The Wildland Division operates under the supervision of Christian Whitfield

As of July 2023, Sweet Home Fire District has started a Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Program. The program is aimed to help Sweet Home and the surrounding areas prepare for and prevent wildfires.

After the devastating 2020 fires in Oregon, Sweet Home Fire is dedicated to helping avoid similar damage and destruction in our community. Sweet Home Fire District, with the help of the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM), has hired a new position of Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Program Manager. This position will be working directly with the community members, City of Sweet Home, Oregon State Fire Marshal, Oregon Department of Forestry, United States Forest Service, Cascade Timber Consulting and others. This program is aimed to provide information and tools to assist the community in mitigating any risks associated with wildfires and will be growing and changing as participation increases. The overall goal of the program is to reduce or eliminate effects of wildfires in our community.

With the implementation of this program, Sweet Home Fire will be providing free on-site assessments for property owners/renters to identify risks and help mitigate them. This will include;

What is defensible space?

Defensible space is the buffer between your structure and the surrounding area. Adequate defensible space acts as a barrier to slow or halt the progress of fire that would otherwise engulf your property. It also helps ensure the safety of firefighters defending your home.

How can Defensible Space protect my home?

Defensible space is one of the most effective ways to prevent your home from burning during a wildfire. Embers are one of the leading causes of home loss in wildfires. Embers can travel up to 3 miles in front a fire. Defensible space directly removes the fuels that embers can ignite along with smaller fuels that can lead to the structure.

More Defensible Space Information

Wildfire Risk Property/Structure Assessments

The Fire District is now accepting requests to have a wildfire risk assessment performed at your house, property or business. This assessment would be with the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Specialist and the resident or owner that requests the assessment. During the assessment, Sweet Home Fire will provide a plan for the property to reduce immediate risks along with advice to prepare the property or structures for potential fire.

Current Wildfire Information