Bull Run Firewise Grows from Wildfire Wake-Up Call

Bull Run Firewise was born out of a community response to living so close to the Camp Fire in the Bull Run Watershed in August of 2023. Prior to this fire there were devastating fires near Estacada, and of course the Eagle Creek fire in the Gorge in 2017. 

Bull Run Firewise is patterned after a National Firewise format encouraging and educating members to significantly mitigate wildfire risk and damage to home and property. Our Firewise community was officially recognized in December 2025. We continue to expand, with goals of more homeowner assessments and assisting neighbors to create fire safe environments. 

Our Bull Run Firewise committee members are Fred Pollastrini, Logan Hancock, Julia Harper, Burt Keplinger and Charlotte McFarlane. We welcome new people to join and participate in our community program. We can also advise interested folks in creating their own neighborhood Firewise group. 

In the current environment of increased fire risk, it is imperative to recognize these risks, as well as to embrace opportunities to expand personal and community safety. Also important is knowing what to do in case of a necessary evacuation. 

Bull Run Firewise is offering a community education event Tuesday May 12 at 7 p.m., to be held at the Aims Community Church, located at 44510 SE Connect Rd, Corbett. We invite interested people to come and meet neighbors and enjoy refreshments. Steve Wilant, experienced wildland firefighter and current forestry professor, will speak about how we can protect our homes.