Wildfire Resources


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.

View of Horse Butte before the Skeleton Fire
What remained of the original Tatom home
View of Horse Butte after the Skeleton Fire

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:

Bend Fire & Rescue

Redmond Fire & Rescue

Sunriver Fire & Rescue

Deschutes Rural Fire District #2 (Bend)

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District

La Pine Rural Fire Protection District

Alfalfa Fire District

Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District