Protecting your home from wildfire
It’s no secret that fire season is upon us, across the country and right here in Central Oregon. The majority of the large fires in our region occur in more remote, wooded areas and that can lead to a false sense of security. Wildfires in our cities are a rare occurrence but when they do happen the results are devastating. Instead of creating alarm or anxiety, our goal is to provide practical, proven tips that can make a big difference in protecting your property and our beautiful community.
Maintain defensible space.
Fire needs fuel so “starving” it is your best defense. That means creating a fuel-free zone. Defensible space is defined as a 100-foot-wide area around the perimeter of your property’s buildings that is free of combustible debris (pine needles, leaves, overgrown brush, dry grasses, etc.) that could carry fire to, and into, your home. The goal is not to make the area completely bare, as having some vegetation and trees can help to block wind-driven embers, but to keep it clear of dead vegetation. This defensible space also gives firefighters room to battle a blaze and protect your home in the event of a fire.
Guard against embers.
Blowing embers, which skip from one fuel source to another, are the easiest way for fires to spread. Wood shake roofs, wooden fences, and wood decks are no match for falling embers so consider non-flammable building materials whenever possible. It’s also important to keep embers from blowing into your home so be sure to cover openings such as exterior vents, skylights, and pet doors.
Plant with intention.
Your home’s building materials are probably not the only fire fuel on your property. Many plants and trees commonly found in this region, including pine, juniper, sage, cheat grass, manzanita, and Scotch broom are highly combustible. Wood mulch is another popular landscape material that also happens to be very flammable. While completely deleting these options from your home is probably not realistic (or beautiful) you can mitigate risk by keeping your existing landscaping well-watered during hot weather. You can also consider swapping wood mulch for pavers or crushed stone, look for trees and shrubs that are fire resistant, and remember to maintain your defensible space year round.
Make a plan.
No one wants to think about evacuating but being prepared – just in case - is so important. Considering what you could realistically fit in a single vehicle or carry on foot will help you determine what is most important. Know where valuable documents and cherished heirlooms are so you can pack them at a moment’s notice. Have a designated meeting point where family members can gather to check in if they get separated. Keep a “go bag” with extra phone chargers, prescriptions, bottled water, pet food, and some cash. Making these preparations will put a bit of control in your hands and should also bring you a little peace of mind if the worst comes to pass.
Hot, dry summers are a part of living in the high desert. We can’t change the weather but when all of us take responsibility by taking these simple steps we can help keep ourselves and our neighbors safe.
