The Oregon State Fire Marshal's office has hit a significant benchmark in its ongoing war against wildfires. Completing a series of deliveries, they've now outfitted local fire departments across the state with 76 new fire engines, which are pivotal tools for improving wildfire response capabilities. This move is a response to the ever-increasing threat of wildfires in the region.
Funded by 2021's Senate Bill 762—a piece of legislation aimed squarely at wildfire management and prevention—the Engine Program wrapped up Monday with its final engine distributions. As per the OSFM's announcement, local fire agencies are now equipped with a fleet comprising 26 type 3 engines, 20 type 6 engines, and 30 water tenders.
State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple noted the significance of this stride, "This is a landmark achievement for our agency, the Oregon fire service, and the communities we serve," according to the OSFM's release. The engines are tailored to meet state fire service mobilization standards, focusing on areas where wildland meets urban development, and were awarded after comprehensive reviews conducted in conjunction with fire service associations and an advisory committee.
Central Cascades Fire & EMS was the program's first beneficiary, and with Klamath County Fire District 1 along with Keno Fire Department getting their hands on the final delivery, every awarded agency is better geared to work towards the broader goals of the OSFM's Response Ready Oregon program. "From the first engine delivered to Central Cascades Fire & EMS to the final engines of Klamath County Fire District 1 and Keno Fire Department, each apparatus brings stronger protection for our communities," OSFM Chief Deputy Travis Medema told OSFM, expressing the spirit of the program. These efforts all feed into the grand plan of keeping wildfires small and out of populated areas to ease the toll of large-scale blazes. For a more granular look at the program, a comprehensive list of recipient agencies and snapshots of the engine deliveries, those interested can head over to the OSFM Engine Program webpage.
