Oregon Senator Pledges to Fight for Wildfire Prevention Funding and Better Pay for Firefighters
Oregon Senator Ron Wyden has red-flagged wildfire prevention as a top priority for the upcoming federal budget, pledging to fight for the funding needed to reduce risk factors.
Forest Thinning and Controlled Burns are Essential
As the wildfire season rapidly approaches amid dry conditions and rising temperatures, Wyden says forest thinning and controlled burns are essential to prevent the spread of the flames that consume hundreds of millions of dollars of infrastructure annually.
Source: Oregon Capital Chronicle reporting Oregon Department of Forestry wildfire start causes (human ~62%, lightning ~30%)
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The 2024 season cost Oregon $352 million, a whopping $212 million more than the previous record set in 2020 by the Labor Day Fires.
Source: Oregon Governor’s Office and AP reporting on 2024 season acres, costs, and emergency funding
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Oregonians Must Play Their Part
Apart from an all-out effort at the State level, Senators Wyden and Jeff Golden have united their voices in appealing to Oregonians to play their role in fire prevention programs.
| Emergency wildfire funding - 2024 | Amount | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Department of Forestry | $191.5M | Pay 2024 large-fire bills and stabilize operations |
| Oregon State Fire Marshal | $26.6M | Cover conflagration and structural-fire response costs |
| Total approved emergency package | $218.1M | Special session funding after record 2024 season |
They have called on residents to create defensible spaces around their homes by keeping their yards clean and free of flammable materials. Residents should also be aware of weather patterns and when there are increased threats of wildfires.
Meanwhile, Sen. Wyden is critical of the salary structures paid to firefighters who lay down their during the wildfire season and has also pledged to fight for a better pay deal for these men and women.
- Sept 2020 – Labor Day fires set prior cost benchmark.
- Summer-Fall 2024 – Record season burns 1.9M acres.
- Nov 2024 – Kotek calls special session on fire bills.
- Dec 12 2024 – Lawmakers approve $218M emergency package.
- 2025 – Wyden flags prevention funding for federal budget.