Tragedy sparks focus: Preparing for wildfire in C. Oregon

The fires in California have devastated or threatened communities across the state and have caused dozens of deaths and major evacuations of tens of thousands of people. That’s why the Bend Fire Department is trying to make sure people in Central Oregon know what they can do to help prevent that from happening here.

A recent Forest Service analysis ranked Oregon and Washington cities with the greatest housing exposure to wildfire. Bend was fourth in the state and No. 8 in the region – but with the most homes exposed to wildfire, more than 41,000 housing units, secondly only to Spokane, with about 58,000.

Bend fire officials on Monday discussed the importance of “Home Ignition Zone Awareness.” Home ignition zones are areas around homes that may contain materials potentially causing a home to ignite.

Hot and flying embers are frequently to blame for the spread of wildfires into towns, and experts say a little prevention can go a long way. That’s not only when it comes to your home, but also when it comes to your neighbor’s home.

Bend Fire Deputy Chief of Operations Bob Madden said the community should look out for one another when it comes to fire preparedness.

“Everybody shares in the responsibility,” he said. “If we choose to live in a fire-dependent ecosystem, we need to understand and build our homes and maintain our homes accordingly.”

The immediate zone is the area within five feet of a home. Experts say pine needles and debris should be removed from gutters, loose roof shingles should be replaced, firewood piles moved away from the house, and flammable plants or items moved away from the house.

Bend Fire Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention Larry Medina said he wants people to know that the department is here to help.

“You’re not helpless, and you’re not powerless,” Medina said. “The Bend Fire Department’s here, There’s other Central Oregon fire departments that have the resources. Project Wildfire is there to give you information, provide training, mitigation strategies and assistance. So reach out — we’re here to help.”

For more information on home ignition zones, click here: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire.