Wyden, Merkley Announce Federal Investment to Help Fight Wildfires in Wasco County

Wyden, Merkley Announce Federal Investment to Help Fight Wildfires in Wasco County

Juniper Flats Rural Fire Protection awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant for $757,000

Washington D.C.-U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $757,143 for the Juniper Flats Rural Protection District in Wasco County to aid in local firefighting efforts.

"As we witnessed firsthand this summer in Wasco County and statewide, wildfires devastating Oregon and the entire West Coast are not like our grandfathers' fires," Wyden said. "The climate crisis is accelerating these blazes into infernos with drier and hotter weather throughout Oregon. I'll keep working to secure more funding just like this to prevent and fight wildfires while also advocating for better pay for firefighters."

"Oregon's firefighters are on the front lines of protecting our homes, communities, and businesses when fires and emergencies happen," Merkley said. "This funding will help ensure that the dedicated firefighters in Oregon are well equipped and prepared to keep Oregonians safe in every corner of our state year-round, including during wildfire season."

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant is one of three fire grant programs from FEMA that improve community safety from the impacts of fire.

Wyden and Merkley have worked to allocate more resources to help combat wildfires in Oregon and across the nation. Earlier, Wyden and Merkley, along with the entire Oregon Congressional delegation, called on the USDA to approve Gov. Tina Kotek's request for resources to help Oregon communities impacted by this summer's severe wildfires. Wyden and Merkley have both been advocates for pay reform to address the shortage of much needed wildland firefighters. In his role as Chair of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, Merkley secured permanent raises for wildland firefighters in government funding legislation this year.