Douglas Forest Protective Association
ABOUT
Douglas Forest
Protective Association
PROTECTING PEOPLE, PROPERTY AND FORESTS SINCE 1912
DFPA
Our Mission
Providing the highest level of service to safeguard life, resources, and property from wildland fire through practical prevention & aggressive fire suppression since 1912.
About DFPA
The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to protecting life, property, and natural resources from wildfire across the Douglas District.
Established in 1912, DFPA provides wildfire prevention, detection, and suppression across approximately 1.6 million acres throughout the Douglas District. The lands we protect include private, county, state, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), O&C, and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) lands.
DFPA’s work extends beyond wildfire response. We operate year round to prepare for wildfire, reduce wildfire risk, educate the public, and support the communities we serve. We work closely with landowners, fire departments, government agencies, and community partners to help protect the people, forests, and resources of the Douglas District.
For more than a century, DFPA has remained committed to practical prevention, preparedness, and aggressive fire suppression, working every day to safeguard the Douglas District and the communities within it.
1912
~100
Douglas District
ESTABLISHED
AVG. ANNUAL
WILDFIRE RESPONSE
OVER 1.6 MILLION ACRES PROTECTED
YEAR-ROUND
PREVENTION, PROTECTION AND EDUCATION
What We Do
DFPA works year round to prevent wildfires, maintain constant readiness, and respond aggressively when wildfires occur. Through prevention, preparedness, early detection, community engagement, and coordinated response, we work to safeguard the Douglas District.
Aggressive Fire Suppression
DFPA provides rapid, aggressive wildfire response using trained wildland firefighters, specialized equipment, aviation resources, wildfire camera detection, and an internal dispatch center. Our dispatchers coordinate fire reports, communications, and resource deployment, while camera detection operators help identify potential fires early.
Our aviation resources support detection, reconnaissance, assessment, coordination, and suppression, working alongside ground crews to quickly evaluate and attack fires. DFPA also maintains in house heavy equipment operators and a dedicated mechanic shop to keep our fleet and critical equipment ready for deployment.
Together, these capabilities create an integrated response system focused on keeping fires small and protecting life, property, forests, and natural resources throughout the Douglas District.
Year Round Fire Prevention
Wildfire prevention is a year round commitment at DFPA. Our team works across the Douglas District to reduce wildfire risk through education, community engagement, fuels mitigation, industry support, planning, and public outreach.
DFPA provides wildfire prevention education for all ages, from elementary students through college and university programs, as well as education and support for residents, landowners, businesses, and industry. We support Firewise communities, provide defensible space assessments, conduct industrial inspections, participate in training and community events, and help communities identify practical ways to reduce wildfire risk.
We coordinate fuels mitigation projects, participate in local and state wildfire planning committees, and continue prevention and forestry support activities throughout the winter. DFPA personnel and equipment contribute to fuels reduction, forestry operations, equipment support, and other work that strengthens wildfire readiness throughout the year.
Through social media, local media, radio, our website, and community outreach, DFPA keeps the public informed about wildfire prevention, preparedness, fire restrictions, and current conditions.
Together, these year round efforts help reduce wildfire risk, strengthen community preparedness, and safeguard the Douglas District.
Fire Protection & Readiness
DFPA maintains year round readiness to protect the Douglas District and support wildfire response wherever resources are needed. Our personnel, equipment, communications systems, and operational resources are maintained and prepared for rapid deployment throughout the year.
DFPA responds to wildfire incidents across Oregon and provides resources to wildfire operations throughout the United States and internationally. Personnel and equipment may be mobilized through mutual aid and resource sharing agreements to support communities and fire agencies facing wildfire emergencies beyond the Douglas District.
Our readiness efforts include monitoring fire danger and conditions, maintaining equipment and operational systems, preparing personnel, coordinating resources, and maintaining the capacity to rapidly mobilize when fire activity increases.
DFPA's commitment to readiness allows us to protect our district while supporting the broader wildfire response system when and wherever our resources are needed.
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Fire Season Regulation & Readiness
DFPA fire wardens are responsible for enforcing Oregon's forest protection laws under ORS Chapter 477 during fire season. This includes implementing fire season restrictions and regulations, conducting inspections, investigating violations, and issuing citations when violations occur. These regulatory responsibilities help reduce human caused fire risk and protect forests, property, and communities throughout the Douglas District.
