Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WUI?
WUI refers to the Wildland Urban Interface - where residential and commercial development is intermixed with forested areas. Almost all of Deschutes County is considered "in the WUI".
What causes most homes to burn in the WUI?
During wildfires, most homes are lost as a result of ember showers that deposit glowing embers on especially vulnerable areas such as roof valleys, gutters and decks. These embers smolder in gathered pine needles, leaves and even on furniture cusions, eventually igniting nearby structures such as siding, decks and fences.
What is defensible space and how can I get more information about it?
Defensible space is the 30 - 100 foot fire-resistant zone around your home where flammable vegetation and materials have been reduced to slow the spread of wildfire to your home. Visit www.FireFree.org for information about how you can create defensible space in just one weekend!
What are Fuels Reduction Treatments?
Fuels reduction treatments refer to projects that reduce the hazardous vegetation or "fuels" on a property. The goal with most treatments is to reduce "ladder fuels" to eliminate direct pathways from vegetation to trees or structures. This is the concept behind defensible space above.
