While fire season is months away, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners is working urgently to get something done before summer hits.
In a meeting today, the commissioners discussed how to prepare in the months before wildfires return to the region. While Jackson County does not have enforcement powers when it comes to wildfires, which fall under state and federal jurisdiction, the county of 220,000 people does have influence when it comes to policymakers that represent the people and what they get done.
Next week, the county commissioners plan to issue a proclamation stating their positions and desires. "It's a timely issue. Fire season is coming up quickly. The proclamation sends the notice that that is what we intend and that is what we're going to continue to fight for at all levels," says County Commissioner Rick Dyer.