Wildfire Safety in Central Oregon: A Homeowner & Renter Guide

Resources like Project Wildfire and the Firewise USA program offer excellent Central Oregon–specific guidance, and many neighborhoods host free chipping events each spring.

Build a Go-Bag (For Everyone)

Whether you own or rent, every household should have an emergency kit ready to grab. Include:

• Water and non-perishable snacks • Medications and a first-aid kit • Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, lease) • Phone chargers and a backup battery • N95 masks for smoke • Pet food, leashes, and carriers • Comfort items for kids

Know Your Insurance (For Everyone)

Property owners should confirm their coverage includes wildfire and understand their policy limits. Tenants—this is a great reminder to secure renters insurance. It's affordable (often $15–$25 a month) and protects your personal belongings, which a property owner's policy does not cover. If you rent a home managed by HDPM, keeping your renters insurance current is one of the smartest ways to protect yourself.

During a Fire: Stay Calm and Act Fast

When a fire threatens your area, quick, clear action keeps everyone safer.

If You Receive an Evacuation Notice

• Follow the level. At Level 3, leave immediately. Your belongings can be replaced—you cannot. • Take your go-bag and pets. • Wear protective clothing—long sleeves, closed shoes, and an N95 mask. • Back your car into the driveway and keep the gas tank full during fire season so you're ready to leave fast. • Know two ways out of your neighborhood in case one route is blocked.

Protecting the Home on Your Way Out (If Time Allows)

If you're at Level 1 or 2 and have time to spare safely:

• Close all windows and doors. • Move flammable furniture to the center of rooms. • Turn off gas at the meter if instructed. • Leave outdoor lights on so firefighters can see the home in smoke.

Never risk your safety to protect property. When in doubt, go.

Managing Smoke

Even when no fire is near, Central Oregon summers often bring heavy smoke. Check air quality on AirNow.gov or the OregonAIR app. On smoky days:

• Keep windows and doors closed. • Run air conditioning on recirculate. • Use a portable air purifier if you have one. • Limit outdoor activity, especially for kids, seniors, and anyone with respiratory conditions.

After a Fire: Returning Home Safely

Once authorities lift evacuation orders, take it slow.

Wait for the All-Clear

Don't return until officials confirm it's safe. Downed power lines, hot spots, and compromised structures pose real hazards.

Document and Report

If a managed property has experienced any damage—smoke, ash, water, or structural issues—tenants should report it promptly. At HDPM, our team is here to coordinate inspections, repairs, and any insurance follow-up so residents don't have to navigate it alone. A quick photo and a message to your property manager gets the process started.

Check In on Neighbors

Central Oregon has a strong community spirit. After a fire event, checking on elderly neighbors or those without transportation is part of what makes our high desert towns special.

Local Resources Worth Bookmarking

• Central Oregon Fire Info – centraloregonfire.org • Watch Duty app – live fire and evacuation tracking • Deschutes County Emergency Management • Project Wildfire – defensible space and preparedness • Oregon Department of Forestry – ODF fire updates

Preparedness Is a Community Effort

Wildfires are a reality of life in Central Oregon, but preparation turns fear into confidence. Whether you own a home in Sisters or rent an apartment in Redmond, a little planning now protects what matters most when fire season arrives.

At High Desert Property Management, we're proud to serve owners and residents across Central Oregon—and helping our community stay safe is part of that commitment. Have questions about wildfire preparedness for a property you own or rent with us? Reach out to our team anytime. We're here to help you feel ready before the smoke ever rolls in.