Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC), in a collaborative effort with the Jefferson County Fire Chiefs, is offering private landowners the opportunity to apply for funding in an effort to minimize fire danger as outlined in the Jefferson County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Eligible residents will be offered a flat-rate reimbursement of $500 for treating the land around their homes to Firewise standards. The goal of Firewise is to minimize fire danger in subdivisions and neighborhoods and make firefighting safer and more effective. Information on Firewise and how to prepared your home for wildfire can be found on the National Fire Protection website here  https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire.

Local fire officials will be responsible for assuring that the standards have been met prior to dispensing funds. The fire officials are trained evaluators of defensible space standards and will assess and certify properties as requested. The overall goal of this project is to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire to homes in high-risk areas by reducing hazardous fuels on private lands.

The overall goal of this project is to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire to homes in high-risk areas by reducing hazardous fuels on private lands.

Applications are being accepted now. All grants must be completed by December 1, 2022. To learn more about eligibility and view the application, landowners can contact Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue at 541-923-6776.

On March 13th 6 of our firefighters participated in the Seattle Stair Climb. Each participant climbed the world's largest on-air stair climb competition. Open only to career, volunteer, or retired firefighters, this event features over 2,000 members of the fire service who must register, commit to raising a minimum of $300/person for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and then ascend the tallest building in Seattle on event day.

It takes 69 flights, 1,356 steps, and 788 ft. vertical elevation gain to reach the 73rd floor. The entirety of the course must be completed while wearing full turnout gear (typically weighing 60+ lbs.), while on-air. Those who participated were Chief Sean Hartley, Firefighter Amy Weddle, Firefighter Chase Wylder, Firefighter Greg Haner, Firefighter Damion Hatch, and Firefighter Elizabeth Ramirez.

Our Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be on April 16th starting at 10:00 AM sharp.

Our Emergency Preparedness Open House is on April 30th from 10:00am to 1:00pm. There will be lots of vendors and speakers that can help you prepare for an emergency. 

You can attend our next board meeting in person or virtual on Thursday, April 21st at 6:30 pm. You can go to www.crrfire.org for information about attending our virtual meeting.