June 2, 2023 11:10 a.m. 

Twelve fire agencies in Douglas County have received grants from the Oregon State Fire Marshal to boost the number of firefighters ahead of fire season.

An OSFM release said $6 million in grants are going to 185 local fire agencies across the state.

The 2023 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant is in its second year. Local agencies within the Oregon structural fire service were eligible to apply for up to $35,000. The funding will allow these agencies to hire additional firefighters for the 2023 fire season. This year, small agencies, many of whom depend on volunteers, were prioritized to receive funding.

Local agencies receiving a grant include fire departments in Camas Valley, Canyonville/South Umpqua, Fair Oaks. Lookingglass, Myrtle Creek, North Douglas County, Oakland, Riddle, Sutherlin, Tenmile, Tri-City and Winston-Dillard.