Deschutes County faces increasingly severe drought conditions, with the number of affected residents now at 67 percent—up sharply from just last month. Bend recorded only 0.02 inches of precipitation over the past week, and recent forecasts predict continued warm, dry weather with below-normal rainfall. The lack of moisture has left Central Oregon’s vegetation unusually dry and vulnerable, prompting urgent warnings from the Oregon Department of Forestry. Residents are urged to burn yard debris only on cool, damp days, clear vegetation around burn piles, and always check for local fire restrictions. In response to heightened wildfire risks, educators and agencies are gearing up for Wildfire Preparedness Fairs throughout April and May, offering workshops on home hardening, defensible space, and safe evacuation planning. Families can find event details and register at centraloregonfire.org.