In an effort to reduce the threat of wildfire to homes and structures, Deschutes County is allowing area residents to drop off yard debris at Knott Landfill at no cost.

The county is trying to encourage residents to increase the defensible space around their homes, and along with the state, is urging residents to safely dispose of their yard debris without using burn piles.

The program at Knott Landfill will accept pine needles, branches, shrubs and limbs.

Sod, dirt, rock, lumber, metal, trash, plastics or stumps over 12 inches in diameter are not permitted.

Items can be brought to Knott Landfill, 61050 SE 27th Street, in Bend, between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. until May 21, seven days a week.