SOU OLLI Course: Living With Wildfire – Planning for Community-Driven Solutions

HOST: SOU OLLI

Large, destructive urban fires are increasing, including the Palisades and Eaton fires in Southern California in January 2025. In our region, the 2020 Almeda Fire—the most destructive wildfire in Oregon’s history—ignited in Ashland and destroyed more than 2,800 structures in Talent and Phoenix.

Ashland’s 2025 Community Wildfire Protection Plan sets a goal of reducing wildfire risk by 90% within ten years. This “local conversation” forum explores opportunities to achieve that goal through community action.  Topics include identifying neighborhood-level risk using aerial imagery; reducing residential risk (with attention to renters and socially vulnerable households); responding to the insurance crisis; and building a wildfire-smart workforce.  The last session will be a mini-summit where we develop an action plan.

Details: February 10–March 10, 2026 • Tuesdays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. • Campbell Center and Zoom.
OLLI members may register directly. Non-members should contact Charisse Sydoriak by email (charsyd3@gmail.com) to figure out how to participate.

Facilitator: Charisse Sydoriak has 35 years of experience in fire and natural-resource management, co-founded Ashland’s Volunteer Wildfire Risk Assessment Program, and co-authored the City’s 2025 Community Wildfire Protection Plan.