Gary Dyrdahl, from left, and Rich Feldman unload yard debris at Knott Landfill during a FireFree yard-waste recycling event at Knott Landfill in 2021.

Deschutes County’s annual FireFree yard debris disposal event will give residents a chance to protect their properties from wildfire by offering free yard waste disposal starting May 31 in Redmond.

This free event will help residents prepare their yards for fire season by disposing of flammable yard materials — including grass clippings, brush, plant trimmings, pine needles, pine cones, weeds, branches, stumps and trees — at their local collection stations.

“During a wildfire, most homes are lost when falling embers smolder and ignite the vulnerable areas around the home,” said County Forester Kevin Moriarty. “Embers can travel several miles and ignite roof valleys and gutters filled with pine needles, as well as leaves or other debris piled in a yard.”

Residents can drop their debris off free of charge. Loads should be covered during transport to the collection site.

Items that will not be accepted are sod, dirt, rocks, lumber, metal, trash or plastics of any kind. The county also cannot accept stumps or trees larger than 12 inches in diameter.

In Redmond, the drop off is possible at the upgraded Negus Transfer Station, 2400 NE Maple Ave. from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May 31 to June 8. Sisters residents can drop off at the same times at Northwest Transfer Station, 68200 Fryrear Road.