Oregon Deputy Fire Director outlines wildfire prevention and suppression strategies

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding fire protection and management in Oregon. The meeting featured presentations from key officials, including Kyle Williams, Deputy Director of Fire Operations at the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), who outlined the agency's strategies and challenges in wildfire management.

Williams began by emphasizing the importance of maintaining readiness for fire season, noting that the ODF aims to complete property disposal processes before the onset of fire season to avoid complications. He highlighted the ODF's long-standing commitment to protecting Oregon's forests and communities, a mission that has been ongoing for 114 years. The agency focuses on preventing human-caused fires, enhancing forest health, and ensuring effective fire suppression.

The ODF operates through nine protection districts and three forest protective associations, covering approximately 16.2 million acres of land, which includes both private and state-owned forests. Williams pointed out that 4.6 million acres fall within the wildland-urban interface, where forested areas meet populated regions. The ODF's primary goal is to control fire perimeters around these communities to mitigate wildfire impacts.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the resources required for effective fire suppression. Williams detailed the extensive resources at the ODF's disposal, including permanent and seasonal firefighters, various firefighting equipment, and partnerships with other state and federal agencies. He noted the importance of collaboration with local fire departments and rangeland fire protection associations, which play a vital role in community-based fire management.

The meeting also addressed funding challenges, particularly regarding the assessments that support fire protection districts. Concerns were raised about potential budgetary issues that could arise if these assessments do not pass, which could jeopardize coordinated fire protection efforts across the state.

Williams provided data on fire causes, revealing that human activities account for 77% of fire starts, while lightning fires, although less frequent, lead to a disproportionate amount of acreage burned due to their overwhelming nature during storms. He reported a fivefold increase in acres burned since 2005, underscoring the growing severity of fire seasons in Oregon.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the ODF's proactive approach to wildfire management, the critical need for funding and resources, and the importance of community partnerships in safeguarding Oregon's natural landscapes and populated areas from the increasing threat of wildfires. The committee plans to continue monitoring these issues as fire season approaches, ensuring that Oregon remains prepared to face the challenges ahead.