As I write this letter, thunder is clapping outside. Just the sound raises anxiety about the possibility of lightning strikes that could start a wildfire. 

We live in an area where forest fires and smoke are very much a part of our lives, every year. 

Not knowing or understanding how decisions are made about quelling a fire can feed into our worry when wildfires come close to home or even nearby. 

As part of The Bulletin’s ongoing partnership with City Club of Central Oregon, we will offer some answers about how wildfire decisions are made.

A story coming out on June 16 by Michael Kohn, The Bulletin’s public lands and environmental reporter, and a City Club forum on June 20, will answer many of those questions. Such as, what agencies are involved and how do they coordinate? Why do some fires receive massive resources and others do not? How does wind factor into the spread of wildfires? Who makes decisions about shutting down utilities? How are decisions made on what resources to bring to a fire? How is a fire attack different on a rural/urban interface versus somewhere deep in the forest? 

Our reporting and an opportunity to continue the conversation at the City Club forum is a partnership built on informing and engaging the community. And we hope that knowing more about how fires are fought helps alleviate some anxieties. 

Registration is open for the City Club forum. If you don’t already, please take the time to consider a subscription to The Bulletin, so we can continue bringing you the news that matters to Central Oregonians.