Klamath County, Oregon – Klamath County’s latest rural safety proposals reach from the space around homes to the equipment firefighters and ambulance crews take into emergencies. Eight projects totaling $689,825.48 are moving through public review, with funding proposed for wildfire prevention, emergency training and replacement equipment.
Residents have an opportunity to weigh in before county commissioners make final decisions. The Title III Committee recommended all eight projects for full funding in the fall 2026 cycle, but those recommendations are not final awards.
The proposed spending falls under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. Each project remains subject to federal requirements, eligibility, available funding and required approvals.
Two proposals focus on Firewise community work. Rocky Point Firewise Connection and Rocky Point Fire & EMS would receive $150,000 for homeowner assessments, education and contracted defensible-space treatments covering an estimated 30–45 residential parcels. The Running Y Ranch Resort Owners Association’s Eagles Landing–Eastern Boundary project would receive $50,112 to reduce hazardous vegetation along roughly 2,750 feet near homes and a walking path.
Three other projects would support community wildfire protection plans. Klamath County Fire District #1 would receive $128,836 for a chip truck, UTV firefighting skid, ATV, trailers, tools and debris disposal services. Bly Rural Fire Protection District would use $34,886 to continue fuel-break and vegetation work on about 20 acres of vacant lots near Pinecrest.
Rocky Point Fire & EMS also seeks $46,758.64 to install eight stationary water tanks, each holding 5,000 gallons. Four residential communities would each receive two tanks to expand seasonal firefighting water availability. Installation sites require landowner approval.
The largest individual recommendation is $162,692.84 for Crescent Rural Fire Protection District to replace an aging ambulance. The proposed four-wheel-drive Type I ambulance would include a patient cot/transport system and public safety radio for rural and federal-land emergency medical response.
Another $105,000 would support a multi-year countywide wildland fire training academy through the Klamath County Fire Defense Board and Keno RFPD. Keno Rural Fire Protection District would receive $11,540 to replace aging rope-rescue equipment.
The notice lists a 45-day comment period of November 6 through December 20, 2026, with written comments due by December 20. Those dates apply only if the notice was first published November 6; later publication requires revised dates.
Comments may be emailed to Grants Manager Don Beatty at [email protected] or mailed to 305 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601. Beatty can be reached at 541-851-3637.
All written comments received during the comment period will be provided for consideration before the Board of Commissioners takes final action.
