Guest article submission by Brandon Liles
NW Oregon Chapter, American Red Cross Wildfire Lead

With the growing threat of wildfires across the U.S., the American Red Cross has launched the Wildfire Mitigation Program, an initiative aimed at reducing the devastating effects of these disasters. By providing essential resources and strategies, the program helps vulnerable communities better prepare and protect themselves against wildfires. 

Wildfire Mitigation Program: Empowering Communities to Prepare for Wildfires 

The program focuses primarily on residents in rural areas who are at greater risk. In collaboration with local fire officials, such as the Polk County Fire Marshal, we work to raise awareness about wildfire safety. We work to ensure that residents have access to vital information about the program and its benefits. 

Our services are appointment-based, allowing residents to easily schedule a wildfire mitigation evaluation. Homeowners can contact us by phone, email, to arrange a visit from a team of volunteers. 

During the evaluation, our team conducts a comprehensive walkthrough of the property alongside the homeowner, identifying trees, shrubs, and other elements that could increase the risk of wildfires along with risk to homes. Following this, we provide a personalized mitigation packet with practical advice on reducing wildfire risks and a list of local and county emergency resources. 

We offer various recommendations, such as debris removal strategies, which can help alter fire behavior and better protect your property. Additionally, the program provides guidance on assembling a go-bag, ensuring residents are prepared with essential items such as medications, vital documents (home or renter’s insurance, birth certificates, Social Security cards), and other critical materials in the event of a level 3 wildfire emergency. 

At the conclusion of our visit, we also offer to check and replace smoke detectors in the home to ensure this life-saving equipment is fully functional. 

All of these services, including smoke detector checks and replacements, as well as home assessments and mitigation advice, are provided completely free of charge. Our goal is to help safeguard homes and provide residents with the best chance of safety during wildfire events. 

We also distribute a preparedness guide packed with useful tips for staying ready in the face of disaster. A key feature is a two-page section on building a go-kit designed to sustain a family for up to two weeks, which can be tailored based on household size. 

For more information, please email preparedness@redcross.org
or call 1-833-386-0043. 

This Article Written by: Brandon Liles 
Wildfire Lead 
NW Oregon Chapter, American Red Cross 

Supporting Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas, Tillamook, Columbia, and Clatsop Counties