Shevlin Fire prompts ‘defensible space’ reminder

Thursday’s Shevlin Fire prompted a reminder that residents should be prepared for wildfire at a moment’s notice, and provide adequate defensible space on their property.

You can prepare for wildfire by creating and maintaining your home’s defensible space and have an evacuation kit ready for your family.

With especially dry and hot conditions across Central Oregon, the potential for large wildfires is increasing daily. Central Oregon is now in fire season and YOU are our greatest resource when it comes to protecting homes and neighborhoods. With some simple steps you are able to protect your home and community from a wildfire.

Remember to keep your defensible space defined (30 feet), keep grass and weeds cut low and always be prepared to respond to wildfire.

With this in mind, Project Wildfire urges you to take a look around your property in the “home ignition zone” where glowing embers can ignite spot fires and vulnerable areas like decks, patios and fences that can spread flames to your home. The greatest risk of homes catching fire during a wildland fire event is from the advancing ember shower that can reach your property long before an actual flame front.

“The strong winds that are produced by a large fire can push embers up to 3 miles away. These embers are “firebrands” that can ignite items such as patio furniture cushions, pine needles on your roof and weeds that have grown too tall,” says Alison Green, Program Coordinator for Project Wildfire. “Firefighting resources are limited locally so it’s up to individual residents to take responsibility for the defensible space around their homes and outbuildings,” she adds.

To address this threat fire professionals recommend the following steps that homeowners can take right now to help protect themselves against this very real threat in Central Oregon:

Cut all grasses and weeds to 4″ or less.
Clear all pine needles, weeds, leaves and flammable debris from around your home including on roofs; in gutters; near fences; and on, around and under decks – anywhere where glowing embers can ignite and spread fire to your home.
Reduce shrubs and other “ladder fuels” around your home that can spread fire to nearby trees or structures.
Trim up trees to prevent the spread of fire to the upper branches, or “crowns”.
Remove all dead, dying and diseased vegetation around your home – maintain healthy trees and shrubs.
Move wood piles at least 30 feet from your home and away from combustible materials or vegetation.
Keep driveways clear by trimming trees and cutting weeds for easy access of emergency equipment.

With the start of fire season in Central Oregon, having an evacuation kit ready for your family is a key piece of being prepared. Have your 5 P’s: People, Pets, Pills, Photos, important Papers, and your 72-hour kit ready to go. Make sure your 72-hour kit has: a flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, phone chargers, prescription pills, eyeglasses, any essential equipment for infants/elderly, water, sleeping bags, clothing for each family member, important documents and your 5P’s. Keep these things in a spot in your home that is easily accessed so you can leave in a hurry.

“We never want to think an evacuation could happen to us. But in our fire adapted ecosystem, it’s not if but when we should be prepared to respond to wildfire”, Green, explains.

Visit www.firefree.org for more information about how you can prepare your property for wildfire season and Plan, Prep, Go guide. Or call the Project Wildfire office at 541-322-7129.