The Oregon State Fire Marshal's commitment to wildfire resilience is yielding significant successes from wildfire risk reduction grants and investments in local communities.
This innovative funding approach allows communities across the state to develop local solutions to reduce wildfire impact. It was made possible by Senate Bill 762.
Among the triumphs are 22 strategic investments totaling more than $2.6 million and 106 Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant projects amounting to $18 million. These funds were used to empower communities, fostering a collaborative spirit in the face of increasing wildfire risks.
The City of Jacksonville undertook a significant project in Forest Park, leveraging investment funds from the OSFM. The city created substantial fuel breaks by thinning dense brushlands, pruning trees and removing debris, safeguarding public spaces. A similar project was undertaken in the Sweet Home Fire District.
Defensible space is not a one-time endeavor but an ongoing process. The long-term effectiveness of these initiatives requires sustained maintenance. The OSFM recognizes this reality and is actively engaging communities in ongoing work.
This one-time funding is part of a multi-pronged approach to the OSFM's efforts in rising to the challenge of wildfire. As a companion to these investments, the OSFM also issued grants to local fire agencies to hire additional firefighting and prevention staff.
