Wildfire season here: Plan, Prep and Go

After a 3.7-acre brush fire near Neff Road ignited Thursday afternoon and threatened nearby homes, Project Wildfire reminded residents in Central Oregon that fire season has started. This is a good time to keep “Plan, Prep and Go” in the back of your mind.

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, 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 receptive environment, homeowners should have a plan for evacuation”, says Alison Green, program director of Project Wildfire. “Don’t wait — if you feel threatened, go!”

Fire season is also a great reminder, that 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, 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.

Visit www.firefree.org or www.firewise.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.