Sparking Action!
Getting ready for wildfire season is all about taking action.
Over 70% of Oregon wildfires are human-caused and 100% preventable. At Sparking Action! community members of all ages come together to learn how to prevent wildfire starts, and spark new action for holistic wildfire preparedness.
That’s why we and our partners put on an annual spring event to help you learn about the science of fire and how to be prepared.
3rd Annual Sparking Action! | May 2, 2026 | ScienceWorks
Are you signed up for emergency alerts?
Do you have a go-bag packed and two evacuation routes in mind?
How do wildfires spread? And how can science help us be more prepared?
Dan Wahpepah opens with a song and words about our roles with fire
Sofia Maciel directs attendees toward the live fire demonstrations
Organizations share resources with attendees
Title
Fire science education in the ScienceWorks dome
The fire science triangle
Matchstick forest models test defensible space concepts
Highlights from Sparking Action! 2025 | May 10 | ScienceWorks
- 250 people of all ages came to learn and get involved with wildfire preparedness activities. Some folks came from as far as Brookings, OR and Yreka, CA!
- 20 of our local partners came out to connect and share resources with the community.
- Live fire demonstrations by SOFRC and Lomakatsi Restoration Project educators showed how slope, fuel density, moisture, and wind impact flame height and severity in the ScienceWorks dome.
- Patagonia film Fire Lines, sponsored by Southern Oregon Trail Alliance and Ashland DEVO, explores the connections between recreation trails, fire management, economic recovery, and conservation.
- Ashland Fire & Rescue served lunch, which was generously sponsored by Costco, Safeway, and Ashland Shop’n Kart
- Families made their own air filters to protect their homes during smoke season. Thanks to Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library for sponsoring the supplies!
- Students presented original fire prevention materials, from defensible space guides to safe burn day reminders.
Read about Sparking Action! 2025 in Ashland.news