Announcements

Central Oregon Fire Science Symposium

March 18 – 20, Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, 2600 NW College Way, Bend.

The Central Oregon Fire Science Symposium focuses on integrating the three pillars of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy: Resilient Landscapes, Fire-Adapted Communities, and Safe and Effective Wildfire Response. Through presentations of current science findings, case studies, discussions, and workshops, this symposium offers strategies for meeting the goals of the National Cohesive Strategy through the engagement of stakeholders, cross-boundary management, and the use of the best available science. Click here for registration information.

Deschutes County Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator

Jodie Barram will be leaving Project Wildfire when her contract with Deschutes County ends on January 31st. Jodie thanks everyone for their support of Project Wildfire!

Boone Zimmerlee will serve as the new Deschutes County Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator. Boone spent the past 10 years working for Oregon Department of Forestry as a Stewardship Forester assisting landowners in reaching the goals of their lands through grant work and forest health assistance. Contact Boone at Boone.Zimmerlee@deschutes.org or phone: 541-322-7129.

NFPA and State Farm announce launch of the Wildfire Community Preparedness Day

The seventh annual Wildfire Community Preparedness Day will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2020. Since 2014, community groups and individuals have taken part in the campaign, completing hundreds of wildfire safety projects across the United States. Preparedness Day gives people of all ages a chance to plan and participate in a risk reduction or wildfire preparedness activity that makes their community a safer place to live.

MCM Matching Grant Donations

Thanks to everyone who donated in 2019. We achieved our goal of $5000 in donations for the MCM Fuels Reduction Matching Grant. We will receive $5000 from the MCM Foundation in 2020 to fund the UDRC Defensible Space Reimbursement Program.

BNSF Railway Foundation Awards Fuels Reduction Grant

The URDC has received a $5000 grant from the BNSF Railway to fund the Defensible Space Reimbursement Program. Funds will be used for fuels reduction in communities within two miles of the BNSF railway corridor.

FEMA Wildfire Public Service Announcement Videos

FEMA has created a series of Wildfire Public Service Announcements on why it’s essential to be prepared, make a plan early, and follow evacuation orders. Speakers include both residents and first responders who experienced the Camp Fire in 2018.

Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan

The Draft Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan (Plan) and associated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) are now available. Learn more about the Habitat Conservation Plan.

How to Prepare for Wildfire in Upper Deschutes River Communities

Project Wildfire has published a brochure on wildfire risk, defensible space, evacuation, and resources for Upper Deschutes River Communities. Click on CWPP brochure to view the brochure.

If your home has been assessed by the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, you can see your wildfire risk assessment by going to Oregon Ready, Set, Go! and clicking on “My Risk: Go to the Map”. The Deschutes County Evacuation Guide outlines the levels to prepare for wildfire evacuation. The Central Oregon Fire Information website has current wildfire information from all public agencies.

Low-income Senior or Disabled Defensible Space Program

UDRC has partnered with Council on Aging to provide free wildfire fuels reduction services for low-income senior or disabled homeowners in South Deschutes County. Click on printable flyer describing the program. To apply for the Senior Low-income Defensible Space program, click on application form which includes age and income requirements.

Defensible Space Reimbursement Program

The UDRC Defensible Space Reimbursement Program is now open for applications. The UDRC will help landowners in the UDRC area neighborhoods with the cost of creating or maintaining defensible space for wildfire risk reduction. The UDRC will reimburse your fuels reduction expenses up to $500 maximum per landowner. This program is available for communities between Spring River Road and La Pine State Recreation Road and the Spring River, Haner Park, and Wild River communities. To apply for this program click on application form.