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News Release

Oregon Marks Five Years Of Fire Adapted Oregon And Response Ready Oregon (Photo) - 06/29/26

SALEM, ORE. - Five years after Senate Bill 762, Oregon is celebrating the progress and impact of Fire Adapted Oregon and Response Ready Oregon. These statewide programs, created by the Department of the State Fire Marshal, built a stronger foundation for wildfire risk reduction and response at a time when the state’s wildfire exposure continues to intensify.

 

Fire Adapted Oregon was created to help communities understand and reduce wildfire risk through education, defensible space, home hardening, grants, partnerships, and regional support. Over the past five years, the program trained 502 defensible space assessors from 94 agencies, completing 6,539 assessments across the state. Fire Adapted Oregon has advanced guidance on defensible space, including the importance of the first five feet around homes and structures, strengthened partnerships like the collaboration with the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, and expanded statewide mitigation and home hardening investments through grants. Regional delivery across nine districts ensures support reaches communities where it is needed most and in a way that best reflects each community’s needs.

 

Response Ready Oregon was established to modernize and expand the fire service’s ability to respond quickly and effectively when wildfires ignite. The Engine Program delivered 76 new engines and tactical water tenders to local fire agencies, supported seasonal staffing, expanded the immediate response and pre‑positioning programs, and strengthened the three all-hazard incident management teams within the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System. Regional mobilization coordinators connect local chiefs to resources and support. These investments help firefighters stop fires while they are small, reducing loss and protecting communities.

 

Oregon’s wildfire exposure has increased significantly. The Rowena Fire in 2025 resulted in the loss of 56 homes, a trend consistent with the western U.S. The West has experienced a 246% increase in homes and structures destroyed by wildfire between 1999–2009 and 2010–2020, according to a study published in PNAS Nexus. Fire Adapted Oregon and Response Ready Oregon provide coordinated statewide systems that help communities prepare for these changing conditions and give fire agencies the tools they need to respond quickly and safely.

 

Over the next five years, Fire Adapted Oregon will strengthen home hardening grant programs, advance data collection and integration, and continue building strategies that support vulnerable communities and structure loss reduction. Response Ready Oregon will continue investments in staffing grants, immediate response, and pre‑positioning. Long-term and stable funding will be essential as wildfire seasons intensify. Planned improvements include modernizing the fire defense board system, enhancing technology and communications systems, developing emerging tools for situational awareness, and building additional agreements with other states to support surge capacity.

 

About the Department of the State Fire Marshal 

Since 1917, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has been dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The agency works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office after becoming an independent state agency in 2023. 

Attached Media Files: engineprogram.jpg,

Oregon Marks Five Years Of Fire Adapted Oregon And Response Ready Oregon (Photo) - 06/29/26

SALEM, ORE. - Five years after Senate Bill 762, Oregon is celebrating the progress and impact of Fire Adapted Oregon and Response Ready Oregon. These statewide programs, created by the Department of the State Fire Marshal, built a stronger foundation for wildfire risk reduction and response at a time when the state’s wildfire exposure continues to intensify.

 

Fire Adapted Oregon was created to help communities understand and reduce wildfire risk through education, defensible space, home hardening, grants, partnerships, and regional support. Over the past five years, the program trained 502 defensible space assessors from 94 agencies, completing 6,539 assessments across the state. Fire Adapted Oregon has advanced guidance on defensible space, including the importance of the first five feet around homes and structures, strengthened partnerships like the collaboration with the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, and expanded statewide mitigation and home hardening investments through grants. Regional delivery across nine districts ensures support reaches communities where it is needed most and in a way that best reflects each community’s needs.

 

Response Ready Oregon was established to modernize and expand the fire service’s ability to respond quickly and effectively when wildfires ignite. The Engine Program delivered 76 new engines and tactical water tenders to local fire agencies, supported seasonal staffing, expanded the immediate response and pre‑positioning programs, and strengthened the three all-hazard incident management teams within the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System. Regional mobilization coordinators connect local chiefs to resources and support. These investments help firefighters stop fires while they are small, reducing loss and protecting communities.

