FireFree Expands in Central Oregon
Release Date: April 26, 2000
Release Number: R10-00-39
Deschutes County, Oregon, located on the Eastern slopes of the Cascade Range, is a new Project Impact community. A major focus includes pre-disaster planning for recurring wildland fires in the urban interface areas, and the creation of safety zones around properties in the urban interface which are at high risk from catastrophic wildfire.
The FireFree campaign is entering its third year in Deschutes County and recently partnered with Project Impact. A dozen high risk interface neighborhoods have been targeted for special attention this season. Last year, nearly 10,000 cubic yards of material was recycled in a county landfill during the FireFree weekend cleanup activities. Collection dumpsters are donated, volunteer assistance is provided, and the debris is recycled. Speakers from various fire agencies are partnered with insurance industry representatives to provide information and motivation to interested residents.
Major elements of the FireFree program include: creation of defensible space around the rural home, reduction of flammable vegetation, removal and pruning of trees, fire resistive roofing materials, relocating wood piles and propane tanks away from the home, keeping the roof and gutters free of pine needles, and having easy to read address signs with adequate access to the property. Past efforts by homeowners in Deschutes County have resulted in structures saved from sure destruction from wildfire.
Project Impact is excited to partner with FireFree, and the insurance industry to seek solutions and actions that will reduce property destruction and loss of life in the wildland urban interface. Together, we are working hard to mitigate the disastrous effects of wildfire.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-Nov-2003 10:57:25