Douglas County Fire Agencies Receive Wildfire Season Staffing Grants
Twenty Douglas County fire agencies have received 2026 Wildfire Season Staffing Grants through the Oregon State Fire Marshal, providing added support for seasonal firefighter staffing and faster emergency response as wildfire risk increases.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — Twenty Douglas County fire agencies have been awarded 2026 Wildfire Season Staffing Grants through the Oregon State Fire Marshal, giving local departments added support as fire season approaches.
The grants are designed to help local fire agencies increase firefighter availability during the months when wildfire risk is highest. According to OSFM, the program was established in 2022 to help keep fires small and away from communities by improving early response.
In Douglas County, the agencies awarded funding include:
- Azalea Rural Fire Protection District
- Camas Valley Rural Fire District
- Canyonville South Umpqua Fire Department
- Days Creek Rural Fire District
- Elkton Rural Fire Protection District
- Fair Oaks Rural Fire Protection District
- Gardiner Rural Fire Protection District
- Glendale Rural Fire Protection District
- Kellogg Rural Fire District
- Lookingglass Rural Fire District
- Myrtle Creek Fire Department
- North Douglas County Fire & EMS
- Oakland Rural Fire Protection District
- Reedsport Volunteer Fire Department
- Riddle Fire Protection District
- Scottsburg Rural Fire District
- Sutherlin Fire Department
- Tenmile Rural Fire Protection District
- Tiller Rural Fire District
- Tri City Rural Fire Protection District 4
The grant can provide up to $35,000 per agency, with the 2026 grant period running from May 1 through Oct. 31. Funding is awarded as a one-time lump sum after grant agreements are completed.
For smaller and rural fire districts, the added staffing support can make a meaningful difference during the summer months. Many agencies cover large areas with limited resources, and having additional firefighters available can help crews respond more quickly to wildfires, medical calls, crashes, and other emergencies.
Kellogg Rural Fire District was among the local agencies to announce its award this week, saying the funding will help keep firefighters staffed and ready for rapid initial response during the upcoming wildfire season.
“Early response is critical, and this grant plays a key role in stopping fires before they grow into larger, more dangerous incidents,” the district said in its announcement.
The grants come as fire agencies across Douglas County prepare for warmer, drier months. Early response is often one of the most important factors in preventing small fires from becoming larger incidents that threaten homes, property, and natural resources.
OSFM says the program is part of a broader effort to improve local fire readiness and help communities better prepare for wildfire season.
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