As Central Oregonians, we have a deep appreciation for the outdoors. And winter usually means chasing powder. But what feels like a lame season of snowshoeing and skiing is also a significant environmental red flag. Oregon is currently sitting at its lowest snowpack level ever recorded for this time of year. This severe snow drought could affect our region in several major ways: water shortages, agricultural hardships, strain on aquatic ecosystems, outdoor recreation, and a much more dangerous fire season.
As residents of Central Oregon, we are no strangers to wildfire season. But this year, the warning signs are arriving much earlier than usual. Larry O’Neill, Oregon’s state climatologist, paints a sobering picture of our current situation: "Our snowpack is doing really poorly, and at this point in time, a big recovery in the snowpack is really not likely…” While we can’t control the snowpack, you can “Own Your Zone”.
The City of Bend, Bend Fire & Rescue, and Deschutes County have gone to great lengths to provide us with resources for fire preparation and mitigation in our community. “Own Your Zone” is the City of Bend’s initiative to help homeowners assess and address fire hazards on their property. This includes FREE wildfire risk home assessments. Check out the City of Bend’s “Own Your Zone” Initiative, along with these other resources, to better prepare your family, home, and property for fire-related hazards.
The City of Bend’s “Own Your Zone”
- Free Home Assessments (Schedule now!)
- Website with resources including a self-assessment
- An informative podcast on the hazard zones around your home
Bend Fire and Rescue
Safety Tips and Emergency Preparedness
- Checklists to “Be Ready Before and During Fire Season”
- How to Report and register for Notifications
- A Firewise liaison
Firewise
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa
A nationwide community-driven program designed to reduce wildfire risk to homes through proactive, collaborative, and science-based action.
- Local HOAs can become recognized program participants.
- Also provides free assessments of your property.
Project Wildfire Neighborhood Coalition (PWNC)
https://projectwildfire.org/pwnc/
- Deschutes County-based organization dedicated to preventing wildfire damage to homes and natural resources through community education.
- Your local organization for Firewise support
Deschutes County
https://www.deschutes.org/solidwaste/page/spring-fire-free-knott-landfill
The Deschutes County Knotts Landfill participates in the FireFree event by providing FREE yard debris disposal at local collection sites throughout the city and at the Knotts Landfill. Dates usually post in April at: https://www.firefree.org/firefreeevents/
Remember, greater community connections don’t just build friendlier neighborhoods, it creates more resilient and safer ones. The more homes around you that are wildfire-ready, the safer your home will be.
If you want help, or just have some questions, reach out. The Grounds Keeper can provide you with an assessment based on “Own Your Zone” and Firewise criteria, and set up a schedule to start addressing those concerns.
Associated Press. "Record snow drought in Western US raises concern for a spring of water shortages and wildfires." AP News, February 9, 2026. Link
OregonLive. "‘We’re in uncharted territory’: 5 dire warnings from scientists about what Oregon’s snow drought could mean for the state’s future." The Oregonian. Link