Bend Fire & Rescue launches new online tool for wildfire risk assessments

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- Bend Fire & Rescue launched a new online tool Thursday to streamline requests for free wildfire risk home assessments and personalized mitigation recommendations. The system uses Fire Aside, an online platform for scheduling appointments and managing property assessment data.

The initiative operates under the department's Own Your Zone program, which assists property owners in preparing homes and neighborhoods for wildfires. Bend Fire & Rescue provides emergency medical services, fire protection and community risk reduction programs to more than 144,000 residents in Bend and the Deschutes Rural Fire Protection District.

The home assessments involve a property walkthrough lasting approximately one hour. A trained assessor inspects the location alongside the resident, identifying specific vulnerabilities and offering guidance on defensible space and home hardening.

Melissa Steele, deputy fire marshal for Bend Fire & Rescue, emphasized the role of property reviews in local safety efforts. “The launch of this tool is an important step in helping residents take action to reduce wildfire risk around their homes,” Steele said. “These assessments provide practical recommendations that can help homeowners improve their property's resilience to wildfire while supporting Bend Fire's community wildfire preparedness efforts.”

Following the walkthrough, residents can set up a secure Fire Aside profile to view assessment reports and access preparedness materials. Homeowners can also upload photographs of finished mitigation work to document their progress and maintain an ongoing record of risk reduction.

Data gathered through the assessments will help fire officials evaluate common preparedness needs across the area to guide future education, outreach and resource planning. Residents can request a free assessment at bendoregon.gov/own-your-zone, after which department staff will follow up to schedule an appointment.