ODF Grants Reduce Wildfire Risks
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) launched a new round of funding through its Small Forestland Grant Program to help landowners reduce wildfire risk before and after the 2026 fire season. This year, ODF awarded funds to 11 projects to mitigate wildfire risk on 1,023 acres by reducing hazardous fuels, improving community preparedness, and supporting long-term landscape resilience. Most of the funded work is in Southern and Central Oregon, where wildfire risk is especially high. One example of success comes from the Applegate Partnership and Watershed Council, based in Jacksonville, Oregon, which received Small Forestland Grant funds to complete significant fuels reduction and community engagement work. ODF also coordinates with state and federal partners to maximize the impact of investments for landscape resiliency. The project used about $269,000 to significantly improve local wildfire preparedness by assessing wildfire risk for 60 homeowners, removing more than 800 dead or hazardous trees, reducing plants along driveways and public roads to make safe evacuation routes and improving firefighter access in and around communities. ...Read more

JCSO Cancels Level 1 Evacuation Notice for Blackwell Fire, Crews Suppressed Blaze

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office announced the Level 1 evacuation notice for Zone JAC 299 has been canceled. Firefighting efforts on the Blackwell fire and cooperative weather conditions were cited as reasons for the cancellation. According to Jackson County Fire District 3, suppression operations continued in coordination with the property owner. The district encourages everyone to be vigilant and careful with fire danger, saying to mow and reduce vegetation around your homes now while there are no restrictions on running powered equipment for mowing and cutting. The Blackwell Fire was a substantial blaze early on in fire season. The response highlighted the strength of partnerships across the region between fire agencies, law enforcement, dispatch, roads, and utilities. ...Read more

Nine Individuals Presented Life Saving Awards at Commissioner's WBS

Oregon State Marine Board director Larry Warren presented nine individuals with Life Saving Awards during the Board of Commissioners Weekly Business Session today at 9 a.m. Members of a private rafting group searched for a man missing in the Illinois River Valley February 16th. The missing man was found by the group despite challenging winter conditions, and he was soon rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter. The nine group members were recognized for their heroic actions by Warren, Sheriff Dave Daniel, and the board. Following the presentation of the awards, the consent calendar was approved. Commissioner Gary Richardson highlighted and thanked IVCanDO for distributing Know Your Zone cards to the community, and their partnership with the Energy Trust of Oregon. ...Read more