 

Oregon’s wildfire exposure has increased significantly. The Rowena Fire in 2025 resulted in the loss of 56 homes, a trend consistent with the western U.S. The West has experienced a 246% increase in homes and structures destroyed by wildfire between 1999–2009 and 2010–2020, according to a study published in PNAS Nexus. Fire Adapted Oregon and Response Ready Oregon provide coordinated statewide systems that help communities prepare for these changing conditions and give fire agencies the tools they need to respond quickly and safely.

 

Over the next five years, Fire Adapted Oregon will strengthen home hardening grant programs, advance data collection and integration, and continue building strategies that support vulnerable communities and structure loss reduction. Response Ready Oregon will continue investments in staffing grants, immediate response, and pre‑positioning. Long-term and stable funding will be essential as wildfire seasons intensify. Planned improvements include modernizing the fire defense board system, enhancing technology and communications systems, developing emerging tools for situational awareness, and building additional agreements with other states to support surge capacity.

 

About the Department of the State Fire Marshal 

Since 1917, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has been dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The agency works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office after becoming an independent state agency in 2023. 

Attached Media Files: engineprogram.jpg,

Oregon State Fire Marshal Urges Oregonians To Check Fireworks Restrictions, Keep Celebrations Legal And Safe (Photo) - 06/23/26

SALEM, Ore. – With fireworks sales beginning Today, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is reminding people to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly and legally. The 2026 fireworks retail sales season in Oregon runs from June 23 through July 6, and the agency’s message is clear: “Keep it legal. Keep it safe.” As Oregonians make plans for the holiday, they’re urged to check local rules and restrictions on both the sale and use of fireworks, whether celebrating at home or traveling.

 

“Before lighting any fireworks, make sure you know what’s allowed where you are,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Assistant Chief Deputy Mark Johnston said. “We want everyone to enjoy the holiday, but it’s critical to follow the law and avoid actions that could cause a fire or injury.”

 

Local governments across Oregon may set additional restrictions on the sale or use of fireworks, especially in areas at higher risk of wildfires. It’s the responsibility of those using fireworks to understand and follow local laws.

 

Fireworks safety and legal reminders

Consumer-legal fireworks may be purchased only from permitted retailers and stands. These fireworks may not be used on:

  • Public lands and parks
  • National parks and forests
  • Bureau of Land Management lands
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service properties
  • Oregon state beaches, parks, and campgrounds
  • Private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry

To help reduce the risk of fire and injury, fire officials urge Oregonians to follow the four Bs of safe fireworks use:

  • Be prepared: Have a bucket of water or a hose nearby.
  • Be safe: Keep children and pets at a safe distance. Never use fireworks near dry grass or other flammable materials.
  • Be responsible: Do not relight duds. Soak used fireworks in water before disposal.
  • Be aware: Use only legal fireworks and only where they are allowed.

Illegal fireworks and consequences

Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any fireworks that fly into the air, explode, or travel more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit from the state fire marshal. This includes items such as bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers.

 

Violations are a Class B misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $2,500. Those who misuse fireworks or are found to be responsible for them causing damage may be held financially responsible for fire suppression and other costs. Parents can also be held liable for damage caused by their children.

 

Learn more

The Oregon State Fire Marshal offers resources on fireworks laws, retail sale permits, and safety tips on its fireworks webpage.

For a safe celebration this Fourth of July, know the law, check local restrictions, and always keep it legal and safe.

 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL

Since 1917, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has been dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The agency works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office after becoming an independent state agency in 2023.

Attached Media Files: 260623-NST-1065.jpg,

Oregon State Fire Marshal Urges Oregonians To Check Fireworks Restrictions, Keep Celebrations Legal And Safe (Photo) - 06/23/26

SALEM, Ore. – With fireworks sales beginning Today, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is reminding people to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly and legally. The 2026 fireworks retail sales season in Oregon runs from June 23 through July 6, and the agency’s message is clear: “Keep it legal. Keep it safe.” As Oregonians make plans for the holiday, they’re urged to check local rules and restrictions on both the sale and use of fireworks, whether celebrating at home or traveling.

 

“Before lighting any fireworks, make sure you know what’s allowed where you are,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Assistant Chief Deputy Mark Johnston said. “We want everyone to enjoy the holiday, but it’s critical to follow the law and avoid actions that could cause a fire or injury.”

