February 11, 2022 3:00 a.m.

On Thursday, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced that the U.S. Forest Service is awarding contracts to several Oregon companies to provide crews to fight wildland fires.

A release said this is in the cities of Merlin, Redmond, Salem, Ashland, Philomath, Merrill, Sutherlin and Independence.

Wyden said, “Fighting wildfires and protecting lives, homes and small businesses in Oregon and nationwide demand trained crews that can respond quickly and reliably”. Wyden said he is pleased the Forest Service has recognized that the companies can provide workers who can defend communities from the devastation that wildfires can unleash.

Merkley said he is grateful for the courage and expertise of firefighters “…whose tireless commitment to protecting our communities has saved countless lives and livelihoods”.

The release said the Forest Service contracts include $40 million to Diamond Fire in Sutherlin, over the period of 5 years. More information is at: https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-us-forest-service-contracts-with-eight-oregon-businesses-to-provide-wildland-firefighter-crews-