Heart of Oregon Corps youth crew’s defensible space work was key when wildfire threatened Madras-area homes

Kelsey McGee will have our story at Five; fuels reduction program again available to property owners

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Heart of Oregon Corps youth crew's efforts to clear defensible space around properties near Madras last year made a crucial difference this summer in protecting homes threatened by the more than 5,200-acre Elk Lane Fire, as some thankful homeowners can attest.

Kelsey McGee traveled to Madras on Monday to speak with HOC staff and property owners grateful for the work done in the Elk Drive Project. Her report is coming up on NewsChannel 21 at Five.

Here's a news release on the work and program from the Central Oregon Wildfire Workforce Partnership:

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- This past fire season, when flames from a 5,240-acre wildfire moved swiftly toward a property near Madras, the owners had no choice but to evacuate, hoping their home would survive. They returned to a reassuring sight: their property, with its newly cleared defensible space, had been spared.

Just a year earlier, a Heart of Oregon Corps youth crew had worked on this very land, clearing brush, spacing juniper trees, and reducing wildfire fuels to help protect it from the very threat that arrived this summer.

The property owners reached out to express their heartfelt gratitude for the work that had made all the difference.

“The fire rolled right under the trees, and it was really easy for firefighters to keep it away from all the structures,” they shared. “A real testament to the great work you do!”

The homeowners’ relief and appreciation tell the story of how planning and proactive work can save not only property but the sense of safety and hope that home represents.

This success story is possible because of an innovative state grant — the Oregon Conservation Corps, first created as a part of the larger SB762 Wildfire legislation of 2021, and refunded in 2023. The grant is innovative because it combines both boots-on-the-ground wildfire prevention projects on small acreage property right in communities, and workforce training for Oregon’s 16-24-year-old Opportunity Youth, who are eager to pursue wildfire and natural resources careers.

In Central Oregon, the Heart of Oregon Corps and Central Oregon Intergovernmental (COIC) jointly work together on a shared Oregon Conservation Corps grant. Their crews of local youth and young adults have been at work across Jefferson, Deschutes, and Crook counties, providing much-needed wildfire fuel reduction and creating defensible spaces around homes and neighborhoods.

Oregon Conservation Corps funding has a mission to protect and empower: These young people aren’t just clearing brush — they’re gaining critical skills, certifications, and confidence.

Through training with the Oregon Department of Forestry and U.S. Forest Service, they earn certifications in Entry-Level Wildland Firefighting and chainsaw operation (S212), while learning hands-on techniques in reducing wildfire fuels and creating safer communities.

The experience is a stepping stone into meaningful careers and a chance to build their futures while making a real impact at home. During the first year of Oregon Conservation Corps funding alone, local youth earned 86 technical certifications.

The Elk Drive project near Madras is one of many where local youth crews have made a lasting difference. Their work includes clearing flammable brush, thinning trees and removing ladder fuels that allow flames to climb into canopies, which is essential for slowing or stopping wildfires before they can damage homes.

By creating defensible spaces, these crews make firefighters’ jobs safer and give property owners peace of mind. Since 2022, Heart of Oregon and COIC youth crews have treated nearly 600 acres of land under Oregon Conservation Corps funding.

“This work is so much more than just clearing land,” shared Laura Handy, HOC's executive director. “It’s about instilling purpose, protecting our communities, and preparing these young people with skills that they’ll carry into their future. This season, we’re seeing how powerfully that work has paid off.”

As we head into winter, it’s the ideal time for property owners to take proactive steps. Heart of Oregon and COIC’s joint Central Oregon Wildfire Workforce Partnership (COWWP) program offers free fuels reduction services to residents with limited resources in high-risk wildfire zones, prioritizing those in underserved areas.

Planning defensible space now helps protect homes, creates safer communities, and supports local youth in building critical skills. This winter, property owners have an invaluable opportunity to make their homes more resilient against wildfire, all while making a lasting impact in the lives of young people.

For more information and to check eligibility for fuels reduction work this winter, please visit https://www.coic.org/cowwp/.

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About Heart of Oregon Corps

Heart of Oregon Corps (HOC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and young adults through employment, job training, education, and service to Central Oregon communities. With the goal of career readiness, HOC hires and trains 225 youth ages 16-24 annually in the fields of conservation, construction, and childcare.

Accredited by the Corps Center for Excellence, HOC is committed to training tomorrow’s workforce today and is accepting youth applications now! For more information or to apply, visit heartoforegon.org.

About Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council

COIC supports the region as a trusted leader and partner, helping communities identify and address their unique and common needs through collaboration, shared service delivery, technical assistance, information sharing, and resource development.

About Central Oregon Wildfire Workforce Partnership

Central Oregon Wildfire Workforce Partnership (COWWP) is an initiative formed in 2022 by the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council and Heart of Oregon Corps to protect high-risk communities from the dangers of wildfire. With support from the Oregon Conservation Corps, the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon State Fire Marshal, COWWP youth crews are providing much-needed wildfire fuel reduction and creating defensible spaces in Central Oregon.