Oregon Department Of Forestry Solicits Sponsors For 2026 Fire Season

By Lucian Sharp

SALEM, Ore. — With wildfire seasons getting longer, more intense, and far more expensive, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) announced a bold new funding strategy for 2026: corporate sponsorship.

“We’re all in this together,” said acting State Forester Kate Skinner, “and frankly, the bills keep climbing. So we figured it’s time to brand the blaze fight.”

Sponsorship Tiers

ODF revealed several sponsorship levels to entice both local and national partners:

• Ember Level (Entry) – Your logo on one of our grass-hopper fire crews’ helmets.

• Flame Level (Mid-Tier) – Logo on a fire engine, plus periodic mentions during press briefings (“This engine brought to you by…”).

• Wildfire Level (Premium) – Naming rights to an entire district, e.g., “The Acme Corp Western Lane Fire Zone.”

• Mega Blaze Package (Elite) – A multi-year deal including “Your Brand vs. Wildfire” social-media campaigns and an air-tanker fly-by with your logo on the fuselage.

Why Sponsorship?

The need is urgent. Suppression costs have doubled in the past decade, while public patience for tax hikes has plummeted. “If we were a sports team, we’d have naming rights on everything,” Skinner said. “So why not name a ridge line after a grill company if it keeps the helicopters flying?”

What Sponsors Get

• Positive Messaging: “In partnership with ODF, Company X helps protect Oregon’s forests and communities.”

• Brand Exposure: At press briefings, on billboards, even on retardant drop zones (“This slurry brought to you by Dutch Bros”).

• Feel-Good Bonus: “Helping prevent disaster—unless the sign burns down, in which case, free publicity.”

The Fine Print

Sponsorship does not guarantee your logo survives the season. Neon pink fire engines are discouraged “for brand cohesion reasons.” All slogans must pass ODF’s “Tasteful in Tragedy” review board.

Who’s In So Far

According to an early press release, several Oregon-connected brands have already signed on:

• Traeger Grills – Title sponsor of the “Smoked but Not Burnt” campaign.

• Dutch Bros Coffee – Providing caffeine and moral support to crews under the slogan “We Like It Hot.”

• Les Schwab Tires – Covering all forest-service vehicles and offering “buy three, get one fireproof” discounts.

• Tillamook Creamery – Promoting their new Fire-Roasted Cheddar Relief Fund.

• Pendleton Whisky – Launching a limited edition “Blaze Reserve” bottle, aged near controlled burns for “authentic oak smoke.”

• Intel Oregon – Sponsoring drones that can detect both smoke plumes and underperforming interns.

• Portland General Electric – Hoping the partnership improves its image after last year’s “accidental lightning imitation.”

• Nike – Rumored to be working on new Just Douse It™ fire-retardant uniforms.

  
  

Final Word

“We’re just trying to get ahead of the flames and the budget,” Skinner said. “If Coca-Cola can sponsor Santa, we can sponsor Smokey.”

The department will formally unveil the 2026 Corporate Fire Season Partnership Program this winter, just in time for companies to compete for coveted naming rights — including The Home Depot Conflagration of the Year.