties are protected when fires threaten. “They’re coming in and they’re putting in as many hours as some of our fulltime staff,” he said. “It’s really impressive to see a volunteer group that’s so dedicated.”
File photo during evacuations from the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page
