Redmond Fire & Rescue is inviting Central Oregon residents to weigh in on a draft Wildland‑Urban Interface (WUI) Code designed to strengthen safety measures for homes and neighborhoods vulnerable to wildfires. The agency announced the public comment period on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of community participation in shaping the final regulations.

Key components of the proposed code

The draft code focuses on three primary areas:

• Defensible space: Property owners would be required to maintain clear vegetation buffers around structures, reducing fuel loads that can accelerate fire spread.
• Emergency vehicle access: New standards would ensure that roads and driveways leading to homes meet width and clearance requirements, allowing fire trucks to reach properties quickly.
• Home protection: Guidelines would address roof and siding materials, encouraging fire‑resistant construction and retrofits for existing homes.

Fire officials say these measures reflect lessons learned from recent wildfire seasons across the high desert and aim to protect both lives and property.

How to submit comments

Residents can share their thoughts by emailing [email protected] or by attending upcoming Redmond Fire & Rescue meetings, where the draft will be discussed. The agency plans to review all feedback before finalizing the code, which could be adopted later this year.

Why the code matters to families

Central Oregon’s growing population and expanding housing developments have increased the number of homes situated in the wildland‑urban interface. By establishing clear, enforceable standards, the fire department hopes to give families peace of mind and reduce the likelihood of catastrophic loss during future fire events.

“We want to hear from you!” the department said in its announcement, underscoring a commitment to transparency and local involvement. Officials encourage homeowners, builders, and neighborhood associations to participate, noting that community input can help fine‑tune the regulations to local conditions.

Next steps

The comment period will remain open for several weeks, after which Redmond Fire & Rescue will compile the responses and present a revised draft to the city council for consideration. If adopted, the new WUI Code would become part of the city’s fire safety ordinances, providing a clear framework for residents to follow.

For more information about the proposed code and upcoming meeting dates, visit the Redmond Fire & Rescue website or contact the department directly.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.