With 298 Firewise USA sites in good standing across the United States, Oregon is again ranked #2 in the nation for the number of locations.
In 2024, Oregon added 32 new sites to create more fire-adapted communities. The state is also honored to share the first Firewise USA site in the country that is located in two states, along the Oregon-California border in Lake County.
Along with being #2 as a state last year, Oregon was also home to the #4 and #5 counties with the most sites in the nation: Deschutes County with 78 sites and Jackson County with 74. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedication of community members and those that led the charge.
Firewise USA is a program that helps guide communities in the process of protecting their homes and neighborhoods from wildfire. The program is run by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and co-sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters and US Forest Service.
The Oregon Department of Forestry is responsible for administering the program in this state and is a resource to help communities create a community wildfire protection plan, find grants to fund projects and give expert advice.
Starting the journey to become a Firewise USA site is as easy as calling your local ODF office. Only a minimum of eight dwellings are required, meaning that your street, neighborhood or town can be a Firewise USA community. In Josephine County, call (541)-474-3152. In Jackson County, call (541)-664-3328.
