Bend Council reviews flammable vegetation codes amid changes in state fire safety requirements

At the recent Joint Meeting of the Bend City Council and Deschutes County Board of Commissioners, a significant focus was placed on the city's flammable vegetation code and its alignment with state requirements. City officials highlighted the importance of community involvement in reducing fire hazards, emphasizing that 97% of code enforcement actions are achieved through voluntary compliance from property owners.

The discussion revealed that Bend's flammable vegetation code is both comparable and more stringent than the recently abandoned state defensible space and home hardening requirements. Officials noted that while some aspects of Bend's regulations align with state proposals, others are more restrictive, reflecting a commitment to enhancing local safety measures.

As part of ongoing efforts, the council plans to revise the flammable vegetation code, taking into account guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This revision aims to incorporate proven strategies that improve fire safety, such as specific clearance requirements around properties.

The meeting underscored the local government's proactive stance in fire prevention, with officials expressing relief that they can maintain and even strengthen their standards despite changes at the state level. The anticipated code revisions are expected to further bolster community safety and preparedness against fire risks.