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Oregon State Fire Marshal Calls For Oregonians To Take Simple Steps To Prepare For Wildfire (Photo) - 05/04/26

SALEM, Ore. - A few simple weekend projects within the first five feet of your home could be the difference between surviving a wildfire or suffering devastating damage. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is encouraging Oregonians to kick off Wildfire Awarenesses Month by completing one defensible space or home hardening project this week.
 
Research from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety shows that reducing combustible materials in the 0-5-foot zone can significantly lower the risk of a home catching fire from wind-blown embers.
 
Wildfire seasons are longer and more intense than ever. Oregonians can be wildfire prepared by taking projects one step at a time. These simple steps include clearing gutters, protecting vents, and removing things that can catch fire near the home. 
 
“With the help of Bigfoot as our guide, we want you to be wildfire prepared one foot at a time,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We’ve launched a summer campaign to show that these small steps can reduce your home's chances of loss or damage from wildfire.”
 
Take the first step today by:
  • Removing leaves, pine needles, and other combustible material from the roof, gutters, and deck (on and under) to prevent embers from igniting the home
  • Covering vents with 1/8" metal wire mesh to prevent embers from entering the home
  • Removing or relocating combustible items such as furniture, cushions, trash cans, and rugs at least five feet from the house
  • Choosing options like gravel or pavers instead of bark mulch within the first five feet of the house
  • Keeping lawns lean, clean, and green during fire season
“Oregon communities have shown time and again that when people take action, they make a difference,” Ruiz-Temple said. “This month is about building momentum. If every household takes even one step, our statewide protection becomes stronger.”
 
As you clean up your yard, be mindful about disposal. Consider chipping, composting, or recycling. If burning is necessary, always follow local rules and restrictions. Debris burns that get out of control are the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon.
 
Oregonians ready to take the next step toward wildfire readiness can find simple checklists, free home assessment sign-up, information about local events, and more at preventwildfires.oregon.gov. 
 
ABOUT THE OREGON STATE FIRE MARSHAL
The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The Oregon State Fire Marshal 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.
 

Attached Media Files: The Oregon State Fire Marshal is encouraging Oregonians to kick off Wildfire Awarenesses Month by completing one defensible space or home hardening project this week., The Oregon State Fire Marshal is encouraging Oregonians to kick off Wildfire Awarenesses Month by completing one defensible space or home hardening project this week.,

Oregon State Fire Marshal Calls For Oregonians To Take Simple Steps To Prepare For Wildfire (Photo) - 05/04/26

SALEM, Ore. - A few simple weekend projects within the first five feet of your home could be the difference between surviving a wildfire or suffering devastating damage. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is encouraging Oregonians to kick off Wildfire Awarenesses Month by completing one defensible space or home hardening project this week.
 
Research from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety shows that reducing combustible materials in the 0-5-foot zone can significantly lower the risk of a home catching fire from wind-blown embers.
 
Wildfire seasons are longer and more intense than ever. Oregonians can be wildfire prepared by taking projects one step at a time. These simple steps include clearing gutters, protecting vents, and removing things that can catch fire near the home. 
 
“With the help of Bigfoot as our guide, we want you to be wildfire prepared one foot at a time,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We’ve launched a summer campaign to show that these small steps can reduce your home's chances of loss or damage from wildfire.”
 
Take the first step today by:
  • Removing leaves, pine needles, and other combustible material from the roof, gutters, and deck (on and under) to prevent embers from igniting the home
  • Covering vents with 1/8" metal wire mesh to prevent embers from entering the home
  • Removing or relocating combustible items such as furniture, cushions, trash cans, and rugs at least five feet from the house
  • Choosing options like gravel or pavers instead of bark mulch within the first five feet of the house
  • Keeping lawns lean, clean, and green during fire season
“Oregon communities have shown time and again that when people take action, they make a difference,” Ruiz-Temple said. “This month is about building momentum. If every household takes even one step, our statewide protection becomes stronger.”
 
