The Community Wildfire Defense Program (CWDG) is a grant program intended to help at-risk local communities plan for and reduce wildfire risk.

In 2023, Rocky Point Fire & EMS (RPFE) was awarded $224,217 through the CWDG program. This was one year funding for the development of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Three RPFE volunteers were hired to complete wildfire risk assessments throughout Rocky Point, create a CWPP, and assist the community in gaining Firewise USA® recognition. An action plan was identified within the Rocky Point CWPP for fuels reduction efforts on developed and undeveloped properties. The CWDG staff used this action plan to justify applying for additional CWDG funds to implement fuels reduction efforts, host public educational events, and provide additional water storage capabilities within the RPFE response area. Unfortunately, RPFE was not awarded the second phase of the CWDG funding. What this means for the Rocky Point community is that although we now have a CWPP, we will have to find another way to fund the implementation phase of the action plan (the actual fuels reduction, boots on the ground efforts). The CWDG team is currently working on applying for another grant offered through the Oregon State Fire Marshall’s office. This grant will not fund all of the fuels reduction efforts identified within the newly created CWPP, but will help get a start in creating defensible space within the Rocky Point community. Since the CWDG is a five year program, the RPFE team will re-apply for implementation funding in October 2024 and if awarded, will be able to complete all of the line items within the action plan of the Rocky Point CWPP. The RPFE grant funded staff will continue to educate Rocky Point citizens on creating defensible space around their homes and property, complete wildfire risk assessments on all properties within the RPFE response area and continue to collaborate with partnering agencies through August 2024 or longer if another grant is awarded. As always, to stay informed with up to date information regarding wildfire preparedness and the goings on with your Rocky Point Fire & EMS department give us a call (541) 356-2100, check our website RPFire.com or send your email address to rpfirefightersassoc@gmail.com and ask to be added to our outreach list