Jackson County, Ore. – Nearly five years after the Almeda Fire ravaged the Rogue Valley, two manufactured home parks in Medford and Phoenix are making strides toward becoming the first in their cities to earn Firewise recognition. San George Estates in Medford and Creekside Estates in Phoenix are both taking proactive steps to reduce fire risks and improve community resilience in the face of future wildfires.
While San George Estates was fortunate enough to escape the devastation of the Almeda Fire, it was not without a sense of urgency. Residents and management understood that the wind could have shifted, putting the park at risk. As a result, the park has undertaken a variety of fire mitigation efforts, including replacing trees with a stone wall, swapping wood fencing for chain-link, elevating the tree canopy, and replacing shrubs with fire-resistant plants. The park’s onsite manager, Ginger Willis, reflected on the significance of these changes, noting the importance of preparation.
“It’s an involved process, but it’s a great process,” Willis said. “We were lucky to be spared, but we can’t afford to take our safety for granted. The devastation of losing everything is something I can’t imagine.”
In Phoenix, Creekside Estates was not as fortunate. The park was hit hard by the Almeda Fire, leaving only 10 of its 58 homes standing in the aftermath. As part of its ongoing recovery efforts, Creekside is focusing on reducing the fuel load in the area to minimize the chance of another devastating fire. The park’s Homeowners Association president, Bob McKean, highlighted the importance of continued vigilance in fire preparedness.
“Every seven years we could have another fire, and what we’re working at is to reduce the fuel load and make it safer in our community,” McKean said.
Both parks are receiving support from the Firebrand Resiliency Collective’s “Ready Now” program, which aids local communities in enhancing wildfire preparedness. Executive Director Tucker Teutsch pointed out that the recovery process from the Almeda Fire has been lengthy, making the path to Firewise recognition slower than anticipated. However, he is optimistic that the efforts of San George Estates and Creekside Estates will serve as a model for others in the region.
“We’re seeing positive movement, and I believe we’re going to see more manufactured home parks follow suit in the near future,” Teutsch said. “The groundwork these parks are laying now will pay off in the long run as more communities work toward becoming Firewise.”
While both parks have submitted their applications for Firewise recognition, the journey is far from over. They are committed to continuing their fire mitigation efforts, with additional improvements planned for the coming weeks. The ongoing dedication to enhancing safety and resilience in the wake of the Almeda Fire stands as a testament to the strength and determination of these Southern Oregon communities.