 

Local governments across Oregon may set additional restrictions on the sale or use of fireworks, especially in areas at higher risk of wildfires. It’s the responsibility of those using fireworks to understand and follow local laws.

 

Fireworks safety and legal reminders

Consumer-legal fireworks may be purchased only from permitted retailers and stands. These fireworks may not be used on:

  • Public lands and parks
  • National parks and forests
  • Bureau of Land Management lands
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service properties
  • Oregon state beaches, parks, and campgrounds
  • Private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry

To help reduce the risk of fire and injury, fire officials urge Oregonians to follow the four Bs of safe fireworks use:

  • Be prepared: Have a bucket of water or a hose nearby.
  • Be safe: Keep children and pets at a safe distance. Never use fireworks near dry grass or other flammable materials.
  • Be responsible: Do not relight duds. Soak used fireworks in water before disposal.
  • Be aware: Use only legal fireworks and only where they are allowed.

Illegal fireworks and consequences

Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any fireworks that fly into the air, explode, or travel more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit from the state fire marshal. This includes items such as bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers.

 

Violations are a Class B misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $2,500. Those who misuse fireworks or are found to be responsible for them causing damage may be held financially responsible for fire suppression and other costs. Parents can also be held liable for damage caused by their children.

 

Learn more

The Oregon State Fire Marshal offers resources on fireworks laws, retail sale permits, and safety tips on its fireworks webpage.

For a safe celebration this Fourth of July, know the law, check local restrictions, and always keep it legal and safe.

 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL

Since 1917, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has been dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The agency works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office after becoming an independent state agency in 2023.

Attached Media Files: 260623-NST-1065.jpg,

MEDIA ADVISORY: Oregon State Fire Marshal Fireworks Safety Demonstration And Press Event - 06/22/26

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES, NOT FOR BROADCAST
 
With fireworks sales beginning June 23, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is hosting a press event to highlight fireworks safety, legal use, and the risk of wildfire and injury during the Fourth of July holiday. The event will include short remarks from the OSFM and partner agencies followed by a live fireworks demonstration explaining safe and unsafe use.
 
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 23, 10 a.m.
 
WHERE:
Oregon State Fire Marshal Headquarters, 3991 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, Salem, OR 97302
 
WHO:
• Travis Medema, Chief Deputy, Oregon State Fire Marshal
• Mark Johnston, Assistant Chief Deputy, Oregon State Fire Marshal
 
Interview Opportunities
Following the demonstration, representatives from the Oregon State Fire Marshal, Oregon Department of Forestry, and Oregon State Parks will be available for one-on-one interviews. 
 
WHY:
With fire season underway and the potential for an above average season, it’s more important than ever to follow fireworks laws and practice safe behavior. This event will offer visuals and interviews for media covering fireworks safety.
 
VISUALS:
• Live demonstration explaining the difference between safe and unsafe fireworks use
• Fire officials and subject matter experts available for interview

MEDIA ADVISORY: Oregon State Fire Marshal Fireworks Safety Demonstration And Press Event - 06/22/26

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES, NOT FOR BROADCAST
 
With fireworks sales beginning June 23, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is hosting a press event to highlight fireworks safety, legal use, and the risk of wildfire and injury during the Fourth of July holiday. The event will include short remarks from the OSFM and partner agencies followed by a live fireworks demonstration explaining safe and unsafe use.
 
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 23, 10 a.m.
 
WHERE:
Oregon State Fire Marshal Headquarters, 3991 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, Salem, OR 97302
 
WHO:
• Travis Medema, Chief Deputy, Oregon State Fire Marshal
• Mark Johnston, Assistant Chief Deputy, Oregon State Fire Marshal
 
Interview Opportunities
Following the demonstration, representatives from the Oregon State Fire Marshal, Oregon Department of Forestry, and Oregon State Parks will be available for one-on-one interviews. 
 
WHY:
With fire season underway and the potential for an above average season, it’s more important than ever to follow fireworks laws and practice safe behavior. This event will offer visuals and interviews for media covering fireworks safety.
 
