We have several important organizations dedicated to fighting and preventing fires – from our fire district to the federal government. But the growth in fire frequency and intensity can strain these resources during major events, leaving us all with less protection and putting entire neighborhood at risk of destruction.
That’s why, in 2021, I helped organize my neighbors to collaborate on efforts to reduce flammable fuels and harden homes, earning recognition for our neighborhood as a Firewise USA community.
In the three years since earning recognition, we’ve hosted educational events on subjects ranging from fire extinguisher use (with live demonstrations) to evacuation planning. And we’ve successfully cleared several thousand cubic yards of brush and low-hanging tree limbs (so-called “ladder fuels”) with a special focus on the immediate zone of 5 feet surrounding homes and other structures.
This video from the National Fire Protection Association clearly demonstrates the value of Firewise (click on the image to view the video on YouTube):
If you’re interested in reducing the risk of wildfire in your neighborhood, here are resources to help you:
Deschutes Rural Fire Protection District #2 – The fire district offers a matching grant program to assist Firewise communities with the costs of flammable fuels removal.
Bend Fire & Rescue – A full service fire and EMS agency serving the City of Bend and Deschutes Rural Fire Protection District #2, Bend Fire encourages all residents to “Own Your Zone.”
Central Oregon Fire Info – Information on currently active wildfires (the Watch Duty app is also helpful for this).
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 educational programs and resources for wildfire preparedness, from a fire-resistant plant guide to a defensible space checklist.
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.
Oliver Tatom for Fire Board 