Click on the links below for information about creating defensible space
UDRC Defensible Space Reimbursement Program
The 2023 Fall Defensible Space Reimbursement Program is open for new applications. Property owners who have not received a reimbursement in 2022 or 2023 may apply.
The UDRC will help property owners within the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District with the cost of creating or maintaining defensible space for wildfire risk reduction. The UDRC will reimburse your expenses for licensed fuels reduction contractors or rental equipment up to $500 maximum.
One application for a UDRC Defensible Space program from a sole or joint property owner will be accepted for work completed by December 15, 2023.
Applicants for the Reimbursement Program may not apply for the Low-income Senior program in the same year. The UDRC will not reimburse work completed before your application is approved. Your work plan must include examples of wildfire fuels reduction listed on the application form. To apply for the 2023 Fall Defensible Space Reimbursement Program click here for the online application form.
UDRC Low-income Senior or Low-income Disabled Defensible Space Program
The intention of this program is to offer assistance to property owners who cannot do the work themselves, or afford to hire someone else to do the work. UDRC has partnered with Council on Aging of Central Oregon to provide free wildfire fuels reduction services for low-income senior or low-income disabled homeowners within the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District. Click here for a printable flyer describing the program. Click here to print the application form with income and age or disability requirements. Applicants for the Low-income Senior or Low-income Disabled Program may not apply for the Reimbursement Program in the same year.
If you want to participate in this program, please print and fill out the application form or call UDRC at 541-556-0317 to request the application form. UDRC will accept as many qualified applicants as resources allow. A representative from UDRC will assess your property and propose a fuels reduction project to improve your defensible space for a wildfire.
Wildfire Fuels Reduction Contractors
Click here for a partial list of fuels reduction contractors licensed by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. The list is provided for information only and is not an endorsement by the UDRC.
Deschutes County Project Wildfire
Oregon Senate Bill 762
Senate Bill 762 is comprehensive legislation passed with bipartisan support that will provide more than $220 million to help Oregon modernize and improve wildfire preparedness through three key strategies: creating fire-adapted communities, developing safe and effective response, and increasing the resiliency of Oregon’s landscapes. The bill is the product of years of hard work by the Governor’s Wildfire Council, the Legislature, and state agencies. Click here for a summary of SB 762 sections
National Fire Protection Association
Ready, Set, Go! Are YOU Wildfire Ready?
Week 1: Landscaping Against Your Home
Week 2: Vents/Eaves & Mesh Screening
Week 3: Your Evacuation Plan
Week 4: Clearing Gutters/Roof of Debris
Week 5: Decks/Patios/Balconies
Week 6: Fencing
Week 7: Zone 2 (5-30 ft)
OSU Extension Fire Program
Webinars are brought to you by the Forestry & Natural Resources Extension Fire Program with support from partnering agencies and organizations. Click here for webinar recordings.
Fire Adapted Oregon
As a result of the priorities in Senate Bill 762 and to better meet the needs and assist Oregonians, the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) created Fire Adapted Oregon. This initiative utilizes an integrated and strategic investment of resources to reduce fires and its impact on the public. Fire Adapted Oregon is grounded in statewide data, science, new defensible space codes, and trends. Community Risk Reduction staff host regular educational webinars focused on wildfire community risk reduction topics. The link to register for future webinars and the recordings from past offers are available below.
Three Rivers Area Wildfire Risk Report
This report from Headwaters Economics presents data about wildfire risk, socioeconomic vulnerability, and land use to help communities understand their relative wildfire risk profile. It was created through a partnership between Headwaters Economics and the U.S. Forest Service through the Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program using data from Wildfire Risk to Communities. Click here to view the report.
Wildfire Risk to Communities Website
Wildfire Risk to Communities is a easy-to-use website with interactive maps, charts, and resources to help communities understand, explore, and reduce wildfire risk. It was created by the USDA Forest Service under the direction of Congress and is designed to help community leaders, such as elected officials, community planners, and fire managers. This is the first time wildfire risk to communities has been mapped nationwide.
Oregon Wildfire Risk Explorer Report
The Oregon Wildfire Risk Explorer Report summarizes wildfire risk in UDRC CWPP Area. Wildfire risk combines the likelihood of a fire occurring with the exposure and susceptibility of valued resources and assets on the landscape.
Wildfire Risk Assessment
If your home has been assessed by the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, you can see your wildfire risk assessment by visiting Oregon Ready, Set, Go! and clicking on “My Risk: Go to the Map”.
Natural Resources Conservation Services La Pine Basin Project
NRCS funding will help woodland owners with 5 acres and larger perform conservation practices like pre-commercial thinning, slash treatment, and fuel breaks. These practices reduce the amount of “fuels” (such as dense, overstocked trees, shrubs and invasive plants) that cause a wildfire to spread higher into the canopy where it causes the most damage. A properly thinned forest holds wildfire lower to the ground, allowing safer access for firefighters to quench the flames.
For program information click here. For application information click here.
Oregon Department of Forestry Fuels Reduction Grants
ODF has cost-share funds available to assist landowners for wildfire fuels reduction. Click here for the Fuels Reduction Cost-share and Rebate checklist. For more information contact Ross Huffman, Stewardship Forester at Ross.Huffman@odf.oregon.gov, 541-233-3160.