Coronavirus Information
- Deschutes County COVID-19 Information
- Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Updates
- Central Oregon Emergency Information Network
UDRC Defensible Space Reimbursement Program Closed
The Defensible Space Reimbursement Program is closed for new applications. Funds have been fully allocated for 2021. The program will reopen when more grant funds are available.
Wildfire Home Protection Strategies Workshop
A FREE one-day virtual workshop on Thursday, April 15th, 2021, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Project Wildfire presents a Wildfire Home Protection Strategies class based on fire science research into how homes and other structures ignite during wildfires as well as information on wildfire behavior, structure exposure, and the concepts of defensible space. You will learn how to analyze wildfire risks to structures, provide actionable advice to property owners, and how to take action in your community. To register, click here.
Firewise Communities Story Map
Deschutes County Project Wildfire has been working on a Story Map that focuses on the communities in Deschutes County that are either already a Firewise recognized site or interested in recognition. Through this story map we highlight the work communities have done, provide examples of projects, along with resources for new communities interested in becoming recognized.
Within the Story Map you will find an interactive map of past fires within Deschutes County along with a map of Firewise Recognized sites with a preview of the community, past projects, and contact info. In the “Becoming Firewise” portion of the Story Map you will find resources to help plan community projects and a checklist to assist new communities in navigating the process of becoming recognized. Click here to view the Story Map.
FireFree Yard Debris Disposal Events
Knott Landfill: Saturday, May 1st – May 16th, 2021, 7 am – 5pm
61050 SE 27th Street, Bend, OR 97702
Sunriver Compost: May 7th and 8th, 8 am – 4 pm
18305 Cottonwood Road, Sunriver, OR 97707
SW Transfer Station (La Pine): May 22 – June 5th, 2021, 8 am – 4 pm
54580 Highway 97, La Pine, OR 97739
OSU Extension Fire Aware, Fire Prepared Webinar Series
OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension presents a new webinar series that focuses on how you and your community can be the most prepared for fire. The first webinar will kick off with an introduction to fire risk, community preparedness, and knowing your resources. Click here for free registration.
Three Rivers Area Wildfire Risk Report
This report from Headwaters Economics presents data about wildfire risk, socioeconomic vulnerability, and land use to help communities understand their relative wildfire risk profile. It was created through a partnership between Headwaters Economics and the U.S. Forest Service through the Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program using data from Wildfire Risk to Communities. Click here to view the report.
NFPA Course: Understanding the Wildfire Threat to Homes
This online learning module is an overview of fire history, fire basics, and how homes burn. It’s an excellent resource for residents and other stakeholders that are pursuing knowledge on the basics of how wildfires ignite homes and the actions that can be implemented to make homes safer. Click here for more information.
Firewise Workshops – A Community Approach
We have recently completed a 3 part workshop covering Firewise Basics, Outreach Strategies and Community Project Planning. These workshops were held online with guest speakers including subject matter experts from our local communities and agencies throughout Deschutes County. The purpose of these workshops were to make connections across Firewise sites, share ideas and lessons learned. As an outcome of these workshops a network of support and resources were created to help Firewise sites succeed in their efforts. Click here to view the workshop videos and resources.
UDRC Defensible Space Reimbursement Program expanded to include La Pine CWPP area
The Defensible Space Reimbursement Program is closed for new applications. Funds have been fully allocated for 2021. The program will reopen when more grant funds are available.
The intention of this program is to offer an incentive to South County property owners. Creating defensible space will not only mitigate your wildfire risk, but help our communities become more fire adapted. The UDRC will help property owners within the Upper Deschutes River and La Pine Community Wildfire Protection Plan areas outside of Sunriver with the cost of creating or maintaining defensible space for wildfire risk reduction. The UDRC will reimburse your expenses for licensed fuels reduction contractors or rental equipment up to $500 maximum. One application from a property owner or joint owner may be submitted each year. The UDRC will not reimburse work completed before your application is approved.
UDRC Low-income Senior or Disabled Defensible Space Program
The intention of this program is to offer assistance to property owners who cannot do the work themselves, or afford to hire someone else to do the work. UDRC has partnered with Council on Aging of Central Oregon to provide free wildfire fuels reduction services for low-income senior or disabled homeowners in South Deschutes County. Click here for a printable flyer describing the program. To apply for the Senior Low-income Defensible Space program, click here for the mail in application form with age and income requirements or call Council on Aging at 541-678-5483 to request the application form.
2020 UDRC Wildfire Defensible Space Programs Summary
This year Upper Deschutes River Communities continued providing financial assistance for property owners to create and maintain defensible space for wildfire risk reduction. The Defensible Space Reimbursement program distributed $18,000 to 36 applicants. The Low-income Senior Defensible Space program paid $2650 to contractors for fuels reduction work for 4 homeowners. The UDRC is grateful for grant funding from the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, First Interstate Bank, and Burlington Northern Railway for our defensible space programs.
To help with our operating expenses, please consider a tax-deductible donation to the UDRC. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has a provision allowing people to deduct up to $300 from their adjusted gross income on their tax return for charitable contributions. To make a donation click on Donate. Thank you for your support.