BEND, Ore. - The Oregon State Fire Marshal is excited to share that project work is underway for the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction (CWRR) grants awarded in June 2023. These grants, awarded to organizations across Oregon, are instrumental in fortifying communities against the threat of wildfires and advancing fire safety measures.
Central Oregon is at the forefront of these vital projects, with several organizations committed to enhancing wildfire resilience in their communities. The recipients of the CWRR grants in Central Oregon include:
- Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council - $250,000
- City of Sisters - $72,000
- Crooked River Ranch Lion’s Club - $82,431
- Deschutes County - $500,000
- Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2 - $280,679
- Deschutes River Woods Neighborhood Association - $156,300
- Grizzly Rangeland Fire Protection Association - $37,500
- Ponderosa Pines Property Owner’s Association - $140,995
- River Canyon Estates Homeowner’s Association - $27,405
These grants support a wide array of critical projects, including fuel reduction, community education, and wildfire risk mitigation strategies. The collective efforts of these organizations will significantly contribute to reducing the impact of wildfires in Central Oregon and beyond.
A notable milestone in this initiative is the delivery of a chipper to the Ponderosa Pines Property Owner’s Association, scheduled for Thursday, September 28, 2023 between noon and 1 p.m. This chipper is a valuable asset in their ongoing efforts to create defensible space and minimize wildfire risks in their community. The address is 51840 Black Pine Way.
From Bend:
South on 97 to Burgess Road
Turn right on Burgess then go to mile marker 5
Turn left on Ponderosa Way which will become Ponderosa Loop
Continue on Ponderosa Loop to Black Pine Way and turn left
Chipper area will be on the right where the buildings and water are located.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal commends these organizations for their dedication to safeguarding their communities against wildfires. The tireless work of these grant recipients is a testament to the resilience and determination of Oregonians in the face of wildfire threats.
For more information regarding the progress of the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction grants and the chipper delivery event in Central Oregon, please contact Heather Miller, OSFM Central Oregon fire risk reduction specialist at heather.miller@osfm.oregon.gov or 503-509-3534.
About the Oregon State Fire Marshal
The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s mission is to protect people, property and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM is committed to strengthening the safety and security of Oregon's communities by mitigating the risks associated with wildfires. Through grant funding and strategic partnerships, the agency empowers local organizations to implement effective wildfire risk reduction measures and protect lives and property.
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SALEM, Ore. – Every year, communities across Oregon are impacted by wildfire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal wants to help all home and property owners be better protected against wildfire. The OSFM is hosting media availabilities around the state to talk about defensible space: what to do and where to start. The agency offers free defensible space assessments.
Assistant Chief Deputy Chad Hawkins and Defensible Space Program Coordinator Leslie Neu will be available for interviews and to show defensible space best practices with interested media partners.
Clackamas
Wednesday, September 27
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Exact location and time will be scheduled
To schedule an interview, please email osfm.publicaffairs@osfm.oregon.gov.
SALEM, Ore. – Every year, communities across Oregon are impacted by wildfire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal wants to help all home and property owners be better protected against wildfire. The OSFM is hosting media availabilities around the state to talk about defensible space: what to do and where to start. The agency is offering free defensible space assessments.
Assistant Chief Deputy Chad Hawkins and Defensible Space Program Coordinator Leslie Neu will be available for interviews and to show defensible space best practices with interested media partners.
Jacksonville
Wednesday, September 20
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
To schedule an interview, please email osfm.publicaffairs@osfm.oregon.gov.
SALEM, Ore. – Every year, communities across Oregon are impacted by wildfire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal wants to help all home and property owners be better protected against wildfire. The OSFM is hosting media availabilities around the state to talk about defensible space: what to do, where to start, and how to make a plan. The OSFM is offering free defensible space assessments.
Assistant Chief Deputy Chad Hawkins will be available for interviews and to show defensible space best practices with interested media partners.
Eugene
Thursday, September 7
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Exact time and location to be scheduled
To schedule an interview, please email osfm.publicaffairs@osfm.oregon.gov.
SALEM, Ore. - Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Bensel Fire to allow the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to mobilize additional resources to protect life and property. Earlier Sunday, OSFM mobilized fire boss air tankers and a helicopter to support firefighting efforts. The OSFM resources will provide structure protection for homes near the Bensel Fire. Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders are in place through the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office for homes threatened by the Bensel Fire. With the declared conflagration, OSFM will mobilize structural firefighters, equipment, and the Green Incident Management Team.
"Although portions of Oregon are receiving rain, this is a stark reminder that we are not out of wildfire season yet," said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. "We are asking the people of Oregon to help prevent human-caused fires by remaining wildfire aware.”
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined that the fire poses a threat to life, safety, and property, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The governor's declaration cleared the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources in battling the fire and further support a coordinated response.
The OSFM's Green Incident Management Team will be briefed and assume unified command of the Bensel Fire at 8 a.m. on September 4, 2023. The structural task forces are coming from counties throughout Oregon through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System.
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