April 2026 Sunriver Scene - Flipbook - Page 22
Continued from page 19
4) Pondos: Thick Bark
Us: Home Hardening
A ponderosa pine’s trunk is a fire-resistant fortress. Ponderosa has some
of the thickest bark in the tree world - on mature trees it can be three or
more inches in depth. This incredibly dense bark protects the tree’s fragile
inner cambium layer and allows mature pondos to stand tall and green
despite the touch of flames. Home hardening can be an equally impactful
defense for structures.
Home hardening is a chimney-to-foundation approach to preparing
structures for wildfire. A house is inherently fuel for fire, but if you imagine starting a campfire, you can hold a match to a fresh cut log all day
long, and that fire won’t start without some tinder and kindling to get
it going. Follow the self-assessment on the previous page to ensure that
your home is as air-tight and tinder-free as a ponderosa pine’s trunk.
At maturityy they have bark
thatt is thick and platy with
an orangish brown
own hue
Ponderosa
nderosa Pine
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Disclaimer:
The information on this map was derived from digital
databases, field measurements and/or observations on
Sunriver Owners Association’s GIS. Care was taken in the
creation of this map, but it is provided “as is”. Sunriver
Owners Association cannot accept any responsibility for
errors, omissions, or positional accuracy in the digital
data or the underlying data. There are no warranties,
express or implied, including the warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, accompanying
this product. However, notification of any errors will be
appreciated.
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The ponderosa pine knows that fire is unpredictable and can occur at
any moment. That’s why it is always prepared. Remember to “think like
a Pondo” this fire season and stay safe!
SA
GAN
DIN
ER
The ponderosa pine drops dead needles throughout the year, with a
big push each fall known as the autumn “needle drop.” We can adopt a
similar, seasonal attitude with our defensible space maintenance. Establish
a spring routine of eliminating all ladder fuels, double checking that vent
screening and deck finishes are in good condition, putting away flammable
items when they are not in use, and moving firewood at least 20 feet away
from any structure.
A 10-minute property walk with your self-assessments in hand each
spring and regular seasonal maintenance can bring ease and assurance
that your property is fire-ready, all year long.
SROA manages LFR on common areas on a consistent schedule, as
well. Reducing the risks of wildfire takes a community effort, so SROA
performs the same work listed on the LFR self-assessment on commons.
LFR work is done on a six-year cycle on commons, approximately 150
acres each year. To view this year’s LFR treatment area check out the map
to the right.
2026 SROA
A Ladder Fuels Reduction
Contract Area
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6) Pondos: Living Seasonally
Us: Maintenance Routine
Ponderosa pines
have
e a high canopy
TITLEIST
In the event that a fire or ember shower reaches Sunriver, firefighters
may not be available to defend every house in the community. But
with proper home hardening and ladder fuel reduction (LFR), which
together we call defensible space, our homes have a far better chance of
withstanding fire like a ponderosa. We and our families, on the other
hand, will not be staying in place. We will be evacuating.
Being prepared to evacuate is a crucial component of living in a
fire-prone area. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office initiates Evacuation Levels when wildfire is close. Sign up for notifications through
Deschutes Alerts, if you haven’t already, and be aware of what the levels
mean.
SROA considers Level 1 – Be Prepared to be in effect essentially all fire
season long. Create an evacuation plan with your family or neighbors,
know the routes out of the community, and have a 72-hour go-bag
prepared ahead of time. Level 2 – Be Set means you are ready to evacuate
at a moment’s notice. If you have family members with special care needs
or pets or animals, you might choose to evacuate at Level 2 to ensure a
smooth exit. As wildfire conditions can change rapidly, a Level 2 – Be Set
notice may be the last one you receive. Level 3 – Go Now means there
is no time to prepare, you must evacuate immediately, as it is not safe
to stay in place. Doing so threatens your safety and that of emergency
responders. Remember, you can always evacuate anytime there is a fire
in the area.
Your home can be like a pondo, but you and your family are not, and
when it’s time to go, it’s time to go.
Needles are 5-9”
long in groups of
three that form
tufts at the end
of each branch
BIG
5) Pondos: Standing Still Amidst Fire
Us: Evacuate Your Family While
Your Home Remains
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