VISUALS:
• Live demonstration explaining the difference between safe and unsafe fireworks use
• Fire officials and subject matter experts available for interview

Oregon State Fire Marshal Honors Fire Safety Leaders With Golden And Silver Sparky Awards - 06/16/26

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal is excited to announce the 2026 Golden and Silver Sparky Award recipients. It’s one of the state’s most prestigious fire prevention honors. Since 1977, these awards have recognized people and agencies for their outstanding contributions to public safety education and fire prevention.  

 

“Every year, the Sparky Awards remind us that fire prevention is a shared responsibility, and that people are making a real difference in communities across Oregon,” said State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “Fire Marshal Flick and Ed Sutton embody the spirit of service, innovation, and compassion that keeps people safe. We are grateful for their leadership and honored to recognize their outstanding contributions.” 

 

Golden Sparky Award: Fire Marshal Cheryl Flick 

On June 10, Roseburg Fire Department’s Fire Marshal Cheryl Flick was honored with the Golden Sparky Award, which recognizes a member of the fire service for exceptional achievement in fire prevention.  
 

Flick was celebrated for her leadership in community risk reduction. Working with community-level data, she found 40% of Roseburg households included individuals with disabilities, Flick spearheaded partnerships with the Umpqua Valley disAbilities Network and the Aging and Disability Resource Connection. These collaborations significantly expanded safety education and support for at-risk community members.  

 

The ceremony included remarks from Roseburg Fire Chief Tyler Christopherson and State Representative Virgil Osborne.  

 

Silver Sparky Award: Ed Sutton 

Also on June 10, the Oregon State Fire Marshal presented the Silver Sparky Award to Ed Sutton at Medford Fire Station 14. The Silver Sparky is awarded to civilians or civilian agencies for significant contributions to public safety.  

 

Sutton, a dedicated volunteer with Mercy Flights, was recognized for his decades of leadership with the Mercy Flights Explorer Post 131 in Jackson County. His commitment to youth mentorship has created a vital career pathway in emergency services, guiding numerous young people into successful careers as firefighters, paramedics, nurses, and law enforcement officers.  

 

Joining the state fire marshal for the presentation were State Senator Jeff Golden and State Representatives Pam Marsh and Kim Wallan.  

 

About the Sparky Awards 

The Golden and Silver Sparky Awards are among the highest honors bestowed by the Oregon State Fire Marshal. For nearly 50 years, they have highlighted the critical work being done by both professionals and volunteers to keep Oregonians safe from the threat of fire.  

 

About the Department of the Oregon State Fire Marshal 

Since 1917, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has been dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The agency works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office after becoming an independent state agency in 2023. 

Oregon State Fire Marshal Honors Fire Safety Leaders With Golden And Silver Sparky Awards - 06/16/26

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal is excited to announce the 2026 Golden and Silver Sparky Award recipients. It’s one of the state’s most prestigious fire prevention honors. Since 1977, these awards have recognized people and agencies for their outstanding contributions to public safety education and fire prevention.  

 

“Every year, the Sparky Awards remind us that fire prevention is a shared responsibility, and that people are making a real difference in communities across Oregon,” said State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “Fire Marshal Flick and Ed Sutton embody the spirit of service, innovation, and compassion that keeps people safe. We are grateful for their leadership and honored to recognize their outstanding contributions.” 

 

Golden Sparky Award: Fire Marshal Cheryl Flick 

On June 10, Roseburg Fire Department’s Fire Marshal Cheryl Flick was honored with the Golden Sparky Award, which recognizes a member of the fire service for exceptional achievement in fire prevention.  
 

Flick was celebrated for her leadership in community risk reduction. Working with community-level data, she found 40% of Roseburg households included individuals with disabilities, Flick spearheaded partnerships with the Umpqua Valley disAbilities Network and the Aging and Disability Resource Connection. These collaborations significantly expanded safety education and support for at-risk community members.  

 

The ceremony included remarks from Roseburg Fire Chief Tyler Christopherson and State Representative Virgil Osborne.  

 

Silver Sparky Award: Ed Sutton 

Also on June 10, the Oregon State Fire Marshal presented the Silver Sparky Award to Ed Sutton at Medford Fire Station 14. The Silver Sparky is awarded to civilians or civilian agencies for significant contributions to public safety.  

