Residents Gather for Wildfire Preparedness Workshop

By Marie Kennedy, For The Mountain Times

The Mount Hood Corridor Wildfire Partnership hosted its fourth Wildfire Ready Homeowner Workshop on Saturday, November 2nd at Welches Middle School. This free workshop, held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., was designed to help homeowners, renters, and visitors prepare for wildfire season and other emergencies. “Emergency preparedness is crucial in our area,” said Hoodland Fire Division Chief Scott Kline. “Last year’s ice storm and power outage underscored the importance of being ready for any situation.” Residents participated in three interactive sessions led by various wildfire, insurance, and emergency response experts: Wildfire Preparation Attendees learned how to create defensible space around their homes by clearing brush, trimming trees, and choosing fire-resistant landscaping. They also discussed preparing for evacuation, including assembling emergency kits and creating communication plans. Evacuation Planning Participants learned about evacuation notification systems and the specific challenges of evacuating in the Mount Hood corridor, including identifying evacuation routes and establishing communication strategies. Insurance Education and Assistance Experts from the State of Oregon provided guidance on wildfire insurance coverage, including understanding policies and filing claims, and coping with canceled insurance policies. Attendees expressed appreciation for the practical information and guidance provided. One guest commented, “This was very helpful. The session on homeowners insurance was a game changer for me.” Kline emphasized the value of these workshops, stating, “This workshop was a valuable opportunity for the community to come together and learn how to protect themselves and their property from wildfire.” In addition to the workshop sessions, various organizations offered resources and materials to help residents prepare for wildfire emergencies. These included: Oregon State University Extension Service Fire Program State Fire Marshal Mount Hood National Forest Oregon Department of Forestry Oregon Division of Financial Protection, Insurance for Consumers Ant Farm Timberline Lodge Skibowl PGE Hoodland Fire Department Clackamas County The Mount Hood Corridor Wildfire Partnership is a collaborative effort between government agencies, ski areas, community organizations and residents dedicated to wildfire preparedness and resilience. For more information on future events, visit their website at https://www.mthoodwildfirepartnership.org.