During the cool, rainy winters in Oregon it is easy to forget how dry the summer can become as the weather becomes warmer. Either heavy winter rainfalls—causing vegetation to grow tall and dense--or light rain--which leave vegetation very dry--can cause the forested areas to become a raging inferno which threatens your property in a matter of seconds.
In Southern Oregon it's not hard to imagine a wildfire that could threaten homes, it seems each year there are more and larger fires that threaten homes. Every year, many homes are damaged, and some destroyed, by wildfire. In most cases a few simple precautions could have saved the property from the damage.
Wildfire safety is something that every resident needs to consider.
Paths for wildfire to travel are hidden all around in residential areas. An alley or a wash overgrown with brush, a vacant field, or even your own backyard could be all the fuel the fire needs.
Take Precautions for Your Safety
1. Report brush fires immediately by dialing 911.
2. Be very cautious if you attempt to control a brush fire with a garden hose. Wildfires move very rapidly and can severely burn you.
3. Be careful when burning anything
Normally from mid-June until mid-October all outside burning is prohibited.
4. Clear a 50-foot area of defensible space around any structure. Defensible space is an area around the building that is free of highly flammable dead vegetation. Living plants and trees need not be removed--only those that are dead and dry. This will help ensure that a wildfire will not be carried directly to your home. It will also provide a space where the firefighters can position to protect your home. Make sure that all buildings are considered. Sheds, barns and outbuildings are often forgotten but are the first to be exposed to fire.
5. Make sure that your defensible space area is increased if you have a shingle roof or primarily wood construction. Also, clear all flammable fuels from underneath wooden decks and overhangs.
6. When creating your defensible space inspect living trees and plants. These should be trimmed of dead leaves, branches and foliage.
7. When camping in our local forests or campgrounds make sure to follow the US Forest Service or BLM guidelines for camping and any warnings in effect.
 Click here to view an interactive Urban Wildland presentation by Rural/Metro fire operations in Arizona.
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