The Central Oregon Wildfire Educators Group (COWEG), created in 2022 under the Central Oregon Fire Prevention Co-Op, is proud to highlight years of momentum in wildfire preparedness, education, and community collaboration across the region. Bringing together city, county, state, federal, and private‑land wildfire educators, the group continues to deliver a unified, consistent message of how to live in a fire‑adapted community within the Central Oregon landscape, where fire is a natural part of the environment.
Empowering Central Oregonians Through Education
In 2025, COWEG delivered wildfire preparedness education and outreach programs throughout Central Oregon, helping thousands of residents better understand critical pillars of wildfire readiness:
- Defensible Space: How to reduce flammable vegetation and materials around the home, while considering other goals (landscape aesthetics, wildlife, privacy, and invasive plants).
- Home Hardening: Practical steps to strengthen structures against ember intrusion.
- Evacuation preparedness: Ensuring families know when and how to leave safely.
- Smoke Readiness: How to protect yourself and loved ones from the health impacts of smoke
These efforts equip residents with the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to take concrete steps toward reducing wildfire risk on their own properties. For information on free Wildfire Home Protection Strategies Workshops, go to https://centraloregonfire.org/whps/
Collaboration at the Core
COWEG’s strength lies in its partnership model. Members include local fire and government agencies, public health, community groups, tribal partners, and nonprofit organizations; all learning from one another through ongoing collaboration. The group works as a regional amplification network, ensuring that each organization’s wildfire preparedness efforts have a broader reach and unified message.
Working together, the group distributes educational materials, supports community wildfire awareness events, and promotes Fire Adapted Communities principles throughout Central Oregon. By connecting these efforts, COWEG ensures that residents hear clear, consistent guidance no matter where they live or which agency they interact with.
Supporting Natural Resource Protection and Prescribed Fire
A core strength of COWEG is its commitment to protecting Central Oregon’s natural resources. The group supports prescribed fire tactics and uses across the region, an essential practice for returning fire back to the landscape as both a cultural and ecological necessity. COWEG’s commitment to provide technical assistance and support for private landowners is fundamental for restoring ecosystem resilience and reducing the risk of high‑severity wildfires.
Annual Wildfire Preparedness Fairs Across the Region
Every year, COWEG hosts Wildfire Preparedness Fairs across the region. These free community events bring together experts, families, and partners to:
- Share educational resources
- Demonstrate wildfire readiness practices
- Provide hands‑on learning opportunities for adults and kids
- Celebrate the progress Central Oregon communities are making
With hundreds of participants attending annually, these fairs help strengthen community resilience and inspire property owners to take meaningful action.
Upcoming Wildfire Preparedness Fairs:
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
5:00 – 8:00 pm
Sisters High School, 1700 W McKinney Butte Road, Sisters, OR
Saturday, April 11, 2026
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wilco Parking Lot, 154 NW Saint Charles Way, Prineville, OR
Saturday, April 11, 2026
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
La Pine High School, 51622 Coach Road, La Pine, OR
Thursday, April 16, 2026
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
SHARC, 57250 Overlook Road, Sunriver, OR
Saturday, May 9, 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
COCC – Wille Hall, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
5:00pm -7:00pm
Jefferson County Fire and EMS Station, 765 S 5th Street, Madras, OR
Connecting the Dots of the Fire Adapted Communities Model
A core part of COWEG’s mission is helping residents understand how all components of the Fire Adapted Communities Wheel fit together—from response agencies and land management to home preparedness, community planning, evacuation readiness, and recovery. A fire-adapted community is a knowledgeable, engaged, and resilient community that understands its wildfire risk and takes collaborative action to safely coexist with wildland fire. (FACNET)The group serves as a bridge, showing how each part contributes to a safer, more resilient Central Oregon.
For more information on Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network, visit https://fireadaptednetwork.org/
Creative Outreach for All Ages
To improve access to wildfire education, COWEG also develops creative public service announcements and video content tailored for all age groups. These media projects bring important messages to life and help families start conversations that lead to action. To inspire the future leaders and members of our communities, the group also collaborates on school visits and engaging events for kids.
A Unified Voice for a Wildfire‑Resilient Future
The Central Oregon Wildfire Educators Group remains committed to building genuine, lasting connections with community and organizations across the region. With a united voice and shared vision, the group continues to work toward community resilience, strengthen partnerships, and empower Central Oregonians to live safely with wildfire.
To get your organization involved or for more information, please contact:
Melissa Steele, Bend Fire & Rescue, Co-Chair of COWEG msteele@bendoregon.gov
Ariel Cowan, OUS Extension, Co-Chair of COWEG ariel.cown@oregonstate.edu
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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