Weyerhaeuser Company has launched the fifth edition of its Fighting Fires Together campaign, reinforcing its long-term commitment to wildfire preparedness, rural community resilience and firefighter support across Oregon. The initiative combines financial investment, operational partnerships and mental health resources to strengthen wildfire response throughout the state.
The campaign has been designed to address the increasing challenges faced by rural communities where emergency resources are often limited. It supports local fire districts, develops wildfire response partnerships and promotes the wellbeing of wildland firefighters working in demanding conditions.
A key part of the programme is financial support for Rural Fire Protection Districts (RFPDs). Nearly $25,000 has recently been awarded through the company’s Giving Fund to four fire districts serving vulnerable rural communities across Oregon. The funding will help improve emergency readiness through new equipment, medical resources, firefighting tools and enhanced training.
These grants build upon Weyerhaeuser’s earlier contribution of a 38-acre land donation to the Row River Rural Fire Protection District in 2025. The donated land will be used for the construction of a new emergency substation. Faster wildfire suppression is expected to be achieved in parts of rural Lane County where emergency services have traditionally been stretched.
Kathleen Istudor, Executive Director of the Row River Valley Community Partnership, said the investment strengthens the area’s emergency response capabilities. She noted that rural fire districts are often the first responders during emergencies and highlighted the importance of additional resources for protecting firefighters and local residents in the Dorena, Culp Creek and Disston communities.
Beyond funding local districts, Weyerhaeuser continues to work closely with the Oregon Department of Forestry and other regional agencies to improve wildfire prevention and emergency response. The company provides operational support during active wildfire incidents across its forestlands and neighbouring public and private properties.
Its wildfire management efforts include aerial coordination and suppression activities whenever fires occur. Strong partnerships remain central to these operations. Shared expertise allows agencies and landowners to respond more effectively to changing wildfire conditions.
The company is also investing in the future wildfire workforce. A recent $10,000 grant has been awarded to Lane Community College’s Wildland Fire Management Programme. The funding will provide essential tools and safety equipment for students undertaking practical wildfire management training.
The investment will strengthen field-based education covering fuels reduction, the safe use of wildfire suppression equipment and the assessment of fire behaviour under real operational conditions. Students will gain valuable practical experience before entering the forestry and wildfire management sectors.
Rick Glover, Coordinator of the Wildland Fire Management Programme, said the funding would improve practical learning opportunities while helping students develop skills required for prescribed burns and frontline wildfire response. He added that the investment supports both workforce development and community safety.
Mental health support remains another important focus of the Fighting Fires Together campaign. Free online resources developed by the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance have been made available specifically for wildland firefighters and their families.
Wildland firefighters often face increased exposure to traumatic incidents. This places them at higher risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and suicide. The campaign’s online resource hub has been developed to help address these challenges.
Educational articles and training videos are included within the platform. Access is also provided to regional peer support groups and behavioural health professionals experienced in supporting wildfire personnel. These resources aim to improve resilience while encouraging firefighters to seek appropriate support when required.
Shane Conway, Vice President of Western Timberlands at Weyerhaeuser, said wildfire response requires continuous collaboration rather than seasonal action. He stated that preparedness depends on strong partnerships and sustained investment throughout the year. According to Conway, close cooperation with rural communities and firefighters remains essential for protecting Oregon’s forests and surrounding communities from wildfire threats.
The Fighting Fires Together campaign reflects Weyerhaeuser’s broader approach to sustainable forest management and community engagement. By combining financial assistance, emergency partnerships, workforce development and mental health support, the company continues to strengthen wildfire preparedness, response and recovery across Oregon.
Founded in 1900, Weyerhaeuser is one of the world’s largest private timberland owners. The company owns or controls more than 10 million acres of timberlands across the United States and also manages additional public timberlands under long-term licences in Canada.
The company manages all of its timberlands according to internationally recognised sustainable forestry standards. Alongside timberland management, Weyerhaeuser operates major wood products manufacturing businesses, product distribution services, climate solutions, real estate, energy and natural resources operations. In 2025, the company generated net sales of $6.9 billion and employed approximately 9,500 people worldwide.
Read more news on Weyerhaeuser
Get more updates on the American woodworking industry through: www.woodandpanel.us
