Wildfire Safety
Wildfires are a natural phenomenon in Oregon's forests. We urge residents to take proactive steps in safeguarding their homes and neighborhoods through Defensible Space tactics.
COMMUNITY SAFETY
Defensible Space
Defensible space in wildfire protection refers to the natural and landscaped area around a structure that has been modified to reduce fire hazard.
This space acts as a buffer between a building and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. The goal is to create a zone where vegetation and other materials are treated, cleared, or reduced to slow the spread of fire to and from the building. This practice is crucial in helping to protect properties from wildfires by providing firefighters with a safer and more effective area to defend the structure if a fire approaches.
Defensible Space Tips
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Roofing: When roof is replaced, install a fire-resistive or non-combustible material such as asphalt, metal, clay, tile, slate or concrete product.
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Trees: Trees should be spaced 10ft from the home, other trees, and power lines. Keep limbs of 10ft+ trees trimmed to 6ft from the ground; for smaller trees, keep limbs trimmed to 1/3 height from the ground.
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Lawns: Keep grass mowed to under 4 inches
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Fencing: Sections that connect to structures could be replaced with fire resistive materials such as metal.
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Gutters: Keeping leaves, tree needles and debris out of gutters to prevent embers from starting a fire
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Attic vents: Cover exterior attic vents, soffit vents, and areas below decks and patios with 1/8 inch metal wire mesh.
Additional Wildfire Safety Resources
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When roof is replaced, install a fire-resistant or non-combustable material such as asphalt, metal, clay, tile, slate, or concrete product
Cover exterior attic vents, soffit vents, and areas below decks and patios with 1/8 inch metal wire mesh.
Keep leaves, tree needles and debris out of gutters to prevent embers from starting a fire.
Keep siding and skirting in good condition, and awnings clear of debris
Sections that connect to structures could be replaced with fire resistive materials such as metal
Trees should be spaced 10ft from the home, other trees, and power lines. Keep limbs trimmed to 6ft from the ground
Keep grass mowed to under 4 inches
SAFETY EDUCATION
Hover over a blue star to learn about Wildfire Defensible Space tips
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SAFETY EDUCATION
Learn about Wildfire Defensible Space tips for your home
Looking for current wildfire updates?
Watch Duty, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, alerts you of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real-time. Watch Duty is a free application monitored and updated by real people including active and retired wildland firefighters, dispatchers, first responders, and reporters.
