2025 Spring Fire Free

FireFree: Empowering Homeowners to Prepare for Wildfires

FireFree, established in 1997, is a year-round educational program that empowers Central Oregon residents to prepare their homes for the threat of wildfire. A program of Project Wildfire and Deschutes County Natural Resources, FireFree coordinates and implements local events and provides education to help homeowners mitigate wildfire risks. The program is supported by the Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste.

Free Yard Debris Collection

The Department of Solid Waste offers a free local collection of yard debris to assist homeowners in creating defensible space for wildfire mitigation. Collection events are held at county transfer stations during operating hours. NOT at Alfalfa. 

Accepted materials include:

Grass clippings
Brush
Plant prunings
Pine needles and pine cones
Weeds
Trimmings and branches
Stumps or trees (no larger than 12” in diameter)

This event is specifically designed to reduce wildfire risk by helping homeowners manage vegetation and other potential fire fuels around their homes.
Please note:
Materials should be for wildfire mitigation purposes only, not for land clearing for construction or general landscape maintenance.

NOT Accepted:

Sod
Dirt
Rocks
Lumber
Metal
Trash or plastics of any kind, including plastic bags
Any stumps or trees larger than 12” diameter.

What Happens to Your Debris?

Yard debris collected during FireFree events is used in landfill operations but is not composted due to the volume received exceeding Deschutes Recycling’s composting capacity. If you prefer your materials to be composted, they must be brought to Deschutes Recycling at Knott Landfill, where standard fees will apply.

Why Defensible Space Matters

Reduces Fire Intensity: Clears fuel sources like dry grass and leaves, making fires less intense and easier to control.
Protects Firefighters: Creates safer areas for firefighters to work, reducing the risk of injury.
Safeguards Homes: Prevents ember ignitions by removing flammable materials near structures.
Slows Fire Spread: Creates breaks in fuel, buying time for response and evacuation.
Boosts Community Safety: Lowers wildfire risk when neighbors collectively maintain defensible space.
Insurance Benefits: Meets requirements for coverage in fire-prone areas.
Promotes Ecosystem Health: Supports natural fire cycles by reducing overgrown vegetation.

For more information about FireFree, events, and tips for creating defensible space and fire-resistant plants, visit the FireFree website. 

To view the spring dates for 2025, visit the Solid Waste calendar.