Oregon Foundations, Les Schwab Announce $1 Million Wildfire Preparedness Effort For Rural Communities

As Oregon heads into the July 4 holiday weekend and what officials expect to be a challenging wildfire season, a coalition of philanthropic and business partners has announced at least $1 million in support for rural wildfire preparedness and response.

The effort brings together Oregon Community Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation and Les Schwab Tire Centers to provide quick-response grants and equipment support for rural fire services, government agencies and nonprofits preparing communities for wildfire season. The partners announced the support package alongside a statewide tire donation program intended to strengthen rural fire agencies before the season intensifies.

The funding activation is being coordinated through the Oregon Disaster Funders Network, a network of Pacific Northwest grantmakers that works across the philanthropic sector to help reduce the economic, social and environmental impacts of disasters, especially for underserved populations and disinvested communities.

“Rural communities often face the greatest risks with the fewest resources, and the impacts of wildfire can last long after the flames are out,” said Kara Inae Carlisle, President and CEO of The Ford Family Foundation. “That’s why we’re coordinating with partners from the Oregon Disaster Funders Network to support rural communities as wildfire season approaches, so we can mobilize resources quickly and stand ready to respond.”

A Coordinated Effort From Oregon Funders

The initial commitment of at least $1 million from partner foundations and anonymous funders will support quick-response grants for nonprofits working on community preparedness and disaster response. The funding may help with needs such as fire mitigation, specialized equipment, training, emergency supplies and long-term recovery support.

Oregon Community Foundation, founded in 1973, works with donors and volunteers to support communities across every county in Oregon through research, grantmaking and scholarships. The foundation distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships each year, according to the announcement.

The Ford Family Foundation, headquartered in Roseburg, focuses on rural communities in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Its work includes grants, scholarships and community-building investments intended to support children, families and local communities.

The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation supports work in education, community, arts, creativity, health and well-being across Oregon, with a focus on partnering with nonprofits that serve underserved communities and address human suffering.

“The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation is proud to stand alongside members of the Oregon Disaster Funders Network to support Oregon communities ahead of wildfire season,” said Meghan Campbell, Program Officer at the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation. “Coordinated regional philanthropy has an important role to play in meeting urgent needs before and after disasters, and we are deeply grateful to the first responders who bravely care for and protect our communities.”

Les Schwab Donating $100,000 In Tires

As part of the activation, Les Schwab Tire Centers will donate $100,000 worth of tires through its Tires for Purpose program to Rangeland Fire Protection Associations across Oregon. The donation is intended to meet a practical need raised by rural firefighting partners: fire truck tires wear down under extreme heat, rough terrain and wildfire response conditions, creating a major expense for volunteer departments.

Les Schwab Tire Centers began in 1952 with a single tire shop in Prineville and has grown to more than 600 locations across 15 states, according to the announcement.

“We are excited to use our Tires for Purpose program to help make sure our Rangeland Fire Protection Associations are well equipped for safety on and off the road ahead of fire season,” said Bill Tester, Les Schwab store manager in Sandy. “We’ve grown as a company to more than 600 stores across 15 states, but Oregon is our home. A safe and thriving Oregon matters to us. Our first responders deserve our support.”

Preparing Before Disaster Strikes

The partners said rural communities often rely heavily on volunteer firefighters and local fire districts that operate with limited budgets and equipment. City departments also have to be prepared for fires in areas where rural and urban communities meet.

“Wildfires don’t wait until we’re ready,” said Mike Traeger, Assistant Chief of the Gresham Fire Department. “Every tire, every piece of equipment and every hour of training makes a difference when the call comes. Resources like these mean firefighters can respond faster, work more safely and stay on the fire line longer.”

The announcement comes as fire concerns grow across Oregon heading into the Fourth of July holiday, a period often associated with increased wildfire risk due to dry conditions, wind and human activity. This year, officials also cited drought, a warm winter and low snowpack as added concerns.

“This year is shaping up to be a bad fire year,” said John Bailey, Professor of Silviculture and Wildland Fire at the Oregon State University College of Forestry. “We can act now to prevent destructive wildfires, and that’s why this investment is so important.”

How Organizations Can Connect

Organizations looking for support can view the current funding activation through the Oregon Disaster Funders Network. Groups can also apply for tires through the Les Schwab-related donation effort.

Those who want to support disaster readiness and response efforts can donate to the Disaster Readiness and Response Fund at Oregon Community Foundation.