Wildfire Defensible Space Code
Summary
Bend is entirely high wildfire risk, and a proposed community-wide defensible space code could require work like clearing the first five feet around homes, limiting bark mulch, and non-combustible fencing. Council wants community buy-in via a citizen assembly, faster action on new construction, and a pilot project in a high-risk neighborhood before next fire season. Costs and equity are open questions.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 14, 2026.
Impact analysis
Staff noted significant new staffing and budget would be needed for a broad program; funding options discussed include reprioritizing existing funds and the 2028 fire levy.
All Bend residents face lower wildfire ignition risk, especially those in vulnerable neighborhoods if the pilot targets them.
Homeowners could face costs to modify landscaping and remove vegetation, with greater burdens on lower-income residents.
Mentions & discussions (7)
Bend City Council Work Session - Oct 14, 2026
Bend is entirely high wildfire risk, and a proposed community-wide defensible space code could require work like clearing the first five feet around homes, limiting bark mulch, and non-combustible fencing. Council wants community buy-in via a citizen assembly, faster action on new construction, and a pilot project in a high-risk neighborhood before next fire season. Costs and equity are open questions.
City Council Business Meeting - Aug 5, 2026
Multiple councilors flagged the region's active fire season — Spokane lost roughly 700 homes — and urged residents to create defensible space while the city readies a defensible-space code and wildfire resiliency work.
City Council Business Meeting - May 20, 2026
With Wildfire Awareness Month proclaimed, residents pushed hard on whether Bend can actually evacuate during a fire — especially Southwest Bend, where Reed Market Road is the critical route out. A resident asked for low-cost road changes like a three-lane Reed Market and a two-lane-through roundabout at Bond and Reed Market.
City Council Work Session - May 13, 2026
Dry fuels, a weak snowpack and record heat point to elevated fire risk by June and peak danger in July. Chief Riley stressed no one can predict the season, but residents should prepare defensible space and sign up for Deschutes Alerts.
City Council Business Meeting - Apr 1, 2026
New homes citywide would be built to wildfire-resistant standards. Debate was over timing, not merit — most councilors wanted it fast.
City Council Work Session - Feb 25, 2026
Staff want to adapt Oregon's draft defensible space model code — clearing combustibles from the first five feet around homes — and possibly apply it to all existing homes, not just new construction. Councilors raised costs, enforcement backlash, and tree canopy concerns.
City Council Business Meeting - Feb 4, 2026
Three speakers from the Project Wildfire Neighborhood Coalition urged the council to adopt code R327 — shelf-ready ignition-resistant construction standards — before the spring building season. Bend ranks 11th nationally for homes at wildfire risk, with an estimated $15.3 billion in reconstruction exposure.
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