Water Rescue - Stewart Park - 4-14-19

Roseburg Fire Department


At 7:54 p.m. on April 14, 2019, Roseburg Fire Department personnel responded to a reported water rescue in the river at Stewart Park.  Three witnesses reported seeing a female who was screaming while in the river.  The witnesses reported seeing the female in the water between the green bridge and the Stewart Park pavilion. They saw the female continue to float through the rapids and under the Stewart Park Bridge.

Firefighters arrived on scene at Stewart Park and worked collaboratively with several emergency agencies to ensure a rapid search and rescue of the female patient.  A cataraft was launched and placed in the river at Stewart Park by Douglas County Fire District #2 Water Rescue personnel.  At 8:48 p.m. the female patient was rescued on the left side of the river near Harvard and Old Melrose Road by three Roseburg Fire Department firefighters.  Firefighters used rope bags to get the patient to shore. Once the patient was out of the river, Douglas County Water Rescue personnel, a Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy, and a Roseburg Police Officer assisted with getting the patient up the embankment for transport. The female patient, unknown age, was transported by Umpqua Valley Ambulance to Mercy Medical Center.

The water rescue efforts were an outstanding team effort and the Roseburg Fire Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance: Douglas County Fire District #2 (Water Rescue Team), Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, Oregon State Police, and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.

With the increased rainfall and high river levels, Roseburg Fire Department is urging citizens to be cautious when walking, driving, or playing near high rivers, creeks, and lakes.  Be situationally aware and pay close attention to your surroundings.

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