Love this video about defensible space. Your home CAN survive a wildfire!

With today and tomorrow being the last days of FireFree, take a moment to look at the small things around your home that could ignite your home in a wildfire event.

Only you...On Wildfire Today

Fire in the Lake San Antonio area of Monterey County,
California, August, 2009. Photo by Vern Fisher.  

Only You...Smokey Bear does have it right

Such a interesting take on Smokey's tag line as it applies to our "new normal". This article highlights what it is to live in the wildland urban interface in a thoughtful way. My favorite quote "Living with fire is not an option for those who live in the Red Zone (WUI)." Check out the full story at the link below.

http://wildfiretoday.com/2015/11/08/only-you/

3 homes destroyed in wildfire northeast of Boise

3 homes destroyed in wildfire northeast of Boise serve as a reminder that we are not yet out of fire season. Now is the time to prepare for the end of our current fire season and next summer with the upcoming FireFree events. For defensible space tips and the ten FireFree steps go to firefree.org

City Edition

Thanks to our partners at the City of Bend for highlighting our federal partners. Great video on treatment in our local watershed.

http://youtu.be/vu1s4_vTnJ0

FIRE RESTRICTIONS INCREASE IN CENTRAL OREGON

ALL CAMPFIRES BANNED 

Central Oregon – With dry conditions expected to continue in Central Oregon and fire suppression resources limited due to numerous wildfires in Oregon and Washington, the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management, the Deschutes National Forest and the Ochoco National Forest, including the Crooked River National Grassland, are implementing a total campfire restriction. Effective 12:01 a.m. August 18, 2015 (Tuesday), all open fires, including charcoal fires, will be prohibited on all lands administered by the Deschutes National Forest, the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, and the Prineville District, BLM. There are no exceptions for developed or hosted campgrounds.

 

In addition to campfire restrictions, smoking remains restricted to an enclosed vehicle or building, in a designated campground, in boats on lakes and rivers, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable material. Portable cooking stoves or lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel may still be used in all areas. Officials also want to remind the public that using explosive target material, such as Tannerite, explosives, and fireworks continue to be prohibited on all federal lands. 

 

At this time there are no restrictions on motorized travel on BLM or FS roads in Central Oregon; however, fire officials want to remind visitors about the dangers of driving through or parking on vegetation. The hot undercarriage of a vehicle can easily ignite, not only burning the vehicle but also spreading to nearby vegetation. At this time, visitors are asked to avoid driving on two-track roads with vegetation down the center, and to park in areas clear of vegetation. Make sure vehicles carry a container of water or a fire extinguisher.

 

Before putting public use restrictions in place officials carefully consider the current fire situation, fuel moisture and predicted weather before making the decision to implement fire restrictions. Every year lightning-caused fires place a heavy demand on our firefighting resources, and put our wildlands, our firefighters, and our communities at risk. Fires caused through carelessness or negligence only increase the threat to life and livelihood, and place an even greater burden on already busy firefighters.  Every fire that’s prevented protects our communities and helps our firefighters remain available, rested, and safe. 

 

About the BLM:  The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2014, the BLM generated $5.2 billion in receipts from public lands.

 

The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. The USDA is an equal opportunity employer.

Fires approaching record nationwide

Flames from the Pine Fire burn in the back of
trees on July 18, 2015, in Wrightwood, Calif. (Photo: David Pardo, AP)

Wildfires have burned a phenomenal 5.5 million acres across the U.S. so far this year, an area equal to the size of New Jersey.

This is the second-highest total in at least the past 25 years, according to data from the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise. Only 2011, which saw 5.8 million acres charred as of July 23 of that year, had more. On average, at this point in the year, 3.5 million acres would have burned.

As of Thursday afternoon, 18 wildfires were burning in seven states, mostly in the West. This includes one in California's wine country that has forced numerous evacuations and is being fought by hundreds of firefighters, CALFIRE, the state's firefighting agency, reported. Another one is charring Glacier National Park in Montana.

Summertime heat and ongoing drought conditions have left vegetation starved of moisture throughout the West, making it more susceptible to catching fire and starting a massive blaze, AccuWeather reports.

Alaska has seen the worst of the fires: A large percentage of the acres burned — 4.7 million acres, or 85% of the total — have been in Alaska.

"Alaska has had an unusually active year based on low snow packs over the winter, and unusually hot, dry weather in May and June into July," fire center spokesman Randall Eardley said.

Indeed, Alaska has had a freakishly warm year, the state's second-warmest ever recorded, the National Centers for Environmental Information reported earlier this month. In June alone, wildfires charred nearly 2 million acres.

The El Niño climate pattern (warmer-than-average ocean water in the Pacific) is one of the driving factors in the furious wildfire season, especially in Alaska, said Wally Covington, a forest ecologist at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

Overall, wildfires in Alaska appear to be worsening. Records on Alaska wildfires date all the way back to the late 1930s and show that three of the worst fire seasons have come in the last 12 years, including 2004, when more than 10,000 square miles — about 6.5 million acres, or the size of Delaware and Rhode Island combined — went up in flames, the Associated Press said.

