Wildfire preparedness: Rep. Bynum joins Central Oregon leaders to urge residents to prepare now
(Update: adding comments from Rep. Bynum, Sisters Mayor, and Fire Defense Board member)
SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- With wildfire risk no longer confined to a few months, local and federal leaders are urging Central Oregonians to prepare now, before the next fire sparks.
Oregon Representative, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, met Monday with local leaders and fire officials, with a following press conference at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District building to discuss wildfire readiness and prevention ahead of what could be another high-risk year.
“Wildfires are no longer seasonal,” Bynum said. “They are year-round threats that are growing more intense, more destructive, and more dangerous.”
Bynum emphasized the need for expanded training, stronger mitigation efforts, and increased public education. In addition, her push for federal funding to fill the gaps.
“This meeting today shows how coordinated our different agencies are and how willing they are to work together,” she said. “There was one central message — we need to be prepared.”
As fire seasons grow longer and more severe, the focus is shifting from reacting to fires to preventing damage before flames reach homes.
Bynum compared wildfire preparedness to a football game, with homeowners playing a key role early on.
“The first three quarters are what homeowners can do — home hardening and preparation,” she said. “When the fire department comes in, that’s the fourth quarter. They’re in defense mode.”
Fire officials echoed that message, stressing that the work done around homes can make all the difference.
“The front end of fighting any wildfire is really all the work people do around their homes,” said Bill Boos of the Fire Defense Board. “That’s what determines whether a home is savable or not.”
In Sisters, recent fires have served as a wake-up call, prompting more residents to take preparedness seriously.
“More people are getting interested in preparing their homes and having an evacuation plan ready,” said Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz.
Still, challenges remain — especially when fires spread quickly.
“Making sure you have a go-bag and a plan, and thinking about neighbors who may need extra help, is critical,” Letz added.
Leaders say coordination between agencies is stronger than ever, but ultimately, protecting homes starts with individual action.
Officials urge residents to take steps now to prepare for wildfire season, including creating defensible space, hardening homes, and having evacuation plans in place.
