Is wildfire really a threat here in central Oregon?
In an average year, central Oregon fire fighting agencies combat 450 lightning and human-caused fires on about 50,000 acres. While the majority of these fires are contained relatively quickly, a handful escape the most gallant efforts and the potential for catastrophic loss is right in our back yards. All of Deschutes County has been declared a Wildfire Hazard Zone. That means any place you live and work here is at substantial risk of wildland fire. A careless cigarette, fireworks, or debris burn can all ignite a brush fire that rapidly overtakes a neighborhood. A few hours of prep time can save your home and valuables.