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News Release

Oregon Department Of Forestry And University Of Oregon Hazards Lab Sign Memorandum Of Understanding To Strengthen Statewide Wildfire Hazard Monitoring And Preparedness - 12/16/25

Salem, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Hazards Lab at the University of Oregon (OHAZ) have entered a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formally establishes a statewide collaboration to improve early detection, monitoring, and response to natural hazards across Oregon.

 

The agreement aligns operations, research, and practices between the two organizations, supporting shared goals of reducing risk, protecting communities, and building a more resilient future for the state. The agreement also represents a direct outcome of the Oregon Wildfire Detection Camera Interoperability Committee that serves Oregon by coordinating a broad consortium of fire agencies, first responders, utility companies, and technology operators.

 

Under the MOU, ODF and OHAZ will coordinate efforts on legislative strategy and funding pursuits, expand access to emerging tools and scientific expertise, and develop collaborative pilot projects. The partnership emphasizes interoperability, training, exchange of data and best practices.

 

“This collaboration advances Oregon’s ability to respond to wildfire, seismic threats, floods, and other natural hazards with the best tools and information available,” said Leland O’Driscoll, the Director of OHAZ. “By partnering with ODF, we can strengthen statewide systems that protect lives, property, and natural resources.”

 

The partnership reflects a broader vision: that clear, coordinated arrangements among Oregon’s public agencies and research institutions enhance transparency, accountability, and reliability during critical events. By integrating scientific innovation with on-the-ground operational expertise, ODF and OHAZ aim to improve hazard monitoring and early detection statewide.

 

“Oregonians benefit when universities, government agencies, and public partners work from a shared understanding and aligned goals,” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief. “This agreement enables meaningful collaboration—from research to real-time operations—to help communities prepare for and respond to hazards more effectively.”

 

As Oregon continues to face increasing risks from wildfire, extreme weather, and geological hazards, this collaboration will help advance proactive strategies and better equip the state with timely, actionable information.

 

Oregon Department Of Forestry And University Of Oregon Hazards Lab Sign Memorandum Of Understanding To Strengthen Statewide Wildfire Hazard Monitoring And Preparedness - 12/16/25

Salem, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Hazards Lab at the University of Oregon (OHAZ) have entered a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formally establishes a statewide collaboration to improve early detection, monitoring, and response to natural hazards across Oregon.

 

The agreement aligns operations, research, and practices between the two organizations, supporting shared goals of reducing risk, protecting communities, and building a more resilient future for the state. The agreement also represents a direct outcome of the Oregon Wildfire Detection Camera Interoperability Committee that serves Oregon by coordinating a broad consortium of fire agencies, first responders, utility companies, and technology operators.

 

Under the MOU, ODF and OHAZ will coordinate efforts on legislative strategy and funding pursuits, expand access to emerging tools and scientific expertise, and develop collaborative pilot projects. The partnership emphasizes interoperability, training, exchange of data and best practices.

 

“This collaboration advances Oregon’s ability to respond to wildfire, seismic threats, floods, and other natural hazards with the best tools and information available,” said Leland O’Driscoll, the Director of OHAZ. “By partnering with ODF, we can strengthen statewide systems that protect lives, property, and natural resources.”

 

The partnership reflects a broader vision: that clear, coordinated arrangements among Oregon’s public agencies and research institutions enhance transparency, accountability, and reliability during critical events. By integrating scientific innovation with on-the-ground operational expertise, ODF and OHAZ aim to improve hazard monitoring and early detection statewide.

 

“Oregonians benefit when universities, government agencies, and public partners work from a shared understanding and aligned goals,” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief. “This agreement enables meaningful collaboration—from research to real-time operations—to help communities prepare for and respond to hazards more effectively.”

 

As Oregon continues to face increasing risks from wildfire, extreme weather, and geological hazards, this collaboration will help advance proactive strategies and better equip the state with timely, actionable information.