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Canby Fire chief says city is prepared for wildfire risks, urges residents to create defensible space
Summary
Chief Matt Dale briefed council on Canby’s wildfire preparedness, describing interagency planning, updated county wildfire protection plans and steps residents should take to create defensible space. He urged residents to sign up for county public alerts and for property owners to reduce fuel loads near homes.
Canby Fire Chief Matt Dale briefed the City Council on Jan. 22, 2025, on the city’s preparedness for wildland‑urban interface fires and urged residents to take household measures to reduce risk.
Chief Dale told councilors that Canby has a “well funded, financially stable fire district” with trained personnel, and that the district coordinates regularly with county and state partners. He noted the district’s participation in the updated Clackamas County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, finalized in July 2024, and said Canby Utility files a wildfire risk plan annually with the Oregon Public Utility Commission.
Dale emphasized the need for public action on defensible space around homes, recommended assembling emergency kits and signing up for county public alerts (reverse 911 and mobile notifications) via the county site; he pointed attendees to canbyfire.org for resources. He said the city’s mutual‑aid and state mobilization systems provide deep resources for suppression but stressed that individual property preparation is critical to reduce structure ignition and give firefighters time to respond.
Councilors asked about local fuel‑load areas and suggested the city examine certain parks or roadside corridors for fuels management. Dale said Canby Fire and partners had learned from prior regional incidents and urged the council to continue supporting prevention planning and community outreach.
The presentation concluded with Chief Dale offering to answer questions and reminding residents to follow official evacuation orders and guidance during incidents rather than attempting to protect homes personally during active large fires.
