Last year, Oregon had one of the most destructive fire seasons in its history. With 1.9 million acres burned, communities were tested and lives were changed. But amid the devastation, there were also stories of resilience -- homes that stood strong because they had defensible space.
As May marks "Wildfire Awareness Month," the Oregon State Fire Marshal is urging Oregonians to act now. With the possibility of another challenging fire season ahead, preparing your home could make all the difference.
State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said for the last several years, they've been proactively working to boost staffing at local fire agencies, modernizing response equipment and investing in wildfire resilience projects across Oregon. But she said they can't do it alone and called on every Oregonian to rise to this challenge. Creating defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to protect your property and your community.
Start with small changes that have a big impact. Space and prune trees to prevent fires from climbing into canopies. Remove leaves, pine needles, bark mulch and other debris within 100 feet of structures or up to your property line. Clean roofs and gutters of flammable debris. Move combustible materials -- like mulch and firewood -- away from your home. Keep plants trimmed and clear of dead material, especially near the house. Avoid planting directly under eaves -- leave at least a five-foot buffer.
As you clean up your yard, be mindful about disposal. Consider chipping, composting or recycling. If burning is necessary, always follow local rules. Debris burns that get out of control are the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon. For more information, please visit "oregondefensiblespace.org."
