Community Education Services Section Wildland Urban Interface Program is designed to prevent fire fatalities, injuries and property losses (including environmental damages) from wildfires. We provide homeowners in the rural areas of Oregon the education, information, and resources to help them plan a safer environment to reduce their fire risk. As more people are attracted to living in the country the potential for rural fire problems increases.
According to Firehouse Magazine, May 2009, "Seventy five percent of the US population lives in cities and suburbs, but cities occupy on 2% of the country. Rural areas occupy the remaining 98%. Fire protection in these areas is generally provided by volunteer or combination departments that face different challenges than their counterparts in larger and more developed communities." Limited fire fighting resources, lack of a fixed water supply and the home's location in proximity to the fire station all contribute to the challenges of a rural situated home experiencing a fire.
Evacuation Information
It’s a lot easier to evacuate if you’re prepared! Wildfire evacuation is a matter of when, not if. Plan in advance for you, your family and your pets. Check out Red Cross and FEMA websites for more information on creating an evacuation kit.
