Regional partners unite at Corvallis Wildfire Readiness Fair to boost preparedness
A steady stream of residents stopped by tables, asked questions and picked up resources at the Wildfire Readiness Fair on May 2, part of a growing regional effort to prepare communities for wildfire season. May is Wildfire Awareness Month in Oregon.
Hosted by the City of Corvallis and partner agencies, the event focused on simple steps people can take now, from creating defensible space to planning evacuations and preparing for smoke.
“We’re here to promote wildfire safety and actions people can take before fire season starts,” said Corvallis Emergency Manager Sierra Anderson.
Anderson, who coordinated the event, said the face-to-face setting helps meet people where they are.
“It gives people a chance to ask questions and connect with the right resources,” she said.
Benton County Commissioner Gabe Shepard said the event reflects a broader push by local and regional partners to strengthen wildfire preparedness ahead of the summer season.
“Bringing partners together like this makes it easier for people to get the information they need in one place,” Shepard said.
Health officials also emphasized the risks beyond flames. Benton County Environmental Health Program Coordinator John Pegg said wildfire smoke can impact anyone, especially people with underlying conditions.
“We want people to know how to protect themselves, whether that’s improving indoor air or finding clean air shelters,” Pegg said.
At another booth, volunteers with the city’s Community Emergency Response Team shared practical advice and personal reasons for their work.
“I care about my neighbors,” said Steve Napack. “If I can help one person be ready, that matters.”
Dick Mossey, 83, said he continues to volunteer because he wants to help others stay safe. Mossey and Napack have been volunteers for more than 20 years.
Wildfire prevention was also a key focus. Leo Williamson with the Oregon Department of Forestry said the best fire is the one that never starts.
“If people understand their role and take simple steps, we’re all better off,” he said.
Emergency managers reminded residents that preparation should go beyond a single event. Matt Neuvenheim with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management encouraged people to be ready for extended disruptions.
“If a disaster is large enough, help may not come right away,” he said. “We want people to be ready for at least two weeks.”
Shepard said the message is especially important as wildfire risk grows, particularly for rural residents and those in higher-risk areas.
“People are concerned about what wildfires mean for their homes and families,” he said. “Preparation can make a real difference.”
The event is part of a broader effort, including a regional Wildfire Awareness Month campaign with Benton County and Lincoln County, to build preparedness across the region.
Participating organizations included:
- American Red Cross
- Benton County Emergency Management Volunteer Corps
- Benton County Public Health
- Consumer Power Inc.
- Corvallis Community Emergency Response Team
- Corvallis Fire Department
- Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center
- Corvallis Rural Fire Protection District
- Monroe Fire District
- Oregon Army National Guard
- Oregon Department of Forestry
- Oregon Department of Human Services / Office of Resilience and Emergency Management
- Oregon Livestock Council
- Oregon State Fire Marshal
- Pacific Power (PacifiCorp)
- Siuslaw National Forest
- U.S. Forest Service
Wildfire prevention and preparedness resources:
- Keep Oregon Green — Wildfire prevention tips: Prevent Wildfires – Keep Oregon Green
- Oregon State Fire Marshal — Defensible space & home hardening: Oregon State Fire Marshal : Wildfire in Oregon
- Oregon Department of Forestry — Fire season restrictions & prevention: Oregon Department of Forestry : Fire
- Oregon Health Authority — Wildfire smoke & health: Oregon Health Authority : Wildfires and Smoke : Get Prepared
- Oregon Emergency Management — Oregon Department of Emergency Management : Be 2 Weeks Ready
