Agencies across Jackson County are coming together to reduce fire risks around the fairgrounds.
The Oregon Department of Forestry, Jackson County Soil and Water, and Jackson County Fire District Three are cutting down 11 acres surrounding the county expo through grant funding. This includes brush, dried grass, and blackberry bushes.
"Country crossing is happening this year. There's going to be thousands and thousands of people regardless of that event alone coming in and we're going to feel a lot more confident that this area will be safe if this is ever any type of fire whether that was human caused or natural caused," said Ashley Lara with Fire District Three.