Firefighting ground resources

ODF utilizes resources which can include hand crews, water handling and heavy equipment, medical units, mobile kitchens, security services, fallers, mechanics, radio operators, yurt units, and more. 

These assets and services are secured by ODF Call-When-Needed (CWN) Incident Resource Agreements (IRA).​​

​​An Incident Resource Agreement is not a guarantee of work. Seasons are unpredictable and the need for resources is largely driven by weather, fire conditions, and other natural events. While the IRA allows contractors to partner with ODF, dispatches occur only when incidents happen and resources are needed. Mother nature ultimately dictates when and how often resources are called upon.​​​​

ODF does not utilize a dispatch priority list. ODF districts have the authority to dispatch resources based on incident needs. Dispatch decisions may consider factors such as resource type, proximity to the incident, operator qualifications and experience, terrain and access, past performance, and pricing.​

There are many factors that could explain why a contracted vendor may not get called out during a season: e.g. initial attack was successful, and district personnel may have eliminated the need to call out more resources. The incident could be on federal land and VIPR resources may be utilized first. ODF may have a surplus of the vendor resources being utilized and low quantity requirements for that incident. The need for the resource(s) on the IRA may be non-existent for that incident. Or the state of Oregon may have a calm season with minimal activity.

Application requirements vary by resource type. Please see the corresponding resource appendix for more information. However, all contractors will be required to complete, have, and/or provide the following:

• A registered business with the Oregon Secretary of State (or residing state);
• A current IRS W-9 submitted with application;
• Cannot be on Oregon Debar list;
• Register as a vendor in OregonBuys​;​
  
• Certificates of Liability Insurance(s) with application or for dispatch eligibility:
• General Commercial Liability ($1 million single & 2 million aggregate)
• Automobile Insurance ($1 million single)
• Worker's Compensation Insurance (unless exempt under ORS 656.027 & 656-850);
• Current Wildland Fire Safety/Fire Shelter Training (RT-130 or equivalent) for all fireline personnel;
  
• Additional training/qualifications as required by resource type.
  

While your ODF contract officer can assist you with your application, we have partnered with APEX Accelerators to provide you with additional support to apply for an IRA. You can visit the APEX Accelerators website and click on “Become a Client" to get started. There is no charge to receive assistance from one of their procurement counselors. ​We continue to work with their team to provide up-to-date information and application training to better serve you.

Training can be obtained through the OR-OSHA website, your local ODF District office (if offered), or a Region 6 MOU training provider. View a list of all association, contract fire, Oregon public, and Washington public training providers. On their page under training heading, select 'R6 MOU Training Providers.'

We have published the 2026 Median Rate Guidance​, and it will be in effect until the 2027 Median Rate Guidance is published. Keep in mind that these are recommended rates. ​Resource providers can submit rates deemed necessary for business operations. However, resources submitted with rates over the 20% threshold, referenced in the guidance, will not be approved.