Bend's wildfire risk is higher than 80% of U.S. communities. This neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide explains which areas face Extreme, High, or Moderate WUI Hazard — and what that means for your defensible space requirements.
Bend sits at the intersection of three factors that make it one of the most wildfire-vulnerable cities in the American West: a high-desert climate with low humidity and frequent strong winds, a surrounding landscape dominated by ponderosa pine and western juniper, and decades of rapid growth that have pushed residential development directly into wildland fuel areas.
According to wildfirerisk.org, Bend's wildfire risk exceeds 80% of U.S. communities. Deschutes County has experienced multiple major fire events in recent years: the Flat Fire (2025, 20,000+ acres, 4 homes destroyed near Sisters), the Horse Ridge Fire (2020, 140,000+ acres), and numerous smaller fires that have forced evacuations in Bend, Redmond, and Sunriver.
The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) — the zone where developed land meets wildland vegetation — runs directly through many of Bend's most desirable neighborhoods. Properties in the WUI are subject to Oregon's Model Defensible Space Code (ORS 476.392) and Deschutes County's R327 fire hardening requirements for new construction.
Based on WUI hazard designations, proximity to wildland fuels, terrain analysis, and fire history. Filter by risk level to find your area.
One of Bend's highest-risk neighborhoods. The Awbrey Hall Fire (1990) destroyed 22 homes here. Many properties have mature juniper within Zone 1. The Project Wildfire Neighborhood Coalition has an active chapter in Awbrey Butte.
NW Crossing's western edge is directly adjacent to wildland fuels. The neighborhood's newer construction means many homes were built before R327 fire hardening codes. Defensible space landscaping is critical for properties on the western perimeter.
Large-lot properties in this area often have extensive juniper and pine that were planted or retained as landscape features. The combination of native fuels and ornamental conifers creates a significant fire risk that requires systematic defensible space work.
Discovery West is a newer neighborhood where homes were built among existing trees. Many properties have ponderosa pine within 30 feet of structures. R327 applies to new construction here, but the surrounding landscape still requires active management.
Properties along Century Drive (toward Mt. Bachelor) are in some of the highest-risk terrain in Deschutes County. The 100-foot fuel modification zone applies to most properties here. Defensible space is not optional — it is the primary line of defense.
Deschutes River Woods is a large, spread-out community south of Bend with significant wildfire risk. The Project Wildfire Neighborhood Coalition has been active here. Many properties have multiple mature junipers within Zone 1 that require removal.
Tumalo's rural character means properties often have extensive native vegetation and limited defensible space. The combination of juniper, sagebrush, and dry grass creates a high fire risk environment. Newport Avenue serves Tumalo directly.
Powell Butte is one of the highest-risk areas in Deschutes County. The 100-foot fuel modification zone applies to most properties. Many rural properties here have never had a defensible space assessment. Newport Avenue serves Powell Butte.
Alfalfa is among the most remote and highest-risk communities in Deschutes County. Properties here are often 30+ minutes from fire station response. Defensible space is the primary — and sometimes only — protection available.
East-side Bend generally faces lower wildfire risk than the west side, but is not immune. Ember transport from fires in the Cascades foothills can ignite structures miles from the fire front. The 30-foot fuel modification zone applies to most east-side properties in the WUI.
Redmond's wildfire risk varies significantly by neighborhood. Properties adjacent to undeveloped juniper land face High hazard conditions, while urban core properties face Moderate risk. Newport Avenue serves all of Redmond.
Sisters is one of the most fire-vulnerable communities in Central Oregon. The 2025 Flat Fire was a near-miss that destroyed four homes and burned 20,000+ acres. Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD and Project Wildfire are actively working to improve community preparedness.
Sunriver's forested character is part of its appeal, but also its greatest fire risk. The Sunriver Fire Department has been active in defensible space education. Many properties have pine trees within Zone 1 that require pruning or removal.
Your individual property's risk depends on five factors that interact to determine how likely a wildfire is to reach your home and how severe the consequences would be.
Western juniper and manzanita are the highest-risk fuel types in Central Oregon. Dense, continuous fuel beds — especially those connecting from the ground to tree canopies — dramatically increase fire intensity and spread rate.
Fire travels uphill faster than downhill. Properties on slopes above 20% face significantly higher risk. Awbrey Butte's steep terrain is a major contributor to its Extreme risk designation.
Properties adjacent to the Deschutes National Forest, undeveloped juniper land, or sagebrush steppe face higher risk from direct flame contact and ember transport.
Prevailing westerly winds in Central Oregon push fire from the Cascades foothills toward Bend. Properties on exposed ridges or at the downwind edge of neighborhoods face elevated ember transport risk.
The single most controllable factor. Well-executed defensible space — removing high-risk plants, creating zone buffers, maintaining irrigation — can make the difference between a home surviving or burning.
Central Oregon's fire history is not ancient — it is recent and ongoing. These events demonstrate that wildfire is a present and growing risk for every community in Deschutes County.
Forced evacuations in Sisters and surrounding communities. The fire burned through dense ponderosa pine and juniper, demonstrating how quickly fire can move through Central Oregon's fuel types. A near-miss for the town of Sisters.
Multiple fire events in 2024 forced evacuations north of Bend and in the Sunriver area, highlighting that fire risk is not limited to the west side of the Cascades.
One of the largest fires in Deschutes County history. Burned through juniper and sagebrush east of Bend, demonstrating that east-side properties are not immune to wildfire risk.
The defining fire event in Bend's history. Destroyed 22 homes on Awbrey Butte and led to the first serious discussion of defensible space requirements in the city. The neighborhood has since been rebuilt, but the fuel conditions that enabled the fire still exist.
Newport Avenue Landscaping provides free on-site assessments that identify your WUI hazard designation, required zone distances, and a complete mitigation plan. We serve Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver, Tumalo, Powell Butte, Alfalfa, and all of Deschutes County.
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