Grants will aid people "fire-harden" homes

EUGENE: Lane County is partnering with the Oregon Building Codes Division to launch a grant program to help owners of homes and businesses rebuild after the 2020 Oregon wildfires.

Homeowners, including those with a manufactured home, or a business that was damaged or destroyed by the 2020 wildfires can receive money to cover the costs of using more fire-resistant methods and materials when they rebuild. People who have already rebuilt also qualify for the grants.

Fire hardening is an important tool to help make homes more resistant to fire. It includes ways of making a home or business more resistant to damage from a wildfire - including using materials for siding and roofing that resist ignition during a wildfire, installing fire-resistant windows to protect openings, or using attic ventilation devices that help reduce ember intrusion.

“These improvements are particularly effective at preventing ignition from embers, which can travel great distances from wildfires,” said Alana Cox, administrator of the Oregon Building Codes Division “We hope this program will help people affected by the wildfires build back more fire-resistant communities.”

To qualify for the program, someone must own a home or business that was damaged or destroyed in the 2020 Oregon wildfires. Improvements include more fire-resistant roofs, siding and windows. Once one or more of those types of improvements have been completed, an eligible applicant can receive grant money through the Lane County Land Management Division.

To learn more and apply, visit https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/Pages/firehardening.aspx. Lane County applicants will be directed to an application form, which can be submitted in person to Permit Navigator Marianne Nolte. Find more about the application process at McKenzieRebuilds.org