In California, 12 of the state's 20 biggest fires on record have occurred since 2000, CAL FIRE said. Records there go back to 1932.

Covington said that there's been a clear link between man-made climate change and the increase in Western wildfires. "As air temperatures go up, and the fuels dry out faster, fire behavior increases. It's a double whammy," he said.

California's fire season also got off to an early start this year. The Golden State's fire season usually begins in late summer and goes into the fall, but several fires were reported even in the winter months, according to CAL FIRE. There have been more than 3,600 fires in California so far this year, almost 1,300 more than usual.

USA Today for Full Story

Firewise Webinar to explore wildland "Urban Legends"

August virtual workshop to explore wildland “Urban Legends”

Join the Firewise Program at 1:00pm ET on Thursday, August 6, as wildfire and home safety myths and beliefs are put to the test.
Wildfire expert Pat Durland will determine truth or hooey to questions we all have, drawing upon his long career as a smokejumper, wildland firefighter, policy maker, insurance consultant, and wildland fire planner and educator.

Can you protect your home with pool water, gels, foam?  Will exterior heat ignite interior curtains?? Do native plants have a lower fire risk???  Is a stucco roof good protection from embers???? 

Recent research and findings have cast doubt upon and dispelled many of our beliefs about how homes are ignited by wildfires.

Do you have a question or theory you’ve heard of and always wanted to “Ask an Expert” about its validity? Submit yours to LDeaton@nfpa.org and they will be put to the test!

Registration is now open.  

In case of wildfire, have “go kit” ready.

In case of wildfire, have “go kit” ready; Central Oregon experts suggest what to pack in an emergency kit

Being prepared for evacuation is #10 in the FireFree steps. Central Oregon is a fire-adapted ecosystem. For all that live here, it's not if but when we will face a wildfire. We all need to be prepared!

Have you registered you cell phone for emergency notifications? Follow this link to ensure you are receiving emergency information on your cell phone. SIGN UP HERE for Emergency Notifications!

Evening update

A new wildfire (Incident #318) was reported one mile west of Horse Butte, three miles southeast of Bend. At press time the fire is estimated to be one acre burning in brush and timber, and two 10-person hand crews, three engines and two water tenders have responded and put fire line and hoses around the fire perimeter. The cause is under investigation.

 

Firefighters increased containment to 80% on Incident #312 located five miles south of Clarno. The fire is now 2,150 acres after crews were able to complete a burnout operation and secure containment lines. The cause of the fire is believed to be human and is under investigation.

 

The Corner Creek Fire, 11 miles south of Dayville, remains the largest fire in the area and firefighters continue to be challenged by high temps, steep slopes, light fuels and afternoon winds. This morning, the fire was reported at 19,300 acres and no updated acreage has been released today. Due to the rapid growth of this fire, several closures are in order for public safety.Beginning July 2, 2015, the public is prohibited from accessing any of the lands that are closed for the protection of public health and safety. The closure includes all National Forest System roads and trails in the following area:

On the North, from the Ochoco Forest boundary at the North Fork of Birch Creek in Township 13S, Range 25E, Section 30, south to the Ochoco Forest Boundary near the junction of the 58 and 030 roads (including Sugar Creek Campground), and all roads, trails and Forest lands east to the Ochoco Forest Boundary (see Inciweb map).

In addition to the closure in place on the Ochoco National Forest, the South Fork Road/Co. Rd. 42 has been closed to the general public from near Dayville to south of the US Forest Service 58 Road junction due to fire activity. To read the entire closure order and view a map of the area closure, please visit the Corner Creek Inciweb webpage at:http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/4349/25521/

  

A Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity is in effect through 8 pm Saturday. This means that any new fire will have a very high potential to spread rapidly. Fire officials want to remind everyone that in the high temperatures and very dry conditions, small sparks can start a wildfire. Legal fireworks should only be used where they are allowed, and metal containers or buckets with water should be available for properly disposing used fireworks. Fireworks are NOT allowed on Forest Service or BLM land. Cigarettes should always be disposed of properly and never thrown on to roads or in vegetation.

Central Oregon Dispatch MORNING Update

Firefighters spent the night working on a wildfire, Incident #312, located five miles south of Clarno that is now 800 acres. As temperatures decreased after sundown, crews completed a burnout aimed at stopping the main fire. Burnouts are small fires set deliberately from a secure line such as a road, designed to remove fuel from an approaching wildfire. As of this morning, fire crews are reporting that fire behavior has decreased. Firefighters will have significant challenges today; however, holding this fire through the high temperatures and low relative humidity predicted for this afternoon. The fire was reported by a private party yesterday afternoon at 3:15. The cause of the fire is believed to be human and is under investigation.

