Linn County Fire Hardening Grant Program Ends Soon

Linn County, OR.  — Official Release: Linn County will wrap up its fire hardening grant program for homes affected by the 2020 wildfires in the Santiam Canyon at the end of June, Planning & Building Director Steve Wills told Linn County Commissioners Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker Tuesday morning.

The program started in 2021 and has been funded by a grant from the State of Oregon, Wills said after the meeting.

Wills said homeowners can apply for financial subsidies if they use fire resistant materials when rebuilding their home or building a new home.

“For example, someone can qualify for a grant if they build a concrete deck instead of a cedar deck,” Wills said. “If they install fire-resistant windows, they can qualify. There is a list of materials that qualify.”

Non-combustible decks, balconies or porches could qualify for a $550 subsidy. A homeowner could qualify for a $2,200 subsidy by using fire-resistant roofing, or $550 for using fire-resistant windows.

Wills said that there have been 43 grants totaling $166,000 to Linn County residents.

He said a check for $3,950 was sent in May and June is the last month for the program.

Learn more by calling Linn County Planning & Building at 541-967-3816.