This grant will support the establishment and staffing of a dedicated wildland hand crew

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Region 6–Pacific Northwest Region awarded $1.34 million to Sweet Home Fire & Ambulance District on July 17, 2026, under the FY26 Community Project Funds–Congressionally Directed Spending program (CFDA 10.741) to establish and staff a dedicated wildland hand crew for wildfire response.

The funding supports the full operationalization of the crew within Oregon, including procurement of two crew carriers, equipment and supplies, and personnel costs including fringe benefits. The crew will provide active suppression capacity within the district's service area and support mutual aid requests at local, state, and national levels, complementing the district's existing fuels-mitigation efforts as part of a comprehensive wildfire risk reduction strategy. The award carries a period of performance through December 31, 2030, with all work occurring in Oregon.

Funding will be used to ensure the crew is fully equipped and operational for wildfire response service area, as well as for mutual aid at the local, state, and national levels. This work directly enhances active suppression capacity and complements our existing fuels-mitigation efforts, creating a comprehensive approach to wildfire risk reduction. Work will occur within the state of oregon. Funds will be used for 2 crew carriers, supplies, personnel and fringe benefits.