April 17, 2025 3;05 a.m.

15 Douglas County fire agencies have received 2025 Wildfire Season Staffing Grants from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office.

An OSFM release said the grants, now in their fourth year, help local fire agencies, many of whom rely on volunteer crews, to bring on extra firefighters during wildfire season. These seasonal staff boost emergency response in 200 agencies across the state, from wildfire calls to everyday emergencies.

Local agencies were eligible to apply for up to $35,000 to increase staffing levels during the fire season. Each summer, this grant adds more than 1,500 firefighters across Oregon. The Oregon legislature allotted $6 million to the program this year.

Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said, “The Wildfire Season Staffing Grant is one of our most impactful tools to help local fire agencies respond to emergencies faster, protect communities and support each other through mutual aid”. Ruiz-Temple said, “We’re thankful to our legislators for continuing to invest in the safety and resilience of our communities”.

Local fire agencies that were awarded grants include fire departments in: Camas Valley, Days Creek, Elkton, Fair Oaks, Glendale, Glide, Kellogg, Lookingglass, Myrtle Creek, North Douglas, Oakland, Reedsport, Scottsburg, Sutherlin and Tri City.