Oregon Legislature Approves $200M Wildfire Prevention Boost

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 762 on June 26, 2021, allocating nearly $188 million for wildfire response, recovery and mitigation efforts statewide. The measure, championed by Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Southern Jackson County, passed 49-6 and advanced to the Senate, focusing on coordinated planning between state agencies, the State Fire Marshal and local governments. It establishes a Wildfire Programs Advisory Council to guide investments and community engagement.

The bill invests in forest health restoration to curb wildfire severity, boosts firefighter capacity with air defense resources and funds smoke filtration systems and clean air shelters for public health. Youth workforce training programs for forest management are also included, alongside grants for emergency shelters and evacuation services. This builds on over $600 million approved in the 2021 session for 2020 wildfire recovery, including $150 million for housing in impacted areas.

Southern Oregon, including Jackson County, stands to benefit significantly, with Rep. Marsh highlighting the need for proactive measures in drought-stricken forests. Ongoing investments through the Oregon State Fire Marshal include $6 million in 2022 grants to 306 local fire districts for seasonal staffing and $2.7 million in 2023 for community wildfire protection plans across 25 counties, from Baker to Yamhill. A $25 million program has deployed new Type 3 and Type 6 engines to keep fires small and protect communities via the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System.

As drought concerns persist into 2026, these funds address vulnerabilities exposed by events like the 2020 Labor Day fires and the 2024 Cow Valley Fire in eastern Oregon, enhancing resilience in rural areas from the Cascades to the coast.