Deschutes County implements wildfire mitigation strategies with prescribed burns and funding support

Prescribed burning took center stage at the recent joint meeting of the Bend City Council and Deschutes County Board of Commissioners, highlighting its critical role in enhancing community fire resilience. As the prescribed burning season unfolds, officials emphasized the importance of these controlled fires in creating fire-adapted landscapes and improving forest health.

The West Bend area has already seen the execution of its first prescribed fire, with more planned in the coming months. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce wildfire risks through landscape treatments, including commercial harvesting and brush removal. "Prescribed fires are crucial for fire-adapted communities," one official stated, underscoring their significance in maintaining defensible spaces around homes.

In addition to prescribed burns, the meeting addressed community engagement in fire safety. Residents were encouraged to utilize resources like the Central Oregon Fire Info website for updates on prescribed fires and public health information related to smoke. The discussion also touched on the importance of maintaining non-combustible materials in the first five feet around homes to prevent fire spread.

A notable highlight was the introduction of House Bill 3135, which proposes $5.2 million for juniper removal across seven counties, including $585,000 for Deschutes County. This initiative aims to mitigate allergy issues and conserve water resources, as junipers are known to consume significant amounts of water.

The meeting also revealed a surge in wildfire risk assessments, with 350 conducted in just the first few months of 2025, compared to 115 for the entire previous year. This increase reflects heightened community awareness following recent wildfires in California and local concerns about fire safety.

As the state legislature deliberates on a wildfire funding package, officials stressed the need for robust support to enhance firefighting capacity and fund mitigation efforts. The meeting concluded with a call for community involvement in fire safety initiatives, including the formation of local firewise teams to conduct risk assessments and promote preparedness among neighbors.