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Officials say reviving Firewise program should be a priority as wildfire season approaches
Summary
City and County staff told commissioners that past County funding cuts reduced Firewise capacity; staff noted insurance benefits for communities and that Michael McLaughlin has approached the County about adding staffing support, though federal funding timing remains uncertain.
County and city staff urged sustained attention to the Firewise wildfire-risk program during the March 24 City–County monthly update, saying the program had been weakened after County funding was withdrawn and that re-investment could help communities lower insurance risk and improve local wildfire resilience.
"Firewise helps educate communities, work with property owners and neighborhoods, and improve resiliency against fire through prevention and mitigation efforts," Mr. Kubik said, stressing the program's relevance given Josephine County's wildfire exposure in the wildland‑urban interface.
Participants noted Firewise community designation and property assessments can help residents address rising insurance costs or preserve coverage as wildfire risk maps and rural insurance markets change. Michael McLaughlin was identified as having recently approached the County about the possibility of adding staffing support for the program, although Mr. Kubik said there remains uncertainty regarding federal funding and grant timing.
Commissioners asked that Firewise remain on the list of future agenda topics so staff can identify funding paths and potential staffing options before the next fire season. No funding decisions were made at the meeting.
