JACKSONVILLE, Ore. – The City of Jacksonville has been awarded the 2026 National Wildfire Mitigation Award. According to the National Association of State Foresters, this accolade is the highest national honor for wildfire preparedness.
This marks the first time Southern Oregon has received this recognition since the award’s inception in 2014. Jacksonville’s initiatives in fuel reduction and partnerships with local agencies played a key role in earning this honor.
City Councilor Andrea Thompson highlighted efforts like updating building codes for fire safety and establishing Blackberry Removal grants. The City’s collaboration with Jacksonville Fire, Lomakatsi Restoration Project, and others was also pivotal.
Jacksonville Fire Dept and Firewise communities set up green waste drop days and a Neighborhood Green Waste Dumpster Program. These programs, along with educational initiatives, aim to reduce wildfire risks.
The award underscores Jacksonville’s leadership in wildfire mitigation, showcasing the community’s commitment to safety and environmental preservation.
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