Published On: September 19th, 2024

At the Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD), we’re committed to helping residents reduce wildfire risks through education, outreach, and on-the-ground assistance. While our primary focus is on large-scale forest health and wildfire mitigation across private lands, we recognize the importance of comprehensive wildfire preparedness for all county residents.

Organizations like Project Wildfire and Deschutes County’s wildfire preparedness programs specialize in urban and residential defensible space. Although this isn’t our main area of focus, we believe this information is crucial for overall community safety.

The following guide offers general tips for protecting your home from wildfires. For specific advice on creating defensible space in urban and residential areas, we encourage you to contact Project Wildfire or Deschutes County directly.

It’s crucial to note that approximately 90% of wildfires in Oregon are human-caused, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility in fire prevention. As we know all too well, it is always important to be vigilant during any fire season.

Create Defensible Space

One of the most effective ways to protect your property is by creating a buffer zone around your home:

  • Clear a 30-100 foot zone of flammable vegetation and materials

  • Trim tree branches up 6-10 feet from the ground

  • Keep your lawn moved and well-watered

  • Reduce flammable fuels around your home by removing dead vegetation and debris regularly

Defensible Space Fire Break

Home Hardening

Make your home more fire resistant:

  • Use fire-resistant materials for roofing, siding, and decks — especially the roof, which is the most vulnerable part of your home during a wildfire

  • Install mesh screens on vents to prevent ember entry

  • Keep gutters and roofs clear of debris

  • Reduce flammable fuels around your home by removing dead vegetation and debris regularly

Be Ready to Evacuate

Have an evacuation plan ready:

  • Know multiple evacuation routes

  • Prepare an emergency kit with essentials

  • Sign up for Deschutes County emergency alerts

  • Familiarize yourself with the “Ready, Set, Go!” evacuation levels used in Oregon.

    • Level 1 (Ready): Be prepared. A fire is in your area. Monitor local news and prepare for possible
      evacuation.
    • Level 2 (Set): Be set to leave at a moment’s notice. There’s significant
      danger in your area. Load your emergency supplies and be ready to depart quickly.
    • Level 3 (Go): Leave immediately. Danger is imminent. Evacuate without delay and follow
      instructions from emergency personnel.
  • Keep your car fuel tank at least half full during fire season

  • Create an emergency communication plan

    • Designate an out-of-area contact who can relay information
    • Know evacuation plans for family members in schools, assisted living, and
      childcare facilities
    • Have a plan for reuniting if separated during an evacuation
    • Create a list of important contact numbers and account information to take with you

  • Remember the “5 Ps of Evacuation”

    • People and pets with essentials like food, water, and comfort items
    • Prescriptions including medications and eyeglasses
    • Phones, computers, and chargers
    • Debit/credit cards and cash
    • Important documents like IDs and insurance
    • Irreplaceable photos and memorabilia

Community Involvement

Wildfire preparedness is a community effort:

  • Participate in local fire prevention events and workshops

  • Consider joining your local Fire Adapted Community program

  • Work with neighbors on community-wide defensible space projects

Deschutes SWCD Offering Technical Assistance

The DSWCD works collaboratively with various stakeholders including private landowners, communities, and other partners to address natural resource concerns in Deschutes County, including forest health and wildfire risk reduction. We provide technical assistance, education, and in some cases financial support to help landowners create more fire-resilient properties and forests.

Climate change is increasing wildfire risks in Central Oregon, making our work more urgent than ever. We’re committed to helping our communities adapt by promoting sustainable land management practices that reduce fire hazards, protect water resources, and enhance wildlife habitat.

While we can’t eliminate wildfire risks entirely, by working together through initiatives like our Forest Health & Wildfire Risk Reduction program, we can create more fire-adapted communities that are better prepared to withstand and recover from wildfire events.

The DSWCD stands ready to support Deschutes County residents in this critical work of protecting our lands and communities for generations to come.

More Resources:

Project Wildfire (Deschutes County)

Ready.gov Wildfire Preparedness

Campfire Safety Checklist (PDF)

Firewise Landscaping Checklist (PDF)

Wildfire Preparedness Video 

Current Wildfire Information

Share this article

Follow us
Discover More