30 years after Skeleton fire, Deschutes fire agencies urge residents to prepare for next wildfire

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Thirty years after the Skeleton Fire burned more than 17,000 acres southeast of Bend, local fire agencies are urging Central Oregon residents to prepare for ongoing wildfire threats.

Bend Fire & Rescue and the Deschutes Rural Fire Protection District #two highlighted the anniversary to remind property owners that emergency preparedness plays a vital role in protecting lives and property.

The Skeleton Fire started after a dry lightning strike in late August 1996. Fanned by strong winds, the blaze forced the evacuation of approximately 500 homes and destroyed 19 residences. The event occurred six years after the 1990 Awbrey Hall Fire, which destroyed 22 homes on the west side of Bend.

During the 1996 response, firefighters faced fire behavior so extreme that crews could not defend some structures, forcing responders to focus on protecting lives. A favorable shift in wind direction eventually slowed the fire's advance, allowing crews to gain control of the incident.

Gary Marshall serves as the executive director of the Deschutes Rural Fire Protection District #two and worked as the local fire marshal during the 1996 blaze.

“The Skeleton Fire showed our community how quickly wildfire can threaten homes, neighborhoods and lives,” Marshall said. “Many of the conditions that led to the Skeleton Fire still exist today. That's why it is critical that residents prepare their homes and property, make evacuation plans and understand their wildfire risk before an emergency occurs.”

Following the 1996 incident, local leaders, fire agencies and residents established regional prevention and education initiatives. Programs developed in the region include FireFree, Project Wildfire and Firewise Communities, which focus on defensible space education, fuels reduction, home hardening and community engagement.

Fire officials advise residents to harden structures by replacing flammable roofing, siding, fencing and decking with fire-resistive materials. Property owners are also encouraged to maintain defensible space, assemble emergency go-kits, establish family evacuation plans, know multiple evacuation routes and register for emergency alerts at deschutesalerts.org. Educational resources are available at bendoregon.gov/own-your-zone and projectwildfire.org.

Marshall emphasized that active preparation remains the primary defense against future incidents.

“The best way to honor the lessons of the Skeleton Fire is to be prepared,” Marshall said. “Wildfires have happened here before and they will happen again. The actions residents and businesses take today can help protect lives, homes and neighborhoods tomorrow.”