Free Defensible Space Crews Arrive for Local Homeowners
Tygh Valley, OR · October 6, 2026
Crisp morning air is lingering across the hills before midday sunshine warms the valley floor. It is prime weather to tackle outdoor property chores and check defensible space around the yard.
The Lead
Specialized field crews from Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue and the Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District have begun door-to-door defensible space work across South Wasco County, targeting properties throughout Tygh Valley, Wamic, and Pine Hollow. Funded by the federal Community Wildfire Defense Grant, the program provides free labor to help residents establish a resilient 30-foot perimeter around their homes and outbuildings. Teams focus directly on high-risk ignition zones by pruning lower tree branches, clearing overgrown brush, hauling off accumulated pine needles, and shifting firewood piles safely away from exterior walls. Priority goes to older residents, individuals with mobility limitations, and landowners unable to complete heavy clearing on their own. Homeowners seeking assistance can schedule a site visit through the county planning division or speak directly with crew supervisors stationed in the valley this week.
Local Pulse
- County Commission Convenes Wednesday in The Dalles City Hall The board meets Wednesday morning at 401 East Third Street to review regional road agreements and department business.
Today's Outlook
- High 81°F · Low 48°F — Clear
- Keep a morning jacket handy, but expect clear, warm sunshine through the afternoon.
What's On Around Town
Today
- Crazy Craft Club: Grimm Silhouette Painting The Dalles Wasco County Library (722 Court St), The Dalles, 4:00–5:00 PM · Free Hands-on fairy tale silhouette painting designed for kids ages eight to twelve.
Tomorrow
- Adult Art Club: Grimm Lanterns The Dalles Wasco County Library (722 Court St), The Dalles, 1:00–2:30 PM · Free
- Kids & Tweens Great Build Off The Dalles Wasco County Library (722 Court St), The Dalles, 6:00–7:00 PM · Free
Thursday
- Show Opening Party: Mark Nilsson The Dalles Art Center (220 E 4th St), The Dalles, 5:00–7:00 PM · Free
- Hope Starts Here Fall Soiree The Dalles Civic Auditorium (323 E 4th St), The Dalles, 6:00–8:00 PM · $25
Spotlight & Story
- Dufur Threshing Bee In 1970, Wamic wheelwright Everett Metzentine and Dufur neighbor Bob DePriest struck up a conversation after harvesting grain with draft horses, deciding the wider public needed to see the heritage work firsthand. By 1971, the demonstration launched on 40 donated town acres.
Tygh Valley Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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