December 19, 2022 3:00 a.m.

Last Thursday, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley applauded the passage of what they believe is a critical measure to support the training of National Guard personnel on wildfire prevention and response in Oregon and nationwide.

Wyden said, “I’m proud that Congress has passed my provision to support the Oregon National Guard with rapid response and wildfire prevention training”. Wyden said the provision will help make sure that Oregon communities have the support they need from well-trained and well-equipped Guard members when the next fire season hits.

Merkley said, “With wildfires getting more and more intense thanks to climate chaos, we need all hands-on deck to battle these blazes and keep our communities safe. Getting Oregon National Guard members trained and equipped to help fight wildfires has been a huge win for bolstering our wildfire defenses across the state, especially during the times when our resources are stretched thinnest”. Merkley said this provision will help ensure they continue to have the training and resources needed to keep Oregonians across the state protected when wildfires break out.

The release said the Wyden-led wildfire prevention and response measure was included and passed as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.