Wildfires are among the most destructive and unpredictable natural disasters faced by communities throughout the West. Their rapid spread, driven by dry conditions and high winds, threatens lives, property, and ecosystems. Because of their catastrophic and rapidly changing nature, families, emergency personnel, and public agencies are challenged to always stay prepared and vigilant. Recognizing this urgent need for widespread education and proactive prevention, Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative is developing the Wildfire Information Learning and Development (WILD) program. Because nearly 90% of wildfires nationally are caused by humans, WILD’s mission is to influence the behaviors that cause these catastrophes and empower every age group with essential knowledge across our service territory and beyond.
The heart of WILD’s approach is collaboration and creativity. By engaging children, teens, outdoor enthusiasts, families, and educators, the program builds a layered network of fire-wise citizens. Through music, interactive activities, hands-on learning, and detailed resources, WILD is not just raising awareness; it is changing attitudes, fostering responsibility, and making safety second nature for thousands of people.
The “WILDfire Song”: Educating third graders through music and storytelling
Early education is one of the most effective tools in building lifelong habits that keep communities safe. OTEC’s WILD elementary initiatives are anchored by the “WILDfire Song,” which includes lyrics written specifically for third graders paired with the familiar tune of “This Land Is Your Land.” This lively, memorable song weaves lessons about wildfire preparedness into melody and rhyme, making complicated concepts accessible and fun for young minds. The lyrics introduce children to the causes of wildfire along with simple steps to prevent them.
But the “WILDfire Song” is only the beginning. To deepen engagement and reinforce learning, WILD includes a comprehensive activity book and an animated video, both featuring Ember Hare (the program’s lovable and resourceful WILD rabbit mascot). Ember Hare’s camping adventure with her friends guides children through real-life scenarios, teaching them to identify wildfire risks, avoid dangerous behaviors, and understand the importance of following instructions from adults.
The activity book is packed with coloring pages, puzzles, games, and creative prompts. Children can color Ember Hare and her friends as they learn to spot wildfire hazards, solve mazes that reinforce safe evacuation routes, and complete word searches with key safety vocabulary. These activities are not only educational but also foster problem-solving and memory retention.
In the animated music video, Ember Hare comes to life, leading children through the dance moves that accompany the song. Along the way, Ember demonstrates how small actions, such as extinguishing a campfire properly or avoiding playing with matches, make a big difference. By incorporating music, storytelling, and hands-on learning, WILD ensures that wildfire safety messages resonate with children and empower them to share what they learn with their families.
Comprehensive camping guides: Mapping safety for outdoor enthusiasts
The beauty of the Northwest draws countless campers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers every year. However, increased human activity in natural areas also increases the risk of accidental wildfires. To help address this, OTEC, in collaboration with our local chambers of commerce, produced a series of camping guides that set a new standard for outdoor safety resources.
These guides are more than just campsite directories. They are detailed, user-friendly handbooks designed to help every camper make informed, responsible choices. Each guide features comprehensive maps that include every campsite in each county, covering state parks, local campgrounds, and RV parks alike. What makes WILD’s maps unique is their thoroughness: Every site is listed with detailed information about available amenities, such as restrooms, water access, electricity, fire rings, and picnic tables. For RV travelers, the guides highlight locations with hookups, dump stations, and pet-friendly areas.
WILD’s camping guides go further by weaving in wildfire safety tips and prevention strategies. The guides emphasize the critical importance of never leaving a campfire unattended and provide quick-reference checklists for extinguishing fires completely: Using water, stirring ashes, and checking for heat.
In addition to campfire safety, the guides offer advice on actions to take if a wildfire threatens the campsite: How to stay informed with alert systems, when and how to evacuate, and what to pack in an emergency kit. The brochures also include QR codes that direct the readers to current fire restriction levels for the areas they plan to travel to.
By making these guides free and available in print and online, the WILD program helps to ensure that everyone who enjoys our natural landscapes also becomes an active partner in keeping them safe.
Wildfire prevention initiatives for sixth through ninth graders: Shaping responsible young leaders
Adolescence is a formative stage for developing responsibility, empathy, and community engagement. WILD’s planned initiatives for sixth through ninth graders are intentionally designed to harness this critical period, influencing behaviors before risky patterns can take root.
To encourage leadership, WILD aims to empower students to design their own wildfire prevention campaigns for the local county fairs as its own competitive category. Teens can use all forms of media (creating posters, quilts, short videos, and more) to raise awareness among their peers. By giving teens ownership of prevention efforts, the program nurtures their sense of responsibility and pride in making a tangible impact.
WILD will also provide resources for teachers and youth leaders, ensuring that prevention messaging is consistent, accurate, and reinforced across classrooms and community spaces. The ultimate goal is to create a ripple effect, where local teens become role models and inspire their friends and younger students to adopt safe behaviors and respect for the environment.
Looking forward: The lasting impact of the WILD program
The WILD program is attempting to redefine what effective wildfire education looks like. By blending creativity, interactive learning, and comprehensive resources, Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative is creating a culture of preparedness that reaches every corner of the community. The “WILDfire Song” introduces foundational safety concepts at a young age, Ember Hare’s adventures make learning memorable and enjoyable, detailed camping guides put expert advice at every camper’s fingertips, and prevention programs for teens build the next generation of wildfire safety leaders.
As WILD continues to expand, the program remains committed to evaluating its strategies and adapting to emerging challenges, whether that means adding more digital resources, partnering with additional community organizations, or exploring new research on wildfire behavior. The future of wildfire prevention depends on education, collaboration, and the willingness of everyone to take responsibility for collective safety.
Together, through the innovative and inclusive efforts of the WILD program, communities can strengthen their resilience, enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, and ensure that wildfire risks are minimized today and for generations to come.
