Fire Adapted Gold Hill
With wildfire becoming more common and intense in the Pacific Northwest, the City of Gold Hill is committed to a Fire Adapted Gold Hill. We must all do our part to reduce fire risk to keep our community safe.
Do you need a Wildland Home Assessment? or do you need help with Smoke Alarms? Fire District 3 has partnered with the City of Gold Hill and will do assessments of your property. Give them a call, so they can help! (541) 826-7100! You can also see what other resources our fire district offers here.
OSFM EXPANDS DEFENSIBLE SPACE INCENTIVE PROGRAM TO MORE OREGON COMMUNITIES
News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: December 2nd, 2024 8:42 AM
Salem, Ore. - The Oregon State Fire Marshal is extending its incentive program to help Oregonians pay for defensible space projects in more communities in Oregon. The 2024 wildfire season comes as a reminder of the importance of defensible space and completing projects at home and at the community level to be better protected.
While supplies last, home and property owners in select wildfire-vulnerable communities may be eligible to receive a $250 payment following a defensible space assessment by the agency or a participating fire agency. The assessments are free and can be easily scheduled online at oregondefensiblespace.org.
“On the heels of a record-breaking wildfire season, we know that now is the time to prepare our homes for next season,” said State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “We strongly encourage home and property owners to schedule an assessment. Taking this first step can make a significant difference in protecting your home and neighborhood from wildfire risks."
Defensible space is the area around your home and buildings managed to keep embers from having a place to land and catch fire. Creating and maintaining defensible space is one of the most effective ways to protect a home during a wildfire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal understands that money may be a barrier to complete these projects and the incentive is designed to encourage people to implement the recommendations received during their assessment.
The OSFM’s defensible space program is a crucial step toward building more fire-adapted communities in the face of increasing wildfire risks. By empowering Oregonians to take proactive measures, we will reduce the impact of wildfires on lives, property, and the environment.
Eligible communities were chosen based on their vulnerability to wildfire to get money to those who need it the most. After the assessment is complete, those who qualify will receive the payment in the mail. For a full list of communities and eligibility requirements, click here.
Contact Info:
osfm.publicaffairs [at] osfm.oregon.gov (osfm[dot]publicaffairs[at]osfm[dot]oregon[dot]gov)
Pacific Power Wildfire Information
Pacific Power’s updated, educational website provides specific tips on how to prepare and stay safe this wildfire season, along with information about PSPSs that could take place in certain regions.
Public Safety Power Shutoff
PSPS may be utilized in areas of high wildfire risk that Pacific Power will enact only when catastrophic wildfire conditions are present. PSPSs are expected to be uncommon, and affect as few residents as possible. When speaking with Jackson County and Pacific Power Gold Hill City Hall was informed that data shows that in the last nine years Gold Hill, OR would not have met the conditions for a PSPS. Pacific Power has more information about PSPSs on its website above.
Public Safety Power Shutoff Conditions:
Gold Hill, OR has been identified as an area that has a potential to have PSPS conditions. This safety measure will be used in Gold Hill, OR only when there is a high fire risk when on-the-ground conditions create an extreme wildfire risk that could lead to loss of life, catastrophic damage and be difficult to fight.
Pacific Power monitors a range of factors before triggering a PSPS including:
- The presence of dry vegetation and other potential wildfire fuel
- High winds
- Low humidity
- Real time observation from on-the-ground experts
Public Safety Power Shutoff Timeline (From Pacific Power Website):
While Pacific Power will provide as much advance warning as possible, rapidly changing conditions may require that we operate within a shorter time frame.
- 3 to 7 days before: Pacific Power is actively monitoring forecasts for hazardous weather conditions that could lead to a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
- Up to 2 days before: Once extreme weather conditions and other hazardous variables are met and sustained, Pacific Power begins coordinating with emergency services and local officials. Customers receive first notification of a possible Public Safety Power shutoff.
- 1 day before: Extreme wildfire conditions persist. Coordination between Pacific Power and emergency services continues. Customers receive second notification.
- Power shutoff: Extreme fire conditions persist remain and coordination continues. Customers receive third notification that power will be turned off to prevent wildfire ignition.
- Power restoration: Extreme wildfire conditions have abated. Pacific Power crews patrol lines to inspect for damage and hanging debris. Power is restored once all lines are cleared and if repairs are required. Customers receive a fourth and final notification that power has been restored.
What Will be Provided During a PSPS?
Pacific Power and Jackson County will be providing cooling centers for areas affected by a PSPS. These cooling centers will provide a safe place for residents affected by a shutoff to keep cool, get water, charge a cell phone and utilize public toilets. Pacific Power and Jackson County are currently gathering a list of locations in affected communities that can be utilized for these purposes.
The PSPS team is also gathering a list of resources for residents that may require medical transportation out of the area due to disability or medical condition. If you are a member of the community that would like to self-identify as needing assistance during a PSPS or have medical equipment in need of electricity, please call 1-888-221-7070. Additionally, the Senior Center and your Gold Hill, OR City Hall team would like these communities to please self-identify to us in order to inform us who may need to be checked on during PSPS.
What Can You Do to Help your Community in Case of a Public Safety Power Shutoff/Emergency?
- Know Your Neighbors and Communicate with Them Before, During, and After a Public Safety Power Shutoff/Emergency
- Have an Emergency Plan and Be Prepared for a Public Safety Power Shutoff/Emergency
- Practice Good Wildfire Mitigation in Your Home By:
- Creating a defensible space around your home by removing burnable debris such as dried leaves, dead tree branches and stacks of firewood. Pay special attention to clearing debris beneath decks and gutters.
- Help ensure your family's safety by installing and maintaining smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in your home. Identify adequate sources of water within 1,000 feet of your home, such as a well, hydrant or swimming pool.
- Be sure firefighters can easily access your home should they need to. Keep your driveway clear.
- Creating an emergency kit that contains medicines, food, water, battery-powered flashlights and radio and other essentials.
Additional Resources That Can Help you Stay Informed:
- Download and utilize the Pulsepoint App on your mobile device
- Oregon State Fire Marshall's Defensible Space Resources
- Southwest Oregon District Blog
- ODF Fire Restrictions Map
- Sign up for citizen alerts
- Check for resources at Pacific Power
- Check back here frequently for updates