As you clean up your yard, be mindful about disposal. Consider chipping, composting, or recycling. If burning is necessary, always follow local rules and restrictions. Debris burns that get out of control are the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon.
 
Oregonians ready to take the next step toward wildfire readiness can find simple checklists, free home assessment sign-up, information about local events, and more at preventwildfires.oregon.gov. 
 
ABOUT THE OREGON STATE FIRE MARSHAL
The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The Oregon State Fire Marshal 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.
 

Attached Media Files: The Oregon State Fire Marshal is encouraging Oregonians to kick off Wildfire Awarenesses Month by completing one defensible space or home hardening project this week., The Oregon State Fire Marshal is encouraging Oregonians to kick off Wildfire Awarenesses Month by completing one defensible space or home hardening project this week.,

State Fire Marshal Announces 2026 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant Recipients (Photo) - 05/01/26

In preparation for the upcoming wildfire season, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has awarded nearly $6 million in grants to boost response staffing across Oregon. The agency’s 2026 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant was awarded to 180 local fire agencies, providing up to $35,000 to bring on extra firefighters through October.

 

“Over the years, we have offered this grant to the Oregon fire service, and it has been a game changer,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “The Oregon fire service has been able to prevent fires from escalating to a much larger, more costly regional or statewide responses.”

 

Local fire agencies can use the funding to hire seasonal firefighters or pay for additional shift work. The goal of the grant is to reduce response times and keep fires small and from impacting Oregon communities.

 

The wildfire season staffing grant is in its fifth year and each summer proves to be a valuable investment in the Oregon fire service. Smaller, rural fire agencies that may depend on volunteers for response are prioritized in the grant process. Having dedicated staff has led to several agencies being able to respond to other life-safety emergencies.

 

“I can say without hesitation this grant had a direct and immediate impact on our ability to respond to the Alder Springs and Flat fires in 2025,” Fire Chief Sean Hartley with Crooked River Ranch Fire and Rescue said. “The additional personnel funded by the grant meant we had more firefighters available when these large incidents occurred. This support strengthened our operational readiness when it mattered most.”

 

A list of recipient agencies can be found on the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website. Recognizing the importance of this grant, the Oregon Legislature has allocated funding for the grant in 2027.

 

ABOUT THE OREGON STATE FIRE MARSHAL

The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The Oregon State Fire Marshal 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.

Attached Media Files: WFS2026.JPG,

State Fire Marshal Announces 2026 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant Recipients (Photo) - 05/01/26

In preparation for the upcoming wildfire season, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has awarded nearly $6 million in grants to boost response staffing across Oregon. The agency’s 2026 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant was awarded to 180 local fire agencies, providing up to $35,000 to bring on extra firefighters through October.

 

“Over the years, we have offered this grant to the Oregon fire service, and it has been a game changer,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “The Oregon fire service has been able to prevent fires from escalating to a much larger, more costly regional or statewide responses.”

 

Local fire agencies can use the funding to hire seasonal firefighters or pay for additional shift work. The goal of the grant is to reduce response times and keep fires small and from impacting Oregon communities.

 

The wildfire season staffing grant is in its fifth year and each summer proves to be a valuable investment in the Oregon fire service. Smaller, rural fire agencies that may depend on volunteers for response are prioritized in the grant process. Having dedicated staff has led to several agencies being able to respond to other life-safety emergencies.

 

“I can say without hesitation this grant had a direct and immediate impact on our ability to respond to the Alder Springs and Flat fires in 2025,” Fire Chief Sean Hartley with Crooked River Ranch Fire and Rescue said. “The additional personnel funded by the grant meant we had more firefighters available when these large incidents occurred. This support strengthened our operational readiness when it mattered most.”

 

A list of recipient agencies can be found on the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website. Recognizing the importance of this grant, the Oregon Legislature has allocated funding for the grant in 2027.

 

ABOUT THE OREGON STATE FIRE MARSHAL

The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The Oregon State Fire Marshal 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.

Attached Media Files: WFS2026.JPG,