FireFree events in Central Oregon aim to clear flammable materials from homes

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) -- As Central Oregon moves into fire season, Deschutes County is reminding residents that creating defensible space around your home is a key step in protecting your property from a fire. 

To encourage clean-up, free yard debris collection events will soon start in La Pine, Redmond, and Sisters. The next round of no-cost drop-offs begins Friday, June 5. 

The FireFree events are meant to help people reduce wildfire risk around their homes by clearing flammable materials like pine needles, branches, brush, weeds, and grass clippings.

Free debris collection days in Bend and Sunriver, along with Crook and Jefferson counties, wrapped up earlier this month. If you missed those events, La Pine, Redmond, and Sisters drop-offs will run through June 13th. 

KTVZ’s Claire Elmer is learning what homeowners should be doing now to create defensible space and why early preparation matters as conditions get warmer and drier. Tune in for the full report Sunday on KTVZ News at 6:00p.m.