By Tom Joyce
(The Center Square) – The Oregon State Fire Marshal is encouraging all of the state’s residents to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season.
The Fire Marshal wants Oregonians to create defensible space to increase the odds that their homes will survive wildfires, according to a press release from its office. People living in certain parts of the state may receive a $250 payment for getting a free OSFM defensible space assessment. Those eligible for payment can find out more by visiting www.oregondefensiblespace.org. Three hundred fifty-two public employees are trained to give such an assessment.
“Creating defensible space might feel overwhelming, but taking it one project at a time can go a long way in protecting your home,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said in the release. “May is a great time to tackle these projects before the heat of summer arrives.”
Some projects people can undertake to reduce the chances of losing their home to a wildfire include the following, according to the release:
- Space and prune trees.
- Remove leaves, needles, wood, bark mulch, and other debris from within 100 feet of buildings or to the property line.
- Remove leaves, needles, and other debris from roofs and gutters.
- Move flammable material away from the outside of your home, including mulch, flammable plants, leaves, and needles.
- Prevent plants from growing directly under the eaves; a minimum of five feet away is recommended.
- Keep firewood piles and lumber at least 30 feet from any structure.
- Maintain the plants in your yard. Clean out old leaves or pine needles from your plants and prune away dead parts.
One can find a detailed guide about creating a defensible space here.
OSFM suggests that people chip, compost, or recycle debris when creating a defensible space, when possible, rather than burning it.
“If you must burn the debris, follow all local burning restrictions and be safe when using fire,” the release said. “Escaped debris burns are the number one cause of human-sparked fires in Oregon.”
The state has 352 people trained to give a defensible space assessment, including every OSFM deputy state fire marshal and personnel from 73 local fire agencies and the Oregon Department of Forestry, a spokesman for OSFM told The Center Square.
Last year, Oregon endured 1,731 wildfires that burned 158,991 acres during wildfire season, according to The Coos Bay World.
The state’s wildfire season usually lasts from mid-May to late September, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association.
More information on the OSFM’s Wild Fire Awareness Month initiatives is available here.