IVFROG aids in grant funding for IVFD

Illinois Valley Fire Chief John Holmes was recently presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the IVFROG during the District’s monthly Board of Directors meeting. “We wanted to express our deep appreciation for I.V. Fire District’s role in securing needed staffing and equipment from numerous funding sources,” said Cheryl Nelson, IVFROG Engagement Coordinator, who awarded Chief Holmes the plaque.
The IVFROG (Illinois Valley Fire Resiliency Oversight Group) works collaboratively to decrease the current risk of severe wildfires in this section of Southwest Oregon. The group of interested partners and stakeholders convene regularly and invite local residents to get involved in maintaining defensible space around their homes and becoming a more fire-adapted community. “IVFD is an active and highly valued participant in our community-led efforts,” added Nelson.
IVFROG, in partnership with IVFD, is looking forward to hosting fuels collection events using a grant-funded portable wood-chipper and dump trailer as well Wilson biochar kilns procured by the Illinois Valley Soil & Water Conservation District through a Community Wildfire Defense Grant.
The bulk of the grant funding applications prepared by Chief Holmes were submitted to the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal whose 5-year Strategic Roadmap includes “engaging and partnering with marginalized and under-served communities.” Nelson points out that to meet this need, IVFROG can offer financial incentives and provide approximately fifty percent match for small woodland owners to reduce dense brush and ladder fuels on their property.
A grant in the amount of $22,105 from the Community Benefit Funding Grant from the Josephine County Commissioners will go toward the purchase and installation of an emergency standby generator for the Illinois Valley Fire District: Station 4 in O’Brien. This will allow, in the event of power outages, engines to remain plugged-in and in running condition, garage doors to be easily opened and closed, heaters to continue running in the bays during the winter months, and will ensure that emergency communications are in ready response.
Nelson also acknowledged the donation of the custom-made frame crafted by woodworkers at It’s a Burl Gallery in Kerby. “These recent grants awarded to IVFD indicate good progress is being made in IVFROG’s collaborative efforts to improve this community’s resilience to catastrophic fires,” said Nelson.
All interested residents are invited to attend a public meeting at IVFIRE Station 4 in O’Brien Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 1-3 p.m.. Presentations on available programs to help support this community-led effort will be featured.