City of North Bend release - North Bend Fire & Rescue has been awarded a $35,000 grant from the Oregon State Fire Marshal as part of the 2025 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant Program. Now in its fourth year, this competitive funding initiative strengthens emergency response capabilities across Oregon by helping local fire agencies hire seasonal staff during the state's most hazardous months.  “This is a small grant with a big impact,” said North Bend Fire Chief Jim Brown. “This funding allows us to add additional staffing during peak wildfire season, ensuring we can respond quickly not just to wildfires, but to the full range of emergencies in our community and neighboring jurisdictions.” The grant supports the hiring of firefighters—including seasonal staff, students, or volunteers with minimal training requirements—thereby increasing personnel availability during critical times. It also covers related employer costs such as workers’ compensation and payroll taxes, as well as limited administrative overhead.  Across Oregon, more than 200 agencies rely on this program, which is funded by a $6 million allocation from the Oregon Legislature. In total, the initiative puts over 1,500 additional firefighters on the ground statewide each summer.  “The Wildfire Season Staffing Grant is one of our most impactful tools to help local fire agencies respond to emergencies faster, protect communities, and support each other through mutual aid,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “We’re thankful to our legislators for continuing to invest in the safety and resilience of our communities.”  Since its launch in 2022, the grant program has proven instrumental in boosting preparedness and response capabilities, especially for smaller departments that depend on part-time and volunteer personnel.  Chief Brown added, “With these additional resources, North Bend Fire & Rescue is better positioned to keep fires small and communities safe.”