Grant program extended to help fire-harden homes

People who own a home – including a manufactured home – or business that was damaged or destroyed by the 2020 or 2021 wildfires can receive money for using more fire-resistant methods and materials when they rebuild. Those who have already rebuilt also qualify.

The grant program was due to expire June 30, 2023. However, the Oregon Legislature extended the program and expanded it to include 2021 wildfire survivors. To date, the program has dispersed more than $3.3 million to help more than 800 wildfire survivors build back more fire-resistant homes and businesses.

Fire hardening is an important tool to help make homes more resistant to fire. Fire hardening includes actions that can be taken to make a home or business more resistant to damage from a wildfire, such as using materials for siding and roofing that resist ignition during a wildfire, installing fire-resistant windows to protect openings, or using attic ventilation devices that help reduce ember intrusion.

“These improvements are particularly effective at preventing ignition from embers, which can travel great distances from wildfires,” said Alana Cox, administrator of the Oregon Building Codes Division. “We are pleased to be able to extend and expand this program, which is helping people affected by the wildfires build back more fire-resistant communities.”

To learn more and apply, visit https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/Pages/firehardening.aspx.