Wildfire resiliency project to benefit Malheur County seniors and veterans

By Logan Bagett on Monday, May 11th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories

ONTARIO — A unique opportunity is coming to Malheur County this summer, according to Ontario Fire and Rescue. The department recently announced the Home Hardening & Wildfire Resiliency Project will soon be underway. The effort will “train local youth in construction and wildfire mitigation skills while helping veterans and seniors make their homes safer.”

OFR officials say the program is grant-funded with little-to-no cost to homeowners. It partners youth employed by the Eastern Oregon Conservation Corps with Malheur County veterans or seniors 65-and-over who need help with project work in wildfire prone areas.

Project work could include installation of fire-resistant roofing, siding, or ember-resistant vent screens; creation of defensible space; vegetation management, and fuel reduction.

If you know of a Malheur County home that qualifies, learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/homehardening26