Defensible Space Resources
1 – Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office
One of our best resources for residents looking to get started on defensible space is the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s official Defensible Space webpage. This comprehensive guide offers clear, practical, and up-to-date information tailored specifically for Oregon homeowners. It walks you through the essential FireWise zones (including the critical 0–5 ft ember-resistant Zone 0), provides step-by-step guidance on vegetation management, home hardening techniques, and ongoing maintenance. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your existing defensible space, this site is an invaluable, authoritative tool that empowers Newberry Country residents to take meaningful action to protect their homes and neighborhoods from wildfire.
Scheduling a free defensible space assessment is easy and ensures your property is better protected from the next wildfire season. The assessment is an education-focused visit that gives home and property owners tips to start or improve their defensible space.
If you are interested in an assessment, please contact:
Heather Miller, Fire Risk Reduction Specialist 503-509-3534 mobile or email Heather.Miller@osfm.oregon.gov
OTHER LOCAL CONTACTS TO SCHEDULE AN ASSESSMENT:
Chief Erick Holsey, La Pine Rural Fire Protection District – 541-536-2935 or chiefholsey@lapinefire.com
Monte Dammarell, NRP Defensible Space Action Team Leader – dsatmonte@gmail.com
Les Adams, Project Wildfire Neighborhood Coalition – rfahoodfire@gmail.com
Kathy DeBone, Newberry Regional Partnership Community Coordinator – 541-771-2498 or lapinekathy@gmail.com
2 – How to Become a FireWise USA Neighborhood
As a resident in a wildfire-prone area, you may have heard of the Firewise USA program. But what exactly is it, and how can it benefit your community?
The Firewise USA program, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is a voluntary program that teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire. By becoming a recognized Firewise USA neighborhood, you’ll gain access to valuable resources and guidance to help you protect your homes and community from the threat of wildfire.
Joining the Firewise USA program is a proactive step toward building a more resilient and fire-adapted community. It brings neighbors together, fosters a shared sense of responsibility, and provides peace of mind knowing you’ve taken concrete steps to protect what matters most.
Contact: Austin Reimer – ODF Stewardship Forester at Austin.B.Reimer@odf.oregon.gov
Austin and a team will come to your HOA, Road District or Neighborhood meeting to get you started!
3– Central Oregon Wildfire Workforce Partnership
Is your home in need of fire fuels reduction like tree thinning, chipping, brush removal, and/or ladder fuels reduction? Please complete the application below. Staff will reach out within a week to discuss if your property is a good fit. To discuss a potential fuels reduction project in your community, fill out the application here.
Contact: Nick Huggins, COIC Youth Employment Councilor – nhuggins@coic.org
4 – Deschutes County Fall Fuel Reduction Grant Program
Each year, Deschutes County allocates funding for Fall Fuel Reduction Projects, aimed at reducing wildfire risk in Deschutes County communities. Preference will be given to communities or neighborhoods that are working towards or have already achieved recognition as a Firewise USA ™ site and are proposing projects consistent with their Firewise action plan and community assessment. Applications are typically accepted September 1 through September 30.
Contact: Lauren Street, Natural Resources Specialist, at 541-322-7141 or forester@deschutes.org
5 – UDRC Defensible Space Programs
UDRC Defensible Space Reimbursement Program
Coming soon!
Funding for the 2026 Defensible Space Reimbursement Program is included in the La Pine Wildfire Mitigation Project 5-year grant awarded to Deschutes County from the US Forest Service. Funds will be available for new applications after formal agreements have been approved and funds allocated.
The UDRC will help property owners within the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District with the cost of creating or maintaining defensible space for wildfire risk reduction. The UDRC will reimburse your expenses for licensed contractors, rental equipment, and home hardening materials up to $500 maximum.
UDRC Low-income Senior or Low-income Disabled Defensible Space Program
The Low-income Defensible Space program is open for new applications.
This program provides assistance to property owners who cannot do the work themselves or afford to hire someone else to do the work. UDRC has partnered with Council on Aging of Central Oregon to provide free wildfire fuels reduction services for low-income senior or low-income disabled homeowners within the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District.
Click here to visit the UDRC website to learn how to apply for Low-income Senior or Low-income Disabled Defensible Space Program
6 – Oregon Living With Fire Grant Funding
Helping Oregon communities find funding for wildfire resilience projects. Click here to learn more.
Eligibility varies by program. Some funding is designed specifically for private landowners, while other programs require applications from local governments, tribes, nonprofits, fire districts, or collaborative partnerships.
In many cases, individual landowners participate through projects led by a fire district, nonprofit organization, or local government rather than applying directly.
7 – Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization, has actively supported the La Pine and Newberry Country region in Central Oregon. Their work primarily focuses on “hardening” vulnerable neighborhoods by thinning trees, clearing heavy brush, and creating defensible spaces to mitigate severe wildfire threats.
Contact: Jerry Chinn, West Branch, PNW, Central Oregon – jerry.chinn@teamrubiconusa.org