FireFree yard debris recycling events kick into gear
Spring has finally sprung in Central Oregon and that means it’s time to getting ready for fire season. Across the state and in Deschutes County, fire departments and organizations are encouraging residents to learn about living in Fire Adapted Communities and take steps to reduce the threat of wildfire destroying lives and homes.
There have already been an event Jefferson County and many more opportunities all over central Oregon for residents to take advantage of.
This is the 20 th year of FireFree in central Oregon and all the action by local residents is moving the needle towards a safer central Oregon.
Central Oregon residents will get a jump on fire season by capitalizing on this valuable campaign when they bring their flammable yard debris to area collections sites for FREE!
“Residents in Central Oregon are no strangers to wildfire and continue to show an increasing level of awareness by participating in FireFree Recycling events,” says Alison Green, Program Director of Project Wildfire. “To prepare for fire season, FireFree encourages residents to create and maintain their defensible space and take advantage of offers for free disposal of that yard debris,” adds Green.
The greatest risk of homes catching fire during a wildland fire event is from the advancing embers or “fire brands” that reach your property long before an actual flame front.
With this in mind, FireFree reminds you to take a look around your property in the “home ignition zone” where glowing embers can ignite spot fires and vulnerable areas like decks, patios and fences that can spread flames to your home. And take advantage of upcoming FireFree Recycling Events to dispose of the debris for FREE:
Saturday, May 6 THROUGH May 14 at Knott Landfill in Bend.
Fridays & Saturdays, May 5 & 6 and May 12 & 13 at the Westside Collection Site in Bend.
19755 SW Simpson Ave.
Friday & Saturday, June 2 & 3 at Deschutes County Transfer Sites:
Negus Transfer Station in Redmond
Fryrear Transfer Station near Sisters
Southwest Transfer Station in La Pine
Friday & Saturday May 5 & 6 at the Sunriver Compost Site in Sunriver.
Saturday & Sunday, May 6 & 7 at Box Canyon Transfer Site in Madras.
Saturday, May 6 th at Crook County Landfill in Prineville
Friday & Saturday, June 3-4 at Klamath County Transfer Sites:
Crescent Transfer Station near Crescent
Chemult Transfer Station in Chemult
Please remember to cover your loads! Drivers of uncovered loads and loads that lose debris along the roadways are subject to a large fine. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will be on patrol during the Free Recycle Days.
For participating residents, please note that sod, manure, lumber or other wood products and land clearing debris are not permitted free of charge during these clean up days. They will be accepted although regular rates for these materials will apply.
Visit the FireFree website at www.firefree.org for more information about how you can prepare your property for wildfire season.
