Oregon State Fire Marshal

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News Release

State Fire Marshal Encourages Oregonians To Create Defensible Space -05/05/25

SALEM, Ore. – Last year, Oregon had one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in its history—1.9 million acres burned, communities were tested, and lives were changed. But amid the devastation, there were also stories of resilience: homes that stood strong because they had defensible space. 

 

As May marks Wildfire Awareness Month, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is urging Oregonians to act now. With the possibility of another challenging fire season ahead, preparing your home could make all the difference. 

 

“For the last several years, we’ve been proactively working to boost staffing at local fire agencies, modernizing response equipment, and investing in wildfire resiliency projects across the state,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “But we can’t do it alone. We need every Oregonian to rise to this challenge. Creating defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to protect your property and your community.” 

 

Start with small changes that have a big impact: 

  • Space and prune trees to prevent fire from climbing into canopies. 

  • Remove leaves, pine needles, bark mulch, and other debris within 100 feet of structures or up to your property line. 

  • Clean roofs and gutters of flammable debris. 

  • Move combustible materials—like mulch and firewood—away from your home. 

  • Keep plants trimmed and clear of dead material, especially near the house. 

  • Avoid planting directly under eaves; leave at least a five-foot buffer. 

 

For a detailed guide on how to create defensible space, check out www.oregondefensiblespace.org. 

 

As you clean up your yard, be mindful about disposal. Consider chipping, composting, or recycling. If burning is necessary, always follow local rules. Debris burns that get out of control are the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon. 

 

This May, the Oregon State Fire Marshal—alongside fire service partners—is calling on everyone to get ready, stay aware, and believe in fire safety. Together, we can reduce wildfire risk and protect what matters most. 

 

Find tips, resources, links to our partner agencies, and more at the OSFM’s Wildfire Awareness Month webpage or preventwildfires.oregon.gov.   

 

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

State Fire Marshal Announces 2025 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant Awardees -04/14/25

SALEM, Ore. – A small grant with big impact, helping protect Oregonians when it matters most. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is announcing the 2025 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant recipients. Now in its fourth year, this funding helps local fire agencies, many relying on volunteer crews, bring on extra firefighters during wildfire season. These seasonal staff boost emergency response at 200 agencies across the state, from wildfire calls to everyday emergencies. 
 

“The OSFM wildfire season staffing grants have greatly improved our response capabilities and those in neighboring districts,” Coburg Fire District Chief Chad Minter said. “With this funding, we can staff a wildland engine daily during fire season with two additional firefighters who respond to all fires and support five nearby districts. When not on calls, the crew assists with recruitment, training, outreach, and prevention. This staffing makes up 50% of our rapid response and is essential to keeping fires small. These grants are a smart investment.” 

Local fire agencies were eligible to apply for up to $35,000 to increase staffing levels during the fire season. Each summer, this grant adds more than 1,500 firefighters across Oregon. The Oregon legislature allocated $6 million to the program this year.  

“The Wildfire Season Staffing Grant is one of our most impactful tools to help local fire agencies respond to emergencies faster, protect communities, and support each other through mutual aid,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We’re thankful to our legislators for continuing to invest in the safety and resilience of our communities.” 

Since 2022, the grant has proven to be a vital resource in increasing preparedness, response capabilities, and overall community safety during Oregon’s increasingly challenging wildfire seasons. 

To view the list of grant awardees, click here. For more information on the OSFM’s grant programs, click here.  

About the Oregon State Fire Marshal 

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