I experienced loss from wildfire in 1996 when the Skeleton Fire destroyed 19 houses in the Sundance neighborhood Southeast of Bend, my childhood home among them. That is why I serve on the Deschutes Rural Fire District #2 Board of Directors and the Deschutes County Project Wildfire Steering Committee.
Federal, state, and local agencies have made strides to protect lives and property in Central Oregon through prescribed burns, smart regulations, and community outreach, but local property owners must take steps to protect their homes against destructive wildfire and prepare for sudden evacuation. Here are some resources to help:
Central Oregon Fire Info – Information on currently active wildfires
Firewise USA – A program to help homeowners make their neighborhood more resilient
FireFree – Free and reduced rate yard debris disposal at Knott Landfill
Project Wildfire – Cross-sector collaborate to promote fire adapted communities
OSU Extension Fire Program – A collection of resources on wildfire preparedness, from fire-resistant plants to evacuation preparedness
Fire Adapted Communities – A network of and for wildfire resilience experts
Deschutes Emergency Alerts – Get emergency alerts by text and email specific to your work and home
Ready.gov Wildfire – Federal government website offering tips for wildfire preparedness
Deschutes County Fire Departments & Districts:
Deschutes Rural Fire District #2 (Bend)
Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District