Several upcoming C.O. events can help you prepare for prescribed burns and wildfire season
(Update: Adding video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregon is about to enter the spring prescribed burn season, which means we need to be mindful of the smoke.
“So smoke for all of us is not great for our health, but there are people who are more sensitive to poor air quality," Crook County Health Services Director Katie Plumb said. "Our little kids, young kids and the elderly want to be especially careful when the air quality is low.”
Prescribed burns will be one of the topics at the upcoming Wildfire Preparedness Fair, one in a series. It will take place at the Pilot Butte Fire Station on Sunday from 1-4 p.m.
Bend Fire and Rescue fire inspector Melissa Steele said, “The Forest Service will have a representative to talk about prescribed burning. And there's going to be a lot of prescribed burning done around our area, which is to prevent that thick layer of smoke in the summertime.”
At the event, local fire professionals and partner organizations will have informational tables to discuss the upcoming wildfire season.
"We've had fires as early as May 1st and some as late as middle of June. So it kind of just depends on the weather.” Steele said.
There will also be a Wildfire Home Protection workshop this weekend that will focus on how homeowners can assess their property. It will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Morning Star Christian School in Bend.
“What we talk about is ways to improve your mesh screening, do alterations to that on your home. So foundation vents, attic vents and putting the appropriate eight inch screening instead of quarter inch screening to prevent embers from coming in.” Steele said.
If you don't have a chance to come out this weekend, there will be more opportunities to attend.
Central Oregon Fire Prevention Cooperative Wildfire Preparedness Fairs:
Sunday, April 7, 2024
1pm – 4pm
Bend Fire and Rescue Station 306
425 NE 15th St., Bend, OR 97701
Saturday, April 13, 2024
1:30pm – 3:30pm
Crook County OSU Extension 4-H Clover Building
502 SE Lynn Blvd, Prineville, OR 97754
Sunday, April 28, 2024
1-4pm
Jefferson County Fire & EMS Fire Station
765 S 5th St., Madras, OR
Wildfire Home Protection Workshop:
Saturday April 6, 2024
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Morning Star Elementary
19741 Baker Rd, Bend, OR 97702
Saturday, May 11, 2024
1-4pm
La Pine Rural Fire Protection District Station 101
51550 Huntington Rd.
La Pine, OR
