Save the dates for upcoming FireFree events

With predictions for a dangerous fire season, it is time to clean up your property and recycle debris for free during FireFree collection sites in May and June at the following locations.

·       Sunriver Compost Site (Lake Penhollow): Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

·       Knott Landfill, Bend: May 15 to May 24, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

·       La Pine Southwest Transfer Station: June 5 to June 13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Sunday)

FireFree reminds everyone to look around their property especially in the “home ignition zone” where glowing embers can ignite spot fires in vulnerable areas and can spread flames to a home/structure.

So, what can you do to help protect your home from fire:

•       Make sure gutters and roof valleys are free from debris like pine needles and leaves. Clean them out. Despite a metal or asphalt shingle roof, the buildup of gutter debris provides necessary fuel for the glowing embers to ignite adjacent fascia boards or siding, most often made of wood.

•       Do shrubs and weeds provide a path of fuel for fire to reach trees or your home? Reduce shrubs and other “ladder fuels” within the immediate five-foot zone around your home to reduce the threat of ground fire ignitions.   

•       Do you have arborvitae or juniper? These are required to be removed in Sunriver as it is highly flammable. Bitterbrush or manzanita should be at least 15 feet from structures and out of tree drip lines.

•       Are there things that can catch fire on your deck or patio or near an enclosure? Remove weeds, shrubs or any combustible materials from around, under or on top of your deck, patio or wood fence/enclosures. This includes toys, planters, construction materials, patio furniture and cushions along with even small piles of pine needles or leaves.  

•       Is your woodpile near your home or next to other combustible vegetation? In Sunriver, woodpiles should be at least 20 feet away from all structures or other combustibles.