As the cold and rain settle in around Portland for the upcoming months, we have the opportunity to continue to build momentum, awareness, and community preparedness for the mounting risk of fire in and around Forest Park.
Through the Forest Park Wildfire Risk Reduction Project, Forest Park Conservancy staff, along with experts at Portland Fire & Rescue and Portland Parks & Recreation, have been working to connect with homeowners in the Linnton neighborhood. However, fire observes no map boundaries, so making sure that the message goes far and wide is critical.
Fortunately, the community around Forest Park is full of committed, enthusiastic, and creative community members willing to spend their time and resources supporting our efforts to increase wildfire preparedness. The role these neighbors play in locally organized Firewise communities is of special importance. Firewise communities have taken appropriate measures to become more resistant to wildfire structural damage through the Firewise USA program. In the last 2 years, the Firewise communities surrounding Forest Park (Forest Park (North & South), Skyline Ridge Neighbors, Linnton, Forest Heights, and Thurman Bridge) have been established and are already working to increase community wildfire resilience.
In the spirit of this collaboration, and with the intention to continue to create awareness about fire risk in the area and its potential destructive impacts to human and animal life and infrastructure, FPC supported a screening at the Skyline Grange of the 2019 Frontline-produced documentary Fire in Paradise on Saturday, November 12th, 2022.
With unique footage, as well as interviews and accounts from survivors, community members, and emergency responders, this documentary aims to show and tell the story of what has been deemed the “most destructive fire in California’s history.” The film examines the fire’s causes and how its occurrence and negative impact were directly related to the effects of climate change. This documentary is a stark reminder of the critical importance of fire prevention and planning, as well as community outreach and engagement. It is also a stark wake-up call about the overall impact of climate change in our communities.
After the screening, FPC’s Conservation Director, Alejandro Orizola, along with representatives from local Firewise communities, Portland Fire & Rescue, and the Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, connected with the 22 event attendees and answered questions about fire prevention efforts ongoing in the area, including the FEMA-funded Forest Park Wildfire Risk Reduction Project. They also offered resources available for neighbors such as Portland Fire & Rescue’s Wildland-Urban Interface Home Assessment Program, and FPC’s Canopy Weed Program.
Miss the screening? You can view the film online by clicking here, or ask your questions related to this work via email to info@forestparkconservancy.org. FPC staff will ensure your questions are directed to the appropriate organization.
FPC is looking for additional opportunities to continue supporting and collaborating with these Firewise communities. Stay posted for future events and activities.
Want to learn more about the Forest Park Wildfire Risk Mitigation Project and how you can get involved? Visit forestparkconservancy.org/fire today.