Walden delivers good news to Oregon firefighters on fire prevention, response bill

U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) last week gave some local firefighters in his home state a reason to celebrate.

The congressman visited the Crooked River Ranch Fire Station in Terrebonne, Ore., to commend a bipartisan, bicameral bill he introduced in January that became law in March and will improve fire prevention and response activities in the area.

“I am proud to have worked with local leaders, advocates, first responders, and community members on this bill,” said Rep. Walden. “It was great to celebrate this win with so many of the people that made it possible.”

Rep. Walden’s Crooked River Ranch Fire Protection Act, H.R. 524, became law on March 12 as part of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, S. 47.

“The Crooked River Ranch legislation is critical for the safety of the more than 5,000 people living in the area,” Rep. Walden said.

The law will allow for critical management of the fire fuels that surround Crooked River Ranch in Jefferson and Deschutes counties, thereby reducing the risk of wildfires, he said, adding that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to “begin implementation of this new law and start thinning work this winter.”

“I look forward to continuing to work with the community and the BLM to ensure this needed fire prevention work gets done,” said the lawmaker.

While at the Crooked River Fire Station, Rep. Walden also met with student firefighters, who discussed their experiences fighting wildfires.

“Our firefighters deserve our utmost thanks and respect,” Rep. Walden said. “Their service and sacrifice, as well as that of all first responders, is something I am truly grateful for.”