Benton and Lincoln counties have launched a joint campaign throughout May, recognized as Wildfire Awareness Month, to encourage residents to prepare their homes and families ahead of what officials warn could be a difficult fire season.
The coordinated effort brings together leadership, emergency management and public health agencies from both counties to share prevention information and resources. Fire experts are predicting a potentially challenging wildfire season based on current conditions across Oregon, according to the announcement.
“Wildfire doesn’t recognize county lines,” Lincoln County Emergency Manager Samantha Buckley said. “Working together allows us to better serve and protect our communities across the region.”
Benton County Emergency Manager Bryan Lee said early action makes a difference.
“Preparedness starts before fire season begins,” Lee said. “The steps we take today can help protect lives, homes and our communities.”
Commissioners from both counties support the campaign and have emphasized the value of regional coordination in addressing wildfire risk.
“Wildfire preparedness is a priority for our counties,” Benton County Public Information Officer Anne Thwaits said. “We are proud to partner with Lincoln County to provide clear, coordinated information that helps keep our communities safe.”
The campaign will focus on wildfire prevention, home preparedness, smoke and air quality, and evacuation planning, with particular attention to vulnerable populations.
Officials are urging residents to sign up for emergency alerts to receive real-time updates, evacuation notices and safety information during fire season. Benton County residents can register at sheriff.bentoncountyor.gov/linn-benton-alert, and Lincoln County residents can sign up at oralert.gov.
Additional resources on creating defensible space, preventing human-caused fires, assembling go-kits, understanding smoke impacts and planning for evacuations are available through Keep Oregon Green, the Oregon State Fire Marshal, the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Emergency Management.