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State fire official highlights Ant Farm pilot in Indian Creek to reduce wildfire risk
Summary
Oregon State Fire Marshal staff and partners ran a week‑long fuels‑reduction pilot in the Indian Creek corridor, removing ivy and ladder fuels and demonstrating techniques that officials say reduced ignition risk and created a holding feature for response.
A pilot fuels‑reduction project in the Indian Creek corridor drew positive feedback from residents and local officials as the city, county, state and utility partners demonstrated cross‑boundary mitigation work.
Andy Dwyer, a fire risk reduction specialist with the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office, told council the Ant Farm crew worked for roughly four days on about an acre in a parcel owned by the Port of Hood River. "They spent about 4 days in this area, so roughly an acre," he said, describing mechanical and hand work to remove ivy, ladder fuels and dense understory that could carry embers to neighboring homes.
Dwyer said the project aimed both to reduce immediate fuel continuity and to showcase techniques for community crews and partners. He described the work as a pilot and training opportunity supported by the All Lands partnership and Firewise groups; Ant Farm's grant funding allows them to provide services through 2027. He also recommended a maintenance schedule: reenter the site within three to five years during the establishment period to keep invasive regrowth in check.
Council members and neighbors attending the meeting praised the outreach and local coordination. One resident said they returned after a week away and found the cleared corridor encouraging. Staff noted that the county and city are working on a wildfire mitigation coordinator position funded by a BLM grant to help scale Firewise neighborhood formation and grant applications.
What happens next: staff will prioritize future Ant Farm or similar crews in other high‑priority CWPP polygons where funding and landowner coordination align and will continue to pursue federal and state grants to sustain work and local maintenance.