 

Sutton, a dedicated volunteer with Mercy Flights, was recognized for his decades of leadership with the Mercy Flights Explorer Post 131 in Jackson County. His commitment to youth mentorship has created a vital career pathway in emergency services, guiding numerous young people into successful careers as firefighters, paramedics, nurses, and law enforcement officers.  

 

Joining the state fire marshal for the presentation were State Senator Jeff Golden and State Representatives Pam Marsh and Kim Wallan.  

 

About the Sparky Awards 

The Golden and Silver Sparky Awards are among the highest honors bestowed by the Oregon State Fire Marshal. For nearly 50 years, they have highlighted the critical work being done by both professionals and volunteers to keep Oregonians safe from the threat of fire.  

 

About the Department of the Oregon State Fire Marshal 

Since 1917, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has been dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The agency works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office after becoming an independent state agency in 2023. 

Media Advisory: Silver Sparky Award Presentation June 10 In Medford - 06/08/26

The Oregon State Fire Marshal will present the Silver Sparky Award to a Mercy Flights volunteer.

 

When:
Wednesday, June 10, 3:00 p.m.

 

Where:
Medford Fire Station 14
2208 Table Rock Rd., Medford

 

This year’s Silver Sparky recipient is being recognized for decades of dedicated leadership with the Mercy Flights Explorer Post 131 in Jackson County. Through sustained mentorship and a strong commitment to youth development, the awardee built one of Oregon’s most impactful emergency services career pathways. Many of the young people they guided have gone on to serve their communities as firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, nurses, law enforcement officers, and physicians.

 

Since 1977, the Silver Sparky Award has been one of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s highest honors, recognizing a civilian or civilian agency for outstanding achievement in fire prevention or public safety education.

Media Advisory: Silver Sparky Award Presentation June 10 In Medford - 06/08/26

The Oregon State Fire Marshal will present the Silver Sparky Award to a Mercy Flights volunteer.

 

When:
Wednesday, June 10, 3:00 p.m.

 

Where:
Medford Fire Station 14
2208 Table Rock Rd., Medford

 

This year’s Silver Sparky recipient is being recognized for decades of dedicated leadership with the Mercy Flights Explorer Post 131 in Jackson County. Through sustained mentorship and a strong commitment to youth development, the awardee built one of Oregon’s most impactful emergency services career pathways. Many of the young people they guided have gone on to serve their communities as firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, nurses, law enforcement officers, and physicians.

 

Since 1977, the Silver Sparky Award has been one of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s highest honors, recognizing a civilian or civilian agency for outstanding achievement in fire prevention or public safety education.

Media Advisory: Golden Sparky Award Presentation June 10 In Roseburg - 06/08/26

The Oregon State Fire Marshal will present the Golden Sparky Award to a member of the Roseburg Fire Department.

 

When:
Wednesday, June 10, 11:00 a.m.

 

Where:
Roseburg Fire Department, Umpqua Room (downstairs)
700 SE Douglas Ave., Roseburg

 

This year’s Golden Sparky recipient is being honored for leading innovative community risk reduction outreach in Roseburg, where data showed that 40% of households included someone with a disability. In response, the awardee helped develop and strengthen partnerships with the Umpqua Valley disAbilities Network and the Aging and Disability Resource Connection, expanding education and safety support for at‑risk community members.

 

Since 1977, the Golden Sparky Award has been one of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s highest honors, recognizing a fire service member or fire agency for outstanding fire prevention or public safety education achievement.

Media Advisory: Golden Sparky Award Presentation June 10 In Roseburg - 06/08/26

The Oregon State Fire Marshal will present the Golden Sparky Award to a member of the Roseburg Fire Department.

 

When:
Wednesday, June 10, 11:00 a.m.

 

Where:
Roseburg Fire Department, Umpqua Room (downstairs)
700 SE Douglas Ave., Roseburg

 

This year’s Golden Sparky recipient is being honored for leading innovative community risk reduction outreach in Roseburg, where data showed that 40% of households included someone with a disability. In response, the awardee helped develop and strengthen partnerships with the Umpqua Valley disAbilities Network and the Aging and Disability Resource Connection, expanding education and safety support for at‑risk community members.

 

Since 1977, the Golden Sparky Award has been one of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s highest honors, recognizing a fire service member or fire agency for outstanding fire prevention or public safety education achievement.