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Protect your property against wildfire

Sunshine, warm temperatures – Pacific Northwest summers are the highlight of the year for many. Districts across the state take advantage of the favorable climate and use this season to complete projects that can’t be done in the rain. However, alongside the nice weather, summer also brings the increased risk of wildfires. SDAO and the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) urge members to utilize the available resources to safeguard properties against fire threats.  

Defensible Space  

The best way to protect your property against wildfire is to make sure you have defensible space. Put simply, defensible space is the area around your property that’s maintained in a way to prevent fire spread. 

If you haven’t started creating defensible space, the OSFM recommends starting in the first five feet closest to your buildings. A few things to get you started: 

  • Remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from the roof, gutters, and on and under the deck.  
  • Trim tall plants and bushes growing directly under your eaves.  
  • Trim trees and bushes to make sure they have adequate space from your buildings and other vegetation.  
  • Remove dead and combustible plants and mulch, especially within the first several feet from the home. Replace with decorative rock or gravel. 
  • Cover exterior attic vents, soffit vents, and areas below decks and patios with 1/8" metal wire mesh. 
  • Be cautious with using power tools and other equipment that can throw sparks and don’t operate machinery in the heat of the day.  

Summer is a great time to plan defensible space projects to start working on in the fall when wildfire season is over. The OSFM and fire service partners offer free defensible space assessments and can give personalized advice about how to start a defensible space plan or make an existing plan even better. Request an assessment here. 

Support and Success Stories 

Throughout the year, and especially during fire season, the OSFM and structural fire service are working hard to protect Oregonians. A tool that’s made a big difference is the 2024 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant. This grant provided 191 local fire agencies with funding to bring on extra firefighters throughout the wildfire season. The added staff not only help with wildfire response but are there for help with other emergency calls. In 2022 and 2023, the grant increased capacity by 3,476 firefighters in 220 communities. Read more success stories here

More Assistance and Resources 

If you have any questions about defensible space, wildfire season, or how the OSFM is working to protect Oregonians, feel free to contact us at ask.osfm@osfm.oregon.gov.  The most helpful thing every Oregonian can do this summer is prevent sparking a wildfire. Find actionable tips here.