During a recent government meeting, Wasco County officials discussed the approval of a significant federal grant aimed at enhancing community wildfire defense efforts. Kelly Housley Glover, the county's Community Development Director, presented the contract received from the United States Forest Service for a five-year Community Wildfire Defense Fund grant, totaling nearly $6 million.

This grant marks the first year of funding, which will be utilized to hire a wildfire coordinator responsible for grant administration and community outreach regarding wildfire preparedness and mitigation. Glover expressed optimism about the recruitment process, noting interest from several qualified candidates and a scheduled informational interview with a promising applicant.

Commissioners acknowledged the critical nature of this position, especially given the increasing wildfire risks in the region. The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration with local fire districts and other partners to effectively implement the grant's objectives.

The commissioners unanimously moved to approve the federal financial assistance award, pending legal review, emphasizing the grant's potential to significantly bolster the county's fire programs over the next five years. The discussions underscored a proactive approach to addressing wildfire threats, reflecting a growing recognition of the urgent need for enhanced fire management strategies in the area.