Defensible Space

Three Zones of Defensible Space

Click on the links below for information about creating defensible space

UDRC Defensible Space Reimbursement Program

The 2026 Fall Defensible Space Reimbursement Program is closed for new applications. All funds have been allocated.

The UDRC will help property owners within the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District with the cost of creating or maintaining defensible space for wildfire risk reduction. The UDRC will reimburse your expenses for UDRC approved contractors and rental equipment up to $500 maximum. One application from a sole or joint property owner will be accepted for the Fall progam beginning August 1, 2026 for work completed by December 15, 2026.

Applicants for the Reimbursement Program may not apply for the Low-income Senior program in the same year. The UDRC will not reimburse work completed before your application is approved. Your work plan must include examples of wildfire fuels reduction isted on the application form.

UDRC Low-income Senior or Low-income Disabled Defensible Space Program

Funds for Low-income Defensible Space program have been fully allocated. Applications received will be held until the program opens in Spring 2027.

This program provides 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 low-income disabled homeowners within the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District. Click here for a printable flyer describing the program. Click here to print the mail-in application form. You can request an application form by calling 541-815-1362.

Applicants for the Low-income Senior or Low-income Disabled Program may not apply for the Reimbursement Program in the same year.. UDRC will accept as many qualified applicants as resources allow. A representative from UDRC will assess your property and propose a fuels reduction project to improve your defensible space for a wildfire.

Approved Wildfire Fuels Reduction Contractors

Grant funding for UDRC Defensible Space Programs requires fuels reduction contractors registered with the federal government System for Award Management (SAM) database for expenses reimbursement. Click here for a partial list of contractors who have SAM registration.

Central Oregon Wildfire Workforce Partnership

The Central Oregon Wildfire Workforce Partnership (COWWP) offers free wildfire risk reduction services in Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook County. Our purpose is to give youth and young adult crews opportunities to build critical job skills while reducing our community’s risk of loss from wildfire. Click here to fill out the online application form. If you require assistance with this application, please call 541-508-9183.

Oregon Department of Forestry Landowner Assistance Grants

Click here to fill out a waitlist form to collect information from landowners interested in financial assistance programs designed to improve defensible space and wildfire preparedness on their own properties. Grant funding is not guaranteed or available in all areas and will be first come-first-served if funding is secured.

Deschutes County Project Wildfire

Central Oregon Wildfire Prevention Cooperative

Oregon State Fire Marshal: Fire Adapted Oregon

As a result of the priorities in Senate Bill 762 and to better meet the needs and assist Oregonians, the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) created Fire Adapted Oregon. This initiative utilizes an integrated and strategic investment of resources to reduce fires and its impact on the public. Fire Adapted Oregon is grounded in statewide data, science, new defensible space codes, and trends. Community Risk Reduction staff host regular educational webinars focused on wildfire community risk reduction topics. The link to register for future webinars and the recordings from past offers are available below.

Oregon Senate Bill 762

Senate Bill 762 is comprehensive legislation passed with bipartisan support that will provide more than $220 million to help Oregon modernize and improve wildfire preparedness through three key strategies: creating fire-adapted communities, developing safe and effective response, and increasing the resiliency of Oregon’s landscapes. The bill is the product of years of hard work by the Governor’s Wildfire Council, the Legislature, and state agencies. Click here for a summary of SB 762 sections. Click on the links below for more information from participating agencies.

Oregon State University

National Fire Protection Association: Firewise USA®

While wildfires will continue to happen, there are things you can do to protect your home and neighborhood as well as your family’s safety. The Firewise USA® program is here to help you get started.

Ready, Set, Go! Are YOU Wildfire Ready?

Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

Other Resources

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.

Wildfire Risk to Communities Website

Wildfire Risk to Communities is a easy-to-use website with interactive maps, charts, and resources to help communities understand, explore, and reduce wildfire risk. It was created by the USDA Forest Service under the direction of Congress and is designed to help community leaders, such as elected officials, community planners, and fire managers. This is the first time wildfire risk to communities has been mapped nationwide.