Prevention, causes, and impacts to Central Oregon

Central Oregon offers stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and abundant outdoor adventures. While exploring, especially in the summer and fall, it’s important to be wildfire aware. Natural wildfires play a role in this ecosystem’s balance. However, uncontrolled human-caused fires can disrupt this balance, causing significant damage to the local ecology, threatening homes, and endangering lives.

By being aware of fire risks and taking steps to prevent them, we can all ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. 

This guide is here to help answer your questions about wildfires around Bend and empower you to explore responsibly and safely.

Types of wildfires and causes

Wildfire season in Central Oregon coincides with its hot, dry summers. While recent years have seen an increase in the size and frequency of fires across the West, understanding the different types of wildfires is key to navigating their complex role in the environment.

Natural role: Central Oregon’s hot summers often coincide with wildfire season. Though concerning, wildfires have historically played an important natural role. They act as a “cleaner,” removing dead vegetation and creating fertile ground for forest regeneration.

Human impact: Unfortunately, human activity is a major cause of wildfires. Unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and even vehicle exhaust can spark devastating blazes.

Prescribed burns: Fire professionals use controlled burns, meticulously planned for safe weather conditions. These target areas in need of restoration and with high wildfire risk. Prescribed burns reduce future fire intensity, protect communities, and promote healthy ecosystems, all while minimizing smoke impacts.

When to expect wildfires

Peak wildfire season typically occurs during the hot, dry summer months of July, August, and September. But remember, wildfires can happen any time of year when conditions are dry and windy. Even if there are no local fires, smoke from fires in other regions, states, and countries can impact the air in Bend, depending on wind and other weather factors.

Stay informed

Staying informed about wildfires is crucial so you can stay safe and enjoy the outdoors responsibly by minimizing your risk of starting a wildfire. Whether you’re in the planning phase or already in Bend, here are some resources to keep you updated:

• Watch Duty is a fantastic app that provides detailed information about active wildfires in the Western US, including size, location, and containment status. It also monitors controlled burns, air quality, and other relevant information.
• Central Oregon Fire Info is a great resource for fire, health, and air quality information in Central Oregon. Explore interactive maps of wildfires, prescribed burns, and fire restrictions in the region.
• PurpleAir—Air Quality Index (AQI) monitors real-time air quality. On the website, you can check the AQI scale from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating greater air pollution and health concerns. 
• Oregon Travel Alerts allows you to sign up to receive alerts and instructions for emergencies, like wildfires, in Oregon to help you and others stay safe.
• TripCheck offers information on road conditions, closures, traffic, and incidents in the state of Oregon. You can also view conditions by clicking on their road webcams. 
• Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office gives any updates on evacuation levels (“BE READY!”, “BE SET!”, “GO!”) during emergencies.

Visiting Bend during wildfire season

Bend remains a magical place to visit year-round, even during wildfire season. However, it’s important to be prepared. Check the resources listed above to learn about any active fires, smoke impacts, and potential road closures.

Gearing up for a mountain bike ride or a round of golf, but the air quality isn’t cooperating? Having a plan B is key when smoke levels are high. The good news is, that there are plenty of fantastic indoor activities to keep you entertained, active, and having a blast even if you can’t be outside.

Air quality and smoke

Wildfires in Oregon, neighboring states, and Canada can cause smoke to settle over Central Oregon, significantly impacting air quality. These impacts can fluctuate depending on weather conditions. Smoke can shift with changes in wind direction, causing air quality to deteriorate quickly or improve just as fast. Smoke events can also linger for days, depending on the size and intensity of the fire, as well as weather patterns. Because of this, check with Oregon’s Air Quality Index for real-time info across the state.

Preparing for outdoor activities

Before heading outdoors, check for trail closures, campground restrictions, and potential prescribed burn activity. If you’re booking a guided tour or renting outdoor equipment, check their cancellation policies just in case. Remember, wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and worsen existing health conditions. Here are some additional outdoor safety tips:

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to stay cool and healthy.
• First-Aid kit: Be prepared for potential minor injuries.
• Mask up: Pack an N95 mask to help filter out smoke particles. 
• Stay informed: Keep your phone charged and monitor fire updates.
• Evacuation orders: Follow all evacuation orders promptly for your safety.
• Check for trail closures and impacted areas with the Deschutes National Forest, Central Oregon Fire Info, and Bend Trails (for mountain biking).

In addition to these websites, you can also call the Deschutes National Forest Ranger District office or the local ranger station for the specific area you’re interested in visiting. They will have the most up-to-date information on trail closures and conditions.

Preventing wildfires

Everyone plays a part in preventing wildfires in Central Oregon. Here’s how you can help:

• Follow fire restrictions.
• Properly dispose of cigarette butts; don’t toss them out your window! 
• Respect trail and road closures.
• Maintain campfires responsibly and extinguish them completely.
• Avoid driving or parking on dry vegetation. Do not drag a tow chain.
• No fireworks. Fireworks, explosives, and exploding target materials are always illegal on federal lands in Central Oregon. Fireworks restrictions vary, but fireworks are banned in Bend city limits.
• Report any suspicious activity or unattended fires immediately by calling 911.

Be campfire responsible (or find alternatives)

Central Oregon’s public lands, like those managed by the BLM and Forest Service, work together to keep everyone safe. When dry weather and low moisture create a higher wildfire risk, public fire restrictions are put in place.

Always check local fire regulations before you even think about toasting those s’mores. If campfires aren’t allowed, there are plenty of alternatives, like stargazing, playing games, or sharing spooky stories.

If campfires are permitted, use these safe practices:

• Check fire danger levels.
• Use designated fire rings.
• The surrounding area should be clear of combustible material at least 15 feet from the campfire ring.
• Keep flames small.
• Have water and a shovel ready to extinguish completely.
• Drown. Stir. Feel. Make sure your campfire is dead out whenever it’s unattended. Dead out means you can place your hand on top of where the campfire was located, and it’s cool to the touch.

For detailed information, refer to Smokey Bear’s Campfire Safety Guide. 

Witnessing a wildfire

If you spot a wildfire in Bend, prioritize your safety by moving to a safe location and then call 911 immediately.

Wildfire-impacted areas

Bend is surrounded by beautiful forests, but like many parts of the West, it has also been affected by wildfires. While exploring Bend’s trails by bike or foot, you may come across areas that have been impacted by recent fires. It’s important to be respectful of the land and use caution in these areas. Burned areas take time to recover and can pose hidden dangers like unstable trees, erosion, and landslides. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Stay on designated trails.
• Respect closures and construction sites for your safety.
• Be cautious of downed trees and uneven terrain.

For more detailed information on safety in burned areas, check out this United States Forest Service (USFS) online resource.

By following these tips and staying informed, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Bend, even during wildfire season. Remember, wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem, but human activity also plays a role. Being a responsible visitor means respecting fire restrictions and treating the land with care. Together, we can all help keep Central Oregon healthy, beautiful, and accessible for generations to come.