Wildfire Preparedness Weekend: Get Ready for Wildfire Season and Protect Your Community (Photo)
May 18, 2023 14:10
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wildfire Preparedness Weekend: Get Ready for Wildfire Season and Protect Your Community
Portland, Oregon - As the wildfire season approaches, Oregonians must take steps to protect their homes and communities. To help residents prepare, the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, in partnership with Portland Fire and Rescue, is hosting Wildfire Preparedness Weekend at World Forestry Center's Discovery Museum on May 20 and 21 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
This free event offers a unique opportunity for residents to learn how to reduce the risk of wildfire around their homes and communities and get involved in protecting our state from the threat of wildfire. Attendees will have access to expert speakers, interactive exhibits, and hands-on demonstrations. A special art exhibit will also showcase a series of wildfire paintings. The organizations partnering in this event include the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State University Extension Service, Portland General Electric, Portland Parks and Recreation, Forest Park Conservancy, West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, Neighborhood Emergency Teams, Team Rubicon, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, and Firewise Community Leaders.
"We know that wildfires can devastate our communities," said Chief Deputy Claire McGrew, Oregon State Fire Marshal. "This partnership with Portland Fire and Rescue provides an important educational opportunity to help residents better prepare for wildfire season."
“We’ve got an incredible group of organizations and volunteer groups coming together,” said Fire Marshal Kari Schimel, Portland Fire and Rescue. “We hope that our visitors will leave Wildfire Preparedness Weekend feeling empowered and inspired to take action to protect their homes and neighborhoods."
In addition to the special programming, attendees will enjoy free admission to the museum all weekend. World Forestry Center's Discovery Museum, located in Portland's Washington Park immediately off the MAX Red/Blue line, is a family-friendly venue that offers interactive exhibits and engaging programs focused on the most pressing issues facing forests and communities.
"Large and severe wildfires are one of the existential threats of our time," said Tim Hecox, Experience Director at World Forestry Center. "That's why we're thrilled to host this important event. We see ourselves at the intersection of people and forests at the World Forestry Center. Our work is focused on making forests a social priority and empowering more people to be part of the conversation."
Don't wait until it's too late to prepare for wildfire season. Join us for Wildfire Preparedness Weekend at World Forestry Center's Discovery Museum (4033 SW Canyon Road Portland, OR 97221) on May 20 and 21 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit https://www.worldforestry.org/wildfire-preparedness-weekend-at-world-forestry-center/.
Media contacts:
Jen Warren
Fire Risk Reduction Specialist, Oregon State Fire Marshal
(503) 979-6625
Jennifer.warren@osp.oregon.gov
Kim Kosmas
Senior Public Education Officer, Portland Fire and Rescue
(503) 793-6035
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