OSFM SET TO HOST TOWNHALL MEETINGS ON 2022 OREGON DEFENSIBLE SPACE CODE DEVELOPMENT

The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is announcing a series of town hall meetings to talk about the 2022 Oregon Defensible Space Code, its development, timelines, and upcoming opportunities for community input.

The OSFM has been working through an open and transparent process with the Oregon Defensible Space Code Development committee; a diverse group of stakeholders, to develop the new code based on the framework established through SB 762. To continue that open and transparent process, the OSFM will host a series of 17 community townhalls across Oregon beginning the week of August 1. The first of the series will be held in Southern Oregon.

The meetings will be hosted in Ashland, Medford, Grants Pass, and Roseburg. Dates and times for each community meeting are as follows:

• August 2 at 11:30 am – 1 pm, Ashland, Ashland High School, 201 S Mountain Ave
• August 2 at 5:30 – 7 pm, Medford, Hedrick Middle School, 1501 E Jackson St
• August 3 at 5:30 – 7 pm, Grants Pass, Performing Arts Center (PAC), 830 NE 9^th St
• August 4 at 5:30 – 7 pm, Roseburg, Roseburg Public Safety Building, Umpqua Room, 700 SE Douglas Ave.

For a full schedule, please visit Oregon Defensible Space Code webpage.

In June, the Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State University released the Oregon Wildfire Risk Map. Oregon Senate Bill 762 directs the OSFM to establish minimum defensible space code standards and where those may apply, which are areas identified in both the high or extreme risk and in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). 

The OSFM has set up a special section on its website dedicated to the defensible space code development process. Those wishing to learn more can do so here defensible space code requirements.

FIRE SEASON BEGINS JUNE 24, 2022

Douglas County Fire District No. 2 and Winston-Dillard Fire District will be joining the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA), the Umpqua National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Roseburg District in announcing that the 2022 fire season will officially begin Friday, June 24th at 12:01 AM. Douglas County Fire District No.2 and Winston – Dillard Fire District will be following the same fire restriction listed with DFPA.

Notice of Budget Committee Meeting

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of Douglas County Fire District No. 2, to discuss the budget for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023 will be held at 6000 Garden Valley Rd, Roseburg. The meeting will take place on the 18th of May, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of the meetings is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained after May 11th, 2022 or at Douglas County Fire District No. 2 Headquarters, 1400 Buckhorn Road, Roseburg, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. These are public meetings where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meetings and discuss the proposed budget with the Budget Committee. If you would like to participate through videoconferencing or telephonically, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours, prior to Tuesday May 17th, 2022 for instructions.

This notice published in The News-Review on May 11th.

OSFM Wildfire Risk Reduction Webinar

The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal will be hosting a free webinar on Financial Preparedness & Wildfires on Tuesday, May 3^rd 2022 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.  The webinar will be presented by panelists from the American Property Casualty Association, NW Insurance Council, and the Insurance Information Institute.  Topics covered will include how to review your homeowners or renters insurance coverage, how to create a home inventory, and other ways to become financially prepared in the event of a wildfire or other disaster. To Register: https://crr-5-3-22.eventbrite.com

Engineer Sackinger

In the early morning hours of January 31st, we lost one of our own. Paul Sackinger retired from the Fire District a year and a half ago after 20 years of service. He retired as an Engineer/Paramedic and his memory will not be forgotten. His family will be hosting a service on March 12th, 2022 at 2PM at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The service will be open to his family and friends.