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Firewise​®

Wildfires are an ecologically important part of the Northeast Oregon landscape. For Union County residents, it’s not if wildfire happens, but when. By working together, we can share the responsibility of understanding and preparing for wildfires. There are several easy ways we can become more wildfire resilient, including:

  • creating defensible space around homes,
  • maintaining healthy forests,
  • and talking with our families and neighbors about emergency planning.

Interested in learning more about these and other wildfire risk reduction strategies? Check out the partners and resources below or contact the Union SWCD Firewise® Community Coordinator, Anna Lindquist at: alindquist@unionswcd.org

Firewise USA®

The Firewise Community Coordinator can help you and your neighbors through the process of becoming a Firewise® community. The Firewise® USA program is a nationally recognized organization focused on providing individuals and communities with the resources they need to ready their property and community against wildfire. Through Firewise®, neighbors work with partners to first understand their wildfire risk, and then collaborate on community-wide projects like creating evacuation plans, forest thinning and fuel breaks, and hosting fun and educational neighborhood events.

Benefits of becoming a Firewise® Community are:

  • Framework for Action: Helps communities organize and take systematic, annual steps to reduce wildfire risks, laying the groundwork for long-term safety.
  • Wildfire Education: Increases awareness of wildfire risks and connects communities with experts, providing access to resources and best practices.
  • Community-Building: Strengthens neighborhood bonds and collaboration, enhancing community resilience during emergencies.
  • Recognition and Publicity: Offers recognition, boosting community pride and spreading awareness of wildfire safety efforts.
  • Access to Funding and Assistance: Increases eligibility for grants and other financial support only available to groups.
  • Insurance: Potentially leads to insurance discounts and incentives.
  • Preparedness: Helps develop a plan for wildfire emergencies, improving overall preparedness and saving homes and lives.
Three icons depicting a house, a group of people, and trees, each inside a separate circle.

Union County Firewise® Partners

Other local forestry and conservation partners:

Other Resources