Central Oregon lives with wildfire risk. Every summer brings smoke, evacuation warnings, and the uneasy awareness that the forests we love are also the fuel for fires that threaten our homes. Deschutes County and the City of Sisters have now taken a concrete step to address that risk in new construction. Both jurisdictions adopted Oregon Residential Specialty Code Section R327, establishing wildfire-resistant building standards that take effect April 1, 2026. The requirements add cost to new construction, roughly 3% according to the Central Oregon Builders Association, but the science behind them is compelling.
What R327 Requires
The new standards apply to new residential construction within wildfire hazard zones. The requirements target the ways that fires actually ignite homes, which research shows are overwhelmingly related to embers rather than direct flame contact. Specific requirements include:
- Non-combustible deck materials within 10 feet of the structure (composite, concrete, or metal decking instead of wood)
- Tempered glass windows that resist heat better than standard glass
- Ignition-resistant exterior wall materials (fiber cement, stucco, masonry, or other approved non-combustible cladding)
- Gutter protection to prevent ember accumulation
- Fire-resistant roofing (Class A or better, which most modern roofing already meets)
Each of these requirements addresses a specific vulnerability. Embers, which can travel more than a mile ahead of a fire front, are responsible for approximately 90% of home ignitions during wildfires. A single burning ember landing in an unprotected gutter full of pine needles, on a wood deck, or against combustible siding can ignite a home that the actual fire front never reaches.
The Science of Home Ignition
Understanding why these specific requirements were chosen helps evaluate whether the added cost is justified. Wildfire researchers have spent decades studying how homes ignite during wildfires, and the findings are consistent:
Embers are the primary threat. During a wildfire, winds carry burning embers far ahead of the fire front. These embers land on and around structures, igniting anything combustible. A wood deck, a pile of firewood against the house, unscreened attic vents, and combustible siding are all entry points for ember ignition.
Direct flame contact is rare. Homes ignite from direct flame contact primarily when fire spreads through vegetation planted against the structure. Maintaining defensible space addresses this risk. But even with perfect defensible space, embers can still reach and ignite vulnerable building materials.
Radiant heat breaks windows. Standard glass can shatter from radiant heat, allowing embers to enter the home’s interior. Tempered glass withstands significantly higher temperatures before failing. Once embers enter through a broken window, the interior of the home provides ample fuel.
The Cost Impact
The Central Oregon Builders Association estimates that R327 compliance adds approximately 3% to new construction costs. On a $500,000 home, that’s roughly $15,000. On a $750,000 home, approximately $22,500. These are not insignificant amounts, particularly in a market where construction costs are already running $300 per square foot.
However, that cost needs to be weighed against the alternative: a home without these protections in a fire-prone area. The financial cost of a home lost to wildfire, even with insurance, includes the deductible, the time displacement, the emotional toll, and the potential for insurance non-renewal or premium increases. Insurance companies are increasingly factoring wildfire risk into their underwriting, and homes built to higher fire-resistance standards may enjoy better insurance availability and pricing over time.
The June 2025 Flat Fire
In June 2025, the Flat Fire burned 3,300 acres and destroyed 4 homes in Central Oregon. The fire demonstrated the reality that fires can and do reach structures in our region. While four homes is a small number in absolute terms, each represents a family’s loss. The fire also tested the region’s emergency response capacity and evacuation systems.
The Flat Fire reinforced what fire researchers have been saying for years: it’s not a question of whether fire will reach Central Oregon communities, but when and how prepared we are when it does.
What This Means for Existing Homeowners
R327 applies to new construction, not existing homes. You are not required to retrofit your current home to meet these standards. However, many of the principles behind R327 can be applied voluntarily:
- Replace wood decking with composite materials when it’s time for replacement
- Install gutter guards to prevent debris accumulation
- Consider ignition-resistant siding when re-siding your home
- Maintain defensible space around your property
- Clear combustible materials from within 5 feet of the structure
These improvements increase your home’s survivability in a fire event and may be looked upon favorably by insurance companies. Some may also be required for home sales in wildfire hazard areas, depending on how disclosure requirements evolve.
What This Means for Builders and Buyers
If you’re planning to build in Deschutes County after April 2026, R327 compliance should be part of your design and budget from the start. Work with your architect and builder to incorporate fire-resistant materials in ways that don’t compromise design aesthetics. Modern composite decking, fiber cement siding, and tempered glass are all available in styles and finishes that meet high design standards.
For buyers looking at new construction in Central Oregon, homes built after April 2026 will have these protections built in. That’s a tangible benefit that may differentiate newer homes from older inventory. As wildfire awareness grows, demand for fire-resistant construction is likely to increase.
Looking Ahead
Deschutes County and Sisters have adopted R327, but the City of Bend has not yet done so. Bend’s City Council is considering adoption, and the discussion involves the same cost-versus-safety trade-offs. If Bend adopts R327, the standards would apply uniformly across the primary development area in Central Oregon.
Wildfire building codes are part of a broader shift in how we think about development in fire-prone landscapes. They join defensible space requirements, community wildfire protection plans, and fire district standards as layers of protection. No single measure eliminates risk, but together they substantially reduce it.
For ongoing coverage of how wildfire, building codes, and insurance affect Central Oregon real estate, follow our housing market section. Our team can help you evaluate properties with wildfire considerations in mind, whether you’re buying, selling, or building.