Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple and partner agencies briefed the governor’s staff on Wednesday, May 15, on the upcoming wildfire season and what the agency has been working on to be better prepared.
Since last fall, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has invested in projects and created new programs to reduce the risk of wildfire in communities across the state. The agency is doing this work through its Fire Adapted Oregon and Response Ready Oregon initiatives that work together to rise to the growing challenge wildfire poses to Oregon communities.
The OSFM, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and the Oregon fire service have conducted more than 1,285 defensible space assessments, giving homes and communities added protection against wildfire. The OSFM has funded wildfire risk reduction projects in communities across the state.
This summer, the Oregon fire service will have modernized equipment through the OSFM Engine Program which is providing 76 engines and water tenders. This new equipment began arriving in early 2024 and more is expected to arrive through the summer.
These new engines, paired with the 2024 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant to increase firefighters through October, positions Oregon in a great spot to carry out our objective of keeping fires small and away from communities.
The OSFM is asking Oregonians and visitors to help firefighters this summer by doing everything they can to prevent wildfires. Learn more on how to be #WildfireAware this summer by logging on to the OSFM’s website.
Public Affairs Specialist
Oregon State Fire Marshal
503-378-3473
https://www.oregon.gov/osfm
