Local News

State Fire Marshal Urges Creation of Defensible Space to Prepare for 2024 Wildfire Season

News Image
May is Wildfire Awareness Month and the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is encouraging all Oregonians to get prepared for the upcoming wildfire season.

Creating defensible space is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home and increase the chances it will survive a wildfire.

The State Fire Marshal offers free defensible space assessments to Oregonians who want to start creating defensible space or those who want to optimize their current plan. For a limited time, people living in select areas of the state may be eligible for a $250 payment after receiving an assessment.

You can request an assessment and learn more at "oregondefensiblespace.org."

A few projects you can consider this month include spacing and pruning trees; removing leaves, needles, wood, bark mulch and other debris from within 100 feet of buildings or to the property line; moving flammable material away from the outside of your home; preventing plants from growing directly under the eaves of your home; and keeping firewood and lumber at least 30 feet from any structure.

When creating defensible space, you may have debris to get rid of. The OSFM suggests chipping, composting or recycling it. If you must burn debris, follow all local burning restrictions and be safe when using fire. Escaped debris burns are the #1 cause of human-sparked fires in Oregon.

During Wildfire Awareness Month, the OSFM and its partners are encouraging, empowering and informing Oregonians to help prevent and prepare for wildfire.
Posted on 5/10/24 6:41AM by Sam Marsh