Fire Season in Central Oregon
Do you have a plan for your home and community for fire prevention? Central Oregon is home to the nationally recognized Firewise Program and everyone should be cognizant to the vast and varied ignition sources throughout the region. Wildfire Community Preparedness Day happened last month on May 6, which is the program that is co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the US Department of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters. This is a time when communities from all over the country work together in an effort to make their homes and communities fire free.
There are several valuable resources available to help you and your community prepare for fire season. If you have not already developed a plan for your home and community, you can start by accessing resources listed below:
sheriff.deschutes.org/divisions/special-services/emergency-management
www.firewise.org/wildfire-preparedness/firewise-toolkit.aspx
www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/wildfire-and-seasonal-fires/wildland-fires
http://www.projectwildfire.org
Let’s begin with the basics of defensible space and the “home ignition zone.” The concept of the home ignition zone was developed by USDA Forest Service fire scientist Jack Cohen in the late 1990s, following some breakthrough experimental research into how homes ignite because of radiant heat. The Zone Concept was developed as a plan to help save homes and lives. There are three zones that are shown in the map below.
There are several valuable resources available to help you and your community prepare for fire season. If you have not already developed a plan for your home and community, you can start by accessing resources listed below:
sheriff.deschutes.org/divisions/special-services/emergency-management
www.firewise.org/wildfire-preparedness/firewise-toolkit.aspx
www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/wildfire-and-seasonal-fires/wildland-fires
http://www.projectwildfire.org
Let’s begin with the basics of defensible space and the “home ignition zone.” The concept of the home ignition zone was developed by USDA Forest Service fire scientist Jack Cohen in the late 1990s, following some breakthrough experimental research into how homes ignite because of radiant heat. The Zone Concept was developed as a plan to help save homes and lives. There are three zones that are shown in the map below.
Using the Zone Concept
The primary goal for Firewise landscaping is fuel reduction — limiting the amount of flammable vegetation and materials surrounding the home and increasing the moisture content of remaining vegetation. The home itself and everything around it up to 100 – 200 feet is known as the ‘home ignition zone.’ In areas across the country where the risk of wildfire is high, the home ignition zone extends up to 200 feet beyond the actual home structure. Within this 200-foot area, there are three zones:
Zone 1 encircles the structure and all its attachments (wooden decks, fences, and boardwalks) for at least 30 feet on all sides. In this area:
Zone 2 is 30 to 100 feet from the home, and plants in this zone should be low-growing, well irrigated and less flammable. In this area:
Zone 3 is 100 to 200 feet from the home and this area should be thinned, although less space is required than in Zone 2. In this area:
Property owners need to address the "little things" first: National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) advises property owners to start with the house and work their way out. Having a nonflammable roof covering and assembly adds an enormous safety measure. Keeping roofs and gutters clean and clear of leaves or needles is critical to minimizing ignition from embers. Flammable attachments (e.g., untreated wooden decks) are very vulnerable to ignition and can carry fire to the main structure. Keep flat surfaces clear of debris. Clean out any leaves, needles or stored material that could burn from under decks or porches. During this high fire danger season, remove large potential heat sources such as piles of firewood, spare building materials, vehicles or anything that could catch embers or ignite by flames in the grass needs to be as far away from dwellings as possible. Download NFPA’s Firewise Tips Checklist for Homeowners atwww.firewise.org that includes these and other actionable steps you can start working on today.
Property owners in Central Oregon may also contact Project Wildfire for assistance. Their competent staff will help owners assess their vacant land or homes for fire safety. Project Wildfire has also coordinated grants for Central Oregon communities to assist in the identification of fire hazard areas and the removal of ladder fuels from a community. They are a wonderful resource!
The primary goal for Firewise landscaping is fuel reduction — limiting the amount of flammable vegetation and materials surrounding the home and increasing the moisture content of remaining vegetation. The home itself and everything around it up to 100 – 200 feet is known as the ‘home ignition zone.’ In areas across the country where the risk of wildfire is high, the home ignition zone extends up to 200 feet beyond the actual home structure. Within this 200-foot area, there are three zones:
Zone 1 encircles the structure and all its attachments (wooden decks, fences, and boardwalks) for at least 30 feet on all sides. In this area:
- Plants should be carefully spaced, low-growing and free of resins, oils and waxes that burn easily.
- Mow the lawn regularly. Prune trees up six to ten feet from the ground.
- Space conifer trees 30 feet between crowns. Trim back trees that overhang the house.
- Create a ‘fire-free’ area within five feet of the home, using non-flammable landscaping materials and/or high-moisture-content annuals and perennials.
- Remove dead vegetation from under deck and within 10 feet of house.
- Consider fire-resistant material for patio furniture, swing sets, etc.
- Remove firewood stacks and propane tanks; they should not be in this zone.
- Water plants, trees and mulch regularly.
- Consider xeriscaping if you are affected by water-use restrictions. BUT…remember to check your governing documents for instructions on how to acquire approval through the architectural review process first.
Zone 2 is 30 to 100 feet from the home, and plants in this zone should be low-growing, well irrigated and less flammable. In this area:
- Leave 30 feet between clusters of two to three trees, or 20 feet between individual trees.
- Encourage a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees.
- Create ‘fuel breaks’, like driveways, gravel walkways and lawns.
- Prune trees up six to ten feet from the ground.
Zone 3 is 100 to 200 feet from the home and this area should be thinned, although less space is required than in Zone 2. In this area:
- Remove smaller conifers that are growing between taller trees. Remove heavy accumulation of woody debris.
- Reduce the density of tall trees so canopies are not touching.
Property owners need to address the "little things" first: National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) advises property owners to start with the house and work their way out. Having a nonflammable roof covering and assembly adds an enormous safety measure. Keeping roofs and gutters clean and clear of leaves or needles is critical to minimizing ignition from embers. Flammable attachments (e.g., untreated wooden decks) are very vulnerable to ignition and can carry fire to the main structure. Keep flat surfaces clear of debris. Clean out any leaves, needles or stored material that could burn from under decks or porches. During this high fire danger season, remove large potential heat sources such as piles of firewood, spare building materials, vehicles or anything that could catch embers or ignite by flames in the grass needs to be as far away from dwellings as possible. Download NFPA’s Firewise Tips Checklist for Homeowners atwww.firewise.org that includes these and other actionable steps you can start working on today.
Property owners in Central Oregon may also contact Project Wildfire for assistance. Their competent staff will help owners assess their vacant land or homes for fire safety. Project Wildfire has also coordinated grants for Central Oregon communities to assist in the identification of fire hazard areas and the removal of ladder fuels from a community. They are a wonderful resource!
