Firewise in Focus: OSFM Visits Oakridge & Westfir to See Prevention at Work
- staff434
- May 16
- 2 min read
The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Risk Reduction Specialists paid a visit to Oakridge on Wednesday, April 23rd. This event, hosted by the Southern Willamette Forest Collaborative’s Fire Safe Council, underscored the ongoing efforts within these communities to enhance their resilience against wildfires. Tour guests saw how SWFC’s Firewise projects foster a sense of proactive preparedness rather than apprehension.
This visit showed how important the OSFM's grant program is. This program helps people in Oakridge and Westfir do real things to make their homes safer from fire. The experts saw firsthand how this money is helping the towns become stronger against wildfires.
The first stop for the OSFM team was the Oak Hill Mobile Home Park. This showed how everyone is working together to make the community safer from fire. They saw how the Firewise program is used by ordinary residents. Things like clearing the first five feet around homes and getting rid of plants that catch fire easily make a difference. Oak Hill is a great example of how neighbors working together can really lower the risk of wildfire.
OSFM staff also watched a local contractor perform work focused on increasing fire safety, also known as “defensible space”. Hearing the stories of the contractor, as well as the residents, showed how important local knowledge is in making the community safer.
The tour ended at Brock’s Wood Lot. This gave a different look at how to handle wood and brush from Firewise work. This local business uses the wood debris to power a kiln. Brock’s Wood Lot has found a smart way to support their business while also preventing fires.
The visit from the OSFM experts was encouraging! It showed that the hard work and progress in Oakridge and Westfir are paying off. The work being done, with help from the OSFM grant, isn't just about saving houses. It's about creating a community that is ready, takes action, and is ultimately safer for everyone.
To sign up for a free Firewise Assessment or need-based financial assistance (for homes in Oakridge-Westfir) contact the Southern Willamette Forest Collaborative at 541-782-3422 or fill out THIS form.
Lane County Firewise grant applications for homeowners closes May 30th 4pm. Visit www.lanecountyor.gov/firewise to apply. For more information, call the Firewise Message Line at 541-682-6522.
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