The Definitive Defensible Space Guide
for Bend & Central Oregon
Exact zone distances under ORS 476.392, Deschutes County fire codes, fire-resistant plant lists, and the full-service approach that protects your home without sacrificing beauty.
Why Defensible Space Is Non-Negotiable in Central Oregon
Bend sits at 3,600 feet elevation in the high desert, surrounded by ponderosa pine forests and western juniper — two of the most combustible fuel types in the American West. According to wildfirerisk.org, Bend carries a wildfire risk higher than 80% of communities in the United States. Deschutes County is simultaneously one of Oregon's fastest-growing counties and one of its highest wildfire-risk jurisdictions.
The science is unambiguous: embers ignite approximately 90% of homes destroyed in wildfires — not direct flame contact. A well-executed defensible space strategy intercepts those embers before they reach your structure. Oregon recognized this reality when the Legislature passed Senate Bill 762 in 2021, directing the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to develop a statewide Model Defensible Space Code. That code was finalized on May 19, 2026, under the authority of ORS 476.392.
Locally, the stakes are concrete. The Flat Fire of 2025 consumed over 20,000 acres and destroyed four homes near Sisters. The Horse Ridge Fire, the Grandview Fire, and the ongoing expansion of the WUI boundary into Bend's west-side neighborhoods all underscore that wildfire is not a distant risk — it is a present and growing one for every homeowner in Central Oregon.
Key legal citations: ORS 476.392 (Model Defensible Space Code authority) · ORS 477.015 (WUI definition) · ORS 477.001 (wildland definition) · Senate Bill 762 (2021) · Senate Bill 83 (2023 amendments)
Oregon Model Code Zone Requirements (Section 301)
Source: Oregon State Fire Marshal Model Defensible Space Code, finalized May 19, 2026 · ORS 476.392
Noncombustible Perimeter — 0 to 5 Feet
Mandatory under Section 301.2. This is the most critical zone. No combustible material of any kind may exist within 5 feet of any building, deck, or attached structure. The code is explicit:
- No combustible vegetation — including ornamental plants, groundcovers, or shrubs
- No wood mulch, bark mulch, pine needle mulch, or organic groundcover
- No accumulations of pine needles, leaves, or other debris
- No firewood, lumber stacks, or combustible storage
- Permitted materials: gravel, crushed stone, concrete, pavers, bare dirt
- Measured from the external wall or the farthest point of any deck or attachment
Lean, Clean, and Green — 5 to 30 Feet
The intermediate zone focuses on reducing fuel density and eliminating ladder fuels that allow ground fires to climb into tree canopies. Key requirements:
- Use well-irrigated, low-flammability plants (see PNW 590 plant list below)
- Prune tree limbs to a minimum height of twice the surrounding understory height — typically 6 to 10 feet from the ground — to eliminate ladder fuels
- Maintain spacing between plant beds so fire cannot jump between them
- Keep lawns mowed and irrigated; dead grass is highly combustible
- Remove all dead plant material, fallen branches, and accumulated debris regularly
Fuel Modification Zone — Distance by WUI Hazard Level
Under Section 301.3, the required fuel modification distance beyond the 5-foot noncombustible zone depends on your property's WUI Hazard designation. Distances only extend to your property or lot line.
Note: Distances may be increased based on site-specific slope, aspect, and fuel type analysis. Consult your local fire district or OSFM for your specific designation.
Deschutes County 2026 update: R327 wildfire mitigation building codes are mandatory for all new construction in unincorporated Deschutes County, Bend, and Sisters as of April 1, 2026. Only properties that are both in a High or Extreme WUI Hazard zone AND within the WUI boundary are subject to the strictest defensible space and fire-hardening requirements. The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners discussed adoption of the OSFM Model Code on April 8, 2026.
Not Sure What Hazard Level Your Property Is?
Newport Avenue Landscaping performs on-site assessments and will identify your WUI hazard designation, required zone distances, and a complete mitigation plan — at no charge.
Plants to Remove vs. Plants to Add
Based on OSU Extension PNW 590, the OSU Central Oregon Flammable Plant List, and Schilling's Garden Market recommendations for Bend's high desert climate.
