C. Oregon has state’s 100th Firewise Community

In the heat of summer, the threat of wildfire is on the minds of many Oregonians. On Tuesday the Oregon Department of Forestry celebrated milestone in Oregon’s fire prevention and preparedness program by recognizing over 100 communities that have taken steps to become Firewise!

Squaw Creek Canyon Estates located just outside of Sisters is now the 100th community to commit to their own wildfire preparedness by becoming a Firewise Community. State Forester Doug Decker, NFPA, USFS and other community leaders will honor Oregon’s Firewise Communities at a celebration at the Camp Sherman Fire District in Sisters on Friday, August 12th .

Since 2004, the National Firewise Communities USA Program has empowered Oregon communities to work together in reducing their wildfire risk. After 12 short years, the growing network includes over 100 recognized Firewise Communities in Oregon taking action to protect and prepare their neighborhoods from wildfire.

The Firewise program is a unique, community-led initiative supported by state, local and federal fire professionals designed to engage homeowners in reducing losses from fire at the neighborhood scale. Firewise community members and fire professionals have invested over $3.85 million to reduce wildfire risk and build safer communities throughout Oregon.

Sixty homes have been lost to wildfires in just the last three years. A staggering 751,672 Oregonians (occupying about 342,000 homes) live in forested areas, making them vulnerable to wildfire. Simple actions such as reducing flammable vegetation around homes and using fire resistant siding and roofing materials can significantly reduce the threat of fire.

Be a part of the solution! Contact your local Oregon Department of Forestry office to learn how your community can become Firewise!