Wildfire Season Staffing Grant
The 2026 application period closes Sunday, April 12 at 11:59
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Wildfire Investment Program
Building a Resilient Oregon
We invest strategically across the state to strengthen firefighting response and proactively reduce risk in our communities.
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Response: Swift, effective firefighting action.
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Risk: Proactive community tools and education.
About the OSFM Wildfire Investment Program
To rise to the challenge of the wildfire crisis facing Oregon, the OSFM has taken a head-on approach with smart investments. The agency takes a multi-pronged approach to increase response and reduce risk in communities across the state.
Response means being ready to act when wildfires spark. We strengthened our firefighting resources and training to ensure swift and effective action. This includes equipping our firefighters with the tools and knowledge they need to handle even the toughest situations.
We're not only focused on fighting fires after they start; we're also working hard to reduce the risk of wildfires in the first place. That means giving communities the tools and resources to take proactive steps like creating defensible space, clearing brush, creating firebreaks, and educating communities about fire safety.
Our approach isn't one-size-fits-all. We're promoting local solutions that work for each community while fitting into the bigger picture for the entire state. By working together and investing wisely, we can make Oregon safer and more resilient in the face of wildfires.
Stories of Success
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Community Wildfire Risk Reduction
A deep dive into the landscapes and projects protecting Oregon against wildfire.
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Staffing Impact
Tracking the real-world results of boosting local fire agency capacity during the summer.
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Past Investments
Explore how the Oregon State Fire Marshal has been investing in communities to better prepare them for wildfires. Below, you can learn about the different ways the investments are helping, like improving infrastructure and connecting communities. These programs show our commitment to keeping people and property safe from wildfires. Each investment has made communities more resilient and ready to face the challenges of wildfires.
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Capacity
Staffing & Firefighter Retention
Annual funding (up to $35k per agency) allowing local districts to hire additional firefighters during peak season.
What it did: Boosted staffing for 200+ agencies, decreasing response times to keep fires small and away from communities.
A competitive program supporting small-to-medium agencies to hire permanent fire and prevention personnel.
What it did: Added on-duty capacity for 3 years, helping agencies mobilize quickly to local and state-level fires.
A $3M investment for Klamath County and Mid-Columbia districts to build new career firefighter pathways.
What it did: Addressed firefighter shortages while increasing diversity and inclusion within the Oregon fire service.
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Equipment
Fleet Modernization & Suppression
A $25M initiative to purchase and strategically place Type 3 and 6 engines and tactical tenders statewide.
What it did: Modernized the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System (OFMAS) with specialized equipment to keep fires small.
A $4.9M pass-through award for fire agencies to improve prevention and suppression in the Wildland Urban Interface.
What it did: Improved capability for districts impacted by the 2020 fire season and underserved communities.
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Community
Risk Reduction & Defensible Space
$3M for local governments to complete wildfire mitigation and defensible space projects.
What it did: Prioritized funding based on fire risk and social vulnerability to ensure equitable protection.
One-time $2.7M investment in Community Wildfire Protection Plans across 25 Oregon counties.
What it did: Funded education, home assessments, and fuel mitigation projects at the local and county levels.
Competitive funding for equipment and staff to prepare communities for wildfire impacts.
What it did: Empowered local governments and NGOs to create a more fire-adapted Oregon through risk reduction.
$271k to fund landscaping and hardening projects for public and private campuses.
What it did: Prevented embers from igniting fires on or near critical infrastructure and vulnerable populations.