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July 17, 2026: Estacada residents gathered for a fundraiser for firefighter Micah Koch, who was seriously injured during a Fourth of July fireworks display and remains under medical care in Portland. Fire officials say he faces a long recovery after surgery.
Photo: KATU
This update summarizes the reported event and explains the practical legal context Oregon readers may want to understand. It is general information, not case-specific legal advice.
Published July 17, 2026
Estacada residents gathered Thursday night to help firefighter Micah Koch after a fireworks accident on July 4 left him seriously injured.
The Old Mill Saloon hosted a fundraiser and said it would donate 25% of the evening's sales to Koch and his family. Koch was hurt while working the Estacada fireworks event at Estacada High School, according to the Estacada Fire District. He is a certified pyrotechnician and was in his fourth year at the event.
Koch received immediate medical care at the scene. A Life Flight helicopter was requested, then canceled after paramedics arrived. He was taken to a Portland-area hospital, where he remains under medical care.
Fire Division Chief Matt Aalto said Koch continues to face a long recovery. Aalto said Koch had surgery on Thursday and described the recovery ahead as difficult. The district said Koch has worked with Estacada Fire District for five years.
A GoFundMe has also been created to help cover expenses during his recovery.
The fundraiser drew support from across Estacada, reflecting the close ties around the fire district and the event. For families dealing with a serious injury, records from the scene, hospital care, and follow-up treatment can matter later in an insurance claim or personal injury case. A lawyer who handles personal injury matters can help review what records may be useful.
Source reporting used to prepare this update and preserve citation transparency.
Insurance calls, medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty tend to arrive at the same time. The first job is to steady the situation: understand the facts, preserve useful records, and talk through the legal options that fit your Oregon injury claim.
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Photo: OregonLive
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