April 23, 2021

Wyden, Merkley: City of Ashland to Receive $3 Million Federal Wildfire Grant

FEMA resources will help create wildfire defensible space for 1,100 homes

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced the city of Ashland has secured a $3 million federal grant to fund the creation of wildfire defensible space for 1,100 homes and the replacement of 23 wood shake roofs with ignition-resistant roof materials.

“Ashland residents know from painful experience the frightening hazards of living and working in a region at serious risk of wildfires,” Wyden said. “This federal investment will help to protect hundreds of homes from that danger as one key piece of a larger must-do strategy that also includes more effective policies in Oregon and nationwide to fight wildfires and to combat climate change now.”

“Can you imagine the trauma of losing your home, everything you own—or, worst of all, a loved one—to a wildfire?” said Merkley. “We have to do everything we can to prevent the kind of pain that was inflicted on Oregonians by last year’s unprecedented wildfire season, and I’m glad that we were able to secure this funding to help us on that mission in Ashland. I’m going to keep working for similar resources for more communities across our state, because everyone—regardless of the color of their skin, their zip code, or their income—deserves protection from catastrophic blazes.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant will be invested in preliminary assessments of identified homes, surveys for vegetation removal, scheduling and training of pre-approved contractors, hiring a project manager, removal of vegetation, and reconstruction of roofs.

“We are incredibly excited and grateful for this grant that will significantly boost and expand our existing wildfire prevention programs and efforts,” said Adam Hanks, City Manager Pro Tem.  “These funds will focus on already pre-identified at-risk homes and areas of our community.  The support and engagement of our federal legislators and their local team is a tremendous asset in supporting our community’s need and desire to reduce our wildfire risk.”