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Lookingglass RFD Awarded 2025 OSFM Wildland Staffing Grant

Lookingglass Rural Fire District is proud to share that we have been selected to receive funding through the 2025 Wildland Staffing Grant, awarded by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office (OSFM).

Firefighter near a burning truck with heavy smoke in a field.

This funding comes from Senate Bill 762, a statewide initiative to enhance Oregon’s wildfire preparedness and response. It provides critical support to volunteer-based fire departments like ours by helping cover the cost of staffing during high-risk fire periods. This is a tremendous aid for rural communities—where volunteer departments often face challenges maintaining daytime coverage due to work schedules and limited resources.

With this grant, LRFD aims to staff two trained personnel per day during the summer fire season, typically between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM—a window when wildfire risk is highest. Staffing schedules will remain flexible depending on weather, fire danger, and local conditions.

Red fire truck in a grassy field, smoke in the background, clear blue sky, and a wooded area.

Opportunities for Volunteers

This funding directly supports our volunteer-based model. Volunteers who are active members of LRFD and have completed the required wildland fire training and certifications may be eligible to staff these grant-funded shifts.

If you’re interested in serving your community and want to get involved:

  • No experience is necessary to begin volunteering.
  • We provide all training and gear.
  • Volunteers gain real-world experience in wildland, structural, and emergency medical response.
  • With certification, volunteers may qualify for staffing opportunities under this grant program.

Whether you're looking to develop new skills, serve your community, or explore a future in fire and emergency services, now is a great time to get involved.

About the Grant

The OSFM Wildland Staffing Grant is a key part of Oregon’s statewide strategy to strengthen wildfire response. For departments like LRFD, it fills a crucial gap—helping ensure we’re ready to respond quickly and safely when the threat of wildfire is high.

To learn more about the grant and its impact across Oregon, visit the official announcement here.

Fire truck in a grassy field with thick smoke and trees in the background.