Columbia County Begins Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update: Residents Invited To Help Identify Wildfire Risks And Preparedness Priorities (Photo) - 08/12/26
ST. HELENS, Ore., August 12, 2026 — Columbia County Emergency Management, in partnership with local fire agencies and community partners, is updating the Columbia County Community Wildfire Protection Plan and is encouraging residents to participate in community meetings and an online survey.
The Community Wildfire Protection Plan identifies wildfire risks and helps guide efforts to reduce those risks, improve preparedness, and protect people, property, infrastructure, and natural resources.
Residents know their communities best. Public input is a key part of the planning process, and residents are encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences to help guide future mitigation efforts. The update will bring together local agencies, community organizations, and residents to identify wildfire concerns and opportunities to improve preparedness.
Community meetings are planned in the following areas:
- Rainier - September 3, 6:00 pm, 100 W A St, Rainier
- Clatskanie- September 8, 7:00 pm,555 SW Bryant St, Clatskanie
- Mist-Birkenfeld - September 12, 10:00 am, 12525 Hwy 202, Mist
- St. Helens -September 17, 6:00 pm, 1054 Oregon St, St Helens 52751 Columbia River Hwy
- Vernonia -September 19, 5:00 pm, 627 Adams Ave, Vernonia
- Scappoose -September 22, 6:00 pm, 52751 Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose
Residents who cannot attend a meeting can share their input through an online survey, which will remain open through October 31, 2026. For a printed survey, you may call Columbia County Public Health at 503-397-7247 or email health@columbiacountyor.gov with your request.
Survey information, meeting updates, and additional CWPP updates will be shared through the Columbia County Emergency Management Program's webpage.
Following community outreach, the planning team will evaluate wildfire hazards, review existing mitigation efforts, and develop recommendations to reduce wildfire risk. A draft plan will be released for public review before adoption.
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