It has been five years since the devastating wildfires of Labor Day 2020 swept across Oregon, burning more than a million acres and upending countless lives. Nearly 500,000 Oregonians were under evacuation notices, and 40,000 were forced to flee their homes. Eleven Oregonians lost their lives, thousands of homes and structures were destroyed, and entire communities were forever changed.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal extends heartfelt gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, volunteers, and community members whose dedication made a lasting difference during and after those fires. Their service, sacrifice, and resilience show Oregon’s strength in the face of disaster.
The Agency Response in 2020
Pushed by hurricane-force winds, wildfires up and down the Oregon Cascades and in the Coast Range erupted, destroying everything in their path. The Oregon State Fire Marshal led one of the largest mobilizations in state history through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System (OFMAS). Within hours, firefighters and equipment from across Oregon and surrounding states were on the move.
More than 179 fire agencies responded, sending nearly 300 engines and 2,000+ structural firefighters to protect lives and property. The Oregon State Fire Marshal worked alongside local fire chiefs, emergency managers, law enforcement, tribal, and federal partners to respond to the crisis.
The 2020 response demonstrated both the strength of Oregon’s fire service and the need for expanded capacity and prevention. These hard-earned lessons became the foundation for investments and reforms that followed.
A Paradigm Shift
The Labor Day fires were a turning point for Oregon. They changed the way we think about wildfire. What was once seen as a threat to rural areas, somewhere else, became an immediate reality for towns, suburbs, and cities across our state. The mindset shifted from “it’s not going to happen to us” to “it can happen to us.”
In the years that followed, landmark legislation, including Senate Bill 762 and House Bill 3940, created new opportunities to strengthen wildfire resilience. These efforts funded prevention programs, improved response capacity, and built stronger partnerships with communities.
From Suppression to Prevention
While firefighting remains a core mission, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has expanded significantly since 2020 to focus equally on prevention and preparedness.
Fire Adapted Oregon: This program empowers Oregonians with education, resources, and partnerships to help communities adapt to wildfire. By working alongside local leaders and community members, we are building safer, stronger neighborhoods.
Defensible Space Program: Statewide standards and education help Oregonians create defensible space around homes and businesses, improving both community resilience and firefighter safety. The OSFM offers free defensible space assessments to home and property owners to give personalized ways to improve wildfire resilience.
Fire Risk Reduction Specialists: Oregon State Fire Marshal staff are embedded in communities, offering technical support, resources, and expertise to reduce wildfire risk at the local level.
Strengthening Response Capacity
At the same time, the Oregon State Fire Marshal made major investments to ensure Oregon is response-ready when the next fire comes.
OSFM Engine Program: 76 new fire engines (type 3, type 6, and water tenders) have been placed with local fire agencies, expanding firefighting capacity and modernizing equipment statewide.
Grants and Staffing Support: New grant programs have allowed local fire agencies to add staff and seasonal firefighters, ensuring faster, stronger response during peak wildfire months.
Mobilization Coordinators: A new network of regional coordinators ensures resources can be quickly and efficiently deployed when communities are threatened.
Continuing to Learn and Grow
The journey since 2020 has been one of learning, growth, and resilience. The Labor Day fires taught us hard lessons, but they also sparked a renewed commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community protection.
Five years later, Oregon is stronger and more prepared. The Oregon State Fire Marshal, in partnership with fire service leaders, local governments, and community members, continues to evolve to meet the challenges ahead. Together, we are building a safer, more resilient Oregon.
Wildfire prevention starts with us. Every Oregonian has a role in wildfire prevention.