Our Defensible Space Action Team recently hosted another incredibly informative event! We extend our sincere appreciation to the members of the Project Wildfire Neighborhood Coalition (PWNC) for holding their monthly meeting at the La Pine Senior Activity Center in La Pine. The meeting provided invaluable insights into wildfire preparedness, with a strong emphasis on empowering communities. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the Firewise USA® Program and received a vital update from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on local fire prevention efforts.
Understanding the Firewise USA® ProgramAustin Reimer, Stewardship Forester with the Oregon Department of Forestry, highlighted the critical role of the Firewise USA® Program in bolstering neighborhood resilience against wildfires.
This community-based recognition program is designed to empower residents to take collective action in reducing wildfire risks. Reimer illustrated its effectiveness with a compelling photo of a home saved by defensible space during recent fires near Prineville. Becoming a Firewise Community involves several key steps: forming a committee, conducting a community risk assessment with fire agency experts (which identifies priority actions), developing a three-year Community Action Plan, and filing an application. Grants are also available from Deschutes County, with Firewise Communities receiving priority in the review process.
A big thank you to the La Pine Senior Activity Center for graciously hosting us!
Action Team Leader: Monte Dammarell kmriverhaus@gmail.com
Firewise Coordinator – Stewardship Forester:Austin ReimerOregon Department of ForestryCell: (541) 233-3160 Austin.B.Reimer@odf.oregon.gov
Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator:Corinne Heiner Corinne.Heiner@deschutes.org
FireWise Power Point presentation https://newberryregionalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Firewise-USA_PWNC_20250717.pptx
Project Wildfire Neighborhood Coalition Meeting Notes
