Chiloquin Fire & Rescue

To help those living in communities more likely to be impacted by a wildfire, the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is launching an incentive program to help Oregonians pay for defensible space projects. Defensible space is one of the most effective ways to better protect a home during a wildfire. The OSFM understands that money may be a barrier for some to do these projects.

As part of the program, those who meet eligibility requirements will receive a $250 (taxable) one-time payment. Homeowners, renters, and property owners must live in select areas of the state and request and receive a free defensible space assessment. 

The free assessments are given by a local fire service agency member or an OSFM representative. An expert will walk the participants’ property with them and provide valuable one-on-one time to discuss how to build and increase their fire resiliency. 

After the assessment, those who qualify will receive the payment in the mail for their participation. This incentive is designed to encourage people to implement the recommendations received during their assessment.

For a list of eligible communities, please read the program guidelines. These communities were chosen based on their vulnerability to wildfire to get money to those who need it the most. The OSFM’s defensible space program is a crucial step toward building more resilient communities in the face of increasing wildfire risks. By empowering Oregonians to take proactive measures, we will reduce the impact of wildfires on lives, property, and the environment.

For more details about the OSFM’s defensible space program, visit their website. 

To help those living within the Chiloquin Fire and Rescue Fire District in partnership with Klamath Water Works and Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is launching a program known as the Chiloquin Wildland Initiative (CWI), to help community members in the effort to create defensible space. Defensible space is one of the most effective ways to better protect a home during a wildfire. 

If you are unsure if your home has a defensible space, contact Chiloquin Fire and Rescue and fill out an application online or in person and someone from the CWI project will come out and provide a free assessment of the property and home. An individual assessment will be created that will list out what is recommended to create a defensible space. Depending on the capabilities of the homeowner, two possible programs will be available based on the assessment. 

The first program is a dump trailer program. For homeowners who have the means to create a defensible space but do not have the capability of removing the debris, CWI will bring a trailer to the property and leave it there for the homeowner to fill with yard debris. Once the homeowner is complete, CWI will come back and haul the trailer away. 

The second program is for homeowners who physically cannot create the defensible space. A list of contractors will be provided to homeowner where they can call and have an approved program contractor to create the defensible space according to the assessment provided by the CWI. 

Studies have shown that having a well-maintained defensible space can increase a structure’s chances of surviving a wildfire. If you have questions about the program, requesting an assessment, or want to learn more about defensible space, please click the "Learn More" button below.