Priority Removal — High Flammability
These plants are identified on the OSU Central Oregon Flammable Plant List and should be removed from Zones 0–2.
- Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) — volatile oils, ladder fuels, ignites at low temperatures
- Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) — burns extremely hot and fast, high oil content
- Arborvitae (Thuja spp.) — commonly planted near homes; acts as a Roman candle
- Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo) — dense, resinous, accumulates dead needles
- Acacia (Acacia spp.) — highly flammable in dry conditions
- Cedar, Spruce — high resin content; hazardous within 30 feet of structures
Fire-Resistant Replacements (PNW 590)
These plants are recommended in OSU Extension's PNW 590 guide and thrive in Bend's Zone 6b high desert climate.
- Stonecrop / Sedum — drought-tolerant succulent, dense moisture-retaining mat
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) — native, pollinator-friendly, low flammability
- Agastache / Hummingbird Mint — aromatic perennial, drought-tolerant, attracts pollinators
- Pinleaf Penstemon (Penstemon pinifolius) — tidy mounding habit, minimal dead material
- Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) — multi-season interest, erosion control
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) — small tree, four-season interest, fire-resistant
- Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) — moist foliage, native, excellent fire resistance
Learn more: See our complete Fire-Resistant Plants Guide for Central Oregon for a full species list with zone placement recommendations, or explore our Juniper Removal Cost Guide for pricing and removal process details.
Local Fire Authorities & Resources
Deschutes County has one of the most active wildfire preparedness ecosystems in Oregon. These organizations are your primary contacts for defensible space assessments, code compliance, and community programs.
Project Wildfire
Deschutes County's lead wildfire preparedness coalition. Coordinates 7 Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) and the 40+ member Project Wildfire Neighborhood Coalition. Facilitates community assessments and advocates for local fire codes.
projectwildfire.org →Bend Fire & Rescue
City of Bend's fire department. Offers the 'Own Your Zone' defensible space program with free site visits for Bend residents. Primary contact for WUI hazard designation questions within city limits.
bendoregon.gov/fire-rescue →Oregon State Fire Marshal
Administers the Model Defensible Space Code (ORS 476.392) and the free Defensible Space Assessment program. The OSFM assessment tool is available at defensiblespace.oregon.gov.
defensiblespace.oregon.gov →Deschutes County Emergency Mgmt.
Manages the Deschutes Alert System (DAS) for evacuation notifications. Coordinates with all seven fire districts in the county. Sign up for alerts at (541) 550-4850.
deschutescounty.gov →Fire Districts Serving Deschutes County
Why Newport Avenue Landscaping Is Central Oregon's Defensible Space Specialist
Achieving true defensible space requires more than a chainsaw. Many companies specialize only in hazardous tree removal — which is necessary, but leaves your property bare, erosion-prone, and potentially non-compliant with replanting requirements. Newport Avenue Landscaping provides the complete solution that no single-trade contractor can match.
Code-Accurate Assessment
We evaluate your property against the current OSFM Model Code, Deschutes County R327 requirements, and your specific WUI hazard designation — not a generic checklist.
Expert Hazardous Removal
Safe removal of western juniper, manzanita, arborvitae, and other high-risk species with proper disposal. We understand the difference between thinning and clearing.
Irrigation Upgrades
Fire-resistant plants need consistent moisture to maintain their protective qualities. We design and install efficient drip irrigation systems that keep your Zone 1 and 2 green through fire season.
Fire-Wise Replanting
We design and install stunning, code-compliant landscapes using PNW 590-recommended species proven to thrive in Bend's Zone 6b high desert climate.
Licensed Contractor Bond #9153 · Serving Bend and Central Oregon for over 21 years · Full liability insurance
Related Fire Mitigation Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Protect Your Bend Home?
Newport Avenue Landscaping provides complete, code-compliant defensible space solutions — from assessment to removal to fire-resistant replanting. Contact us for a free on-site evaluation.
Licensed · Bonded · Insured · LCB #9153 · Serving Bend and Central Oregon for 21+ years