FireFree events offer free debris disposal around Central Oregon just in time for wildfire season

(update: adding comments from fire officials)

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) -- It may feel like routine spring cleanup — raking pine needles, trimming branches, pulling weeds — but those small chores can make a big difference when wildfire strikes.

During Prineville's Highland Fire back in July 2025, KTVZ News showed you one Central Oregon home that was spared, thanks in part to defensible space work. Even still, Oregon State Fire Marshal officials showed how critical clean-up still made it a close call.

“They’ve done a lot of good things for their structure prep in the wildland-urban interface,” said Cord Von Derahe, a supervisor trainee with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office. “They have noncombustible siding, but they had short grass up to the foundation. That grass still allowed fire to burn right up to the home.”

Von Derahe said features like lattice under decks can also pose a risk, allowing embers to get underneath and smolder undetected.

“That can sit there until conditions are right — dry and windy — and then ignite the deck, which can lead to the home catching fire,” he said.

To help reduce those risks, Central Oregon residents can take advantage of FireFree debris disposal events starting next week.

From June 5th through June 13th, transfer stations in Redmond, Sisters, and La Pine will accept yard debris at no cost, including grass clippings, pine needles, and weeds. As other regions of Central Oregon have already wrapped up their debris events, now is the time to take advantage.

Fire officials also warn homeowners to be mindful of materials close to their homes — especially bark mulch, which can easily ignite in dry conditions.

“The bark is so dry right now because we haven’t had much rain in May, and it’s been very windy,” said Dan Derlacki, deputy fire marshal with Bend Fire & Rescue.

“Make sure bark mulch is kept away from anything combustible like decks, homes or framing. Even if you have noncombustible siding, it’s still attached to combustible materials," Derlacki added.

Clearing space around structures, fences, and decks is especially important as temperatures rise and fuels dry out.

“When we get further into summer, fires can move from one house to another, then spread into trees and brush and carry on to the next home,” Derlacki said.

More information about FireFree and tips on protecting your property from fire can be found here.