With dryer forests due to climate change and the Linnton neighborhood’s proximity to the industrial area, there is an increased risk of fire that could start in the Linnton community and spread through the north Tualatin Hills including Forest Park. The Forest Park Conservancy is teaming up with neighborhood leaders in Linnton as well as the US Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Fire Bureau, and West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District to address the risk of fire in this area by supporting an effort to make Linnton the first community part of the FireWise Program.
By joining this national program, members of the Linnton community will learn how to approach fuel reduction and generate fire awareness through outreach and education. In the upcoming months there will be a community assessment to identify specific risk areas, as well as outreach and action steps to reduce the risk of fire.
“The Forest Park Conservancy and the Greater Forest Park Conservation Initiative partners are concerned about the increased risk of fire in and around Forest Park,” said Renee Myers, FPC Executive Director. “We are actively working to secure more resources to address this risk. Supporting Linnton in becoming the first FireWise Community around Forest Park is a great first step in bringing more awareness to the issue and highlighting ways communities can actively engage in reducing the risk of fire.”
If successful in the Linnton neighborhood, the Firewise program could be replicated strategies in other communities around the Greater Forest Park Ecosystem, creating a larger and more fire resilient landscape. This project is supported by a Metro community enhancement grant. Click here to learn more about the Firewise program or contact us to find out how you can take steps to reduce the risk of fire in your neighborhood.