Bend Fire & Rescue Launches New Online Tool For Wildfire Risk Home Assessments (Photo) - 09/10/26

Bend Fire & Rescue has launched a new online tool that makes it easier for residents to request free wildfire risk home assessments and access personalized mitigation recommendations, supporting efforts to make Bend a more fire-adapted community.

The new tool streamlines the assessment process by allowing residents to request appointments online through Fire Aside, Bend Fire's wildfire assessment and data management platform. Through the system, residents can request an assessment, access assessment reports, document completed mitigation projects and view progress over time.

A wildfire risk home assessment is designed to help homeowners identify actions that can reduce wildfire risk around their properties. During the approximately one-hour visit, a trained assessor walks the property with the resident, discusses vulnerabilities and provides recommendations related to defensible space and home hardening.

"The launch of this tool is an important step in helping residents take action to reduce wildfire risk around their homes," Deputy Fire Marshal Melissa Steele said. "These assessments provide practical recommendations that can help homeowners improve their property's resilience to wildfire while supporting Bend Fire's community wildfire preparedness efforts."

After completing an assessment, residents can create a secure Fire Aside profile to access personalized recommendations and wildfire preparedness resources. The platform also allows homeowners to upload photos of completed mitigation work, creating a record of actions taken to reduce wildfire risk.

Information gathered through assessments will help Bend Fire better understand common wildfire preparedness needs across the community and inform future outreach, education and resource planning efforts.

Residents can request a free wildfire risk home assessment at bendoregon.gov/own-your-zone. Once a request is submitted, Bend Fire staff will contact the requestor to schedule an appointment.

About Bend Fire & Rescue

Bend Fire & Rescue provides fire protection, emergency medical services, community risk reduction programs and wildfire preparedness education to over 144,000 residents throughout the Bend community and surrounding rural area of Deschutes Rural Fire Protection District #2. Bend Fire's Own Your Zone program helps residents prepare their homes and neighborhoods for wildfire while supporting long-term community resilience.

Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities & Language Assistance Services

You can obtain this information in alternate formats such as Braille, electronic format, etc. Free language assistance services are also available. Please email accessibility@bendoregon.gov or call 541-693-2198. Relay Users Dial 7-1-1. All requests are subject to vendor processing times and should be submitted 48-72 hours in advance of events.

Servicios de asistencia lingüística e información sobre alojamiento para personas con discapacidad

Puede obtener esta información en formatos alternativos como Braille, formato electrónico, etc. También disponemos de servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Póngase en contacto en correo electrónico accessibility@bendoregon.gov o número de teléfono 541-693-2198. Los usuarios del servicio de retransmisión deben marcar el 7-1-1. Por favor, envíe sus solicitudes con 48-72 horas de antelación al evento; todas las solicitudes están sujetas a los tiempos de procesamiento del proveedor.