Firewise Communities USA Program - Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Cash Awards

Funder: National Fire Protection Association and State Farm Insurance (in partnership with Keep Oregon Green)

Program Status: Active as of 2016; recurrence pattern suggests annual awards

Geographic Scope: National program with Oregon focus; awards given to communities across the United States

Focus Areas:

• Wildfire prevention projects
• Community preparedness for wildfire
• Creating defensible space around homes
• Reducing wildfire risk in forested communities

Event Date: May 7 (National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day)

Eligibility

• Oregon communities at risk from wildfire
• Communities in forested areas
• Organizations and local groups willing to implement wildfire prevention projects

Program Goals

• Implement wildfire prevention projects during National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
• Create defensible space around homes (maintain landscapes 30-100 feet around homes)
• Provide safe access for firefighters
• Reduce wildfire risk and protect property and lives
• Bring communities together around wildfire preparedness

Background

The program was developed to address the fact that 751,672 Oregonians (occupying about 342,000 homes) live in forested areas and are vulnerable to wildfire. Creating defensible space has been proven to minimize wildfire risk while increasing safety of residents and firefighters.

Contact Information

Cindy Kolomechuk - National Fire Plan Coordinator, Oregon Department of Forestry

• Phone: 503-945-7444
• Email: cindy.kolomechuk@oregon.gov

Application Process

The exact application process is not detailed in the provided content. However, based on the information:

• Communities "successfully compete" for cash awards, suggesting a competitive application process
• Applications are reviewed and selected communities are awarded $500
• Projects are implemented on May 7 during National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
• In 2016, eight Oregon communities were selected from multiple applicants

To Apply: Contact Cindy Kolomechuk at the Oregon Department of Forestry (503-945-7444 or cindy.kolomechuk@oregon.gov) for specific application procedures and deadlines.