 

The Corner Creek Fire, 11 miles south of Dayville, remains the largest fire in the area and high temps, steep slopes, light fuels and afternoon winds have helped push this fire to more than 19,000 acres. In addition to the closure in place on the Ochoco National Forest, the South Fork Road/Co. Rd. 42 has been closed to the general public from near Dayville to south of the US Forest Service 58 Road junction due to fire activity. To read the entire Ochoco closure order and view a map of the area closure, please visit the Ochoco National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ochoco/alerts-notices  

 

Information about the Sugarloaf and Corner Creek Fires, managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry Team 1, can be found at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ and on the Central Oregon Fire Information Blog at http://centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com/

 

 

A Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity is in effect through 8 pm Saturday. This means that any new fire will have a very high potential to spread rapidly. Fire officials want to remind everyone that in the high temperatures and very dry conditions, small sparks can start a wildfire. Legal fireworks should only be used where they are allowed, and metal containers or buckets with water should be available for properly disposing used fireworks. Fireworks are NOT allowed on Forest Service or BLM land. Cigarettes should always be disposed of properly and never thrown on to roads or in vegetation. 

Central Oregon Dispatch EVENING Update

Firefighters are responding to a new wildfire five miles south of Clarno that has been estimated at 300 acres. Several helicopters, engines and rappellers have responded in addition to two SEATs (Single Engine Air Tankers). It has been confirmed that one abandoned structure was consumed by the fire which is burning in light grasses and brush. The cause of the fire is undetermined.

The Corner Creek Fire is still the largest fire in the area and is currently 12,700 acres although winds on the fire area have increased fire activity today. Located 11 miles south of Dayville, the fire is burning on Prineville BLM, Ochoco National Forest and private lands and aerial resources continued their work on structure protection where the fire has threatened cabins and various outbuildings. Firefighters are challenged by steep terrain as the fire continues to push south and west in grass and brush. This fire is being managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1 which is also managing the Sugarloaf Fire. *See below for Corner Creek Fire area closure information.

The Sugarloaf Fire, 8 miles north of Dayville, is currently 5,057 acres with 65% containment. Most of the active fire is on the northeast edge, where burnout operations continue to secure the fire line. Heavier fuels in the forested areas are requiring extensive mop up. 

The only other start of the day was on the Deschutes National Forest. Smokejumpers responded to a ¼ acre fire at the base of Diamond Peak in the Diamond Peak Wilderness and will likely continue to work the fire into the evening.

  

Corner Creek Fire Closure Information

The Ochoco National Forest is putting a temporary closure in place on portions of the Ochoco affected by the Corner Creek Fire.  The closure is to protect the public and employees from the wildfire and related suppression activities. Beginning today, July 2, 2015, you may not go into or be on any of the lands, including any roads or trails, described in the closure order.

To read the entire closure order and view a map of the area closure, please visit the Ochoco National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ochoco/alerts-notices  

Fact Sheet for Corner Creek & Sugarloaf

FACT SHEET: Corner Creek Fire & Sugarloaf Fire      

July 2, 2015 11:00 a.m.

Corner Creek Fire

• Started: Saturday, June 27th 
• Cause: Lightning
• Current size: 12,750 acres
• Percent contained: 0%
• Total cost to date: $1,100,000
• Update: Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of this fire yesterday evening. 
• Fire has been burning actively, spreading to the south and southwest.
• Firefighters are protecting structures in the fire vicinity.
• Firefighters are looking for control opportunities and preparing for burnout operations.
• The South Fork Road/Hwy 42 has been closed to the general public from Dayville to the USFS 58 road junction due to fire activity.

Sugarloaf Fire 

• Started: Saturday, June 27th 
• Cause: Lightning
• Current size: 5,057 acres
• Percent contained: 65%
• Total cost to date: $1,300,000
• Update: Local fire resources initiated the attack saving 12 residences. 
• Firefighting resources have established control lines around large portions of the fire and have extinguished much of the heat.  
• Most of the fire is in patrol status.

Blue Basin Fire 

• Started: Monday, June 29th 
• Cause: Human-caused
• Current size: 317 acres
• Percent contained: 95%
• Total cost to date: $25,000
• Update: Firefighters and aircraft assigned to the Sugarloaf Fire initiated attack and arrested its spread. The fire burns in lighter fuels and is in patrol status. 
• Care has been taken not to damage resources within the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Update on Sugarloaf & Corner Creek Fires

NEWS RELEASE: Corner Creek Fire & Sugarloaf Fire      


July 2, 2015 11:00 a.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CENTRAL OREGON NEWS MEDIA

Oregon Department of Forestry
Incident Management Team 1
John Buckman, Incident Commander

Fire Information: (541) 987-2348


Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1 has assumed suppression responsibility for the Corner Creek Fire. It is burning on the west side of the South Fork John Day River, about 11 miles south of Dayville.  The Corner Creek Fire burned 12,750 acres on the Ochoco National Forest, Bureau of Land Management Prineville District, and private lands. Part of the fire is in the Black Canyon Wilderness.

Corner Creek Fire is growing rapidly, spreading to the south and southwest. A strong and very visible pyro-cumulus clouds formed over the fire in the afternoon, towering to more than 20,000 feet. Firefighters are protecting structures in the vicinity. Fire crews are looking for opportunities to control the fire spread, including clearing fuels near forest roads to the south and west of the fire. These may be used as fire lines for burnout operations.

The South Fork Road/Hwy 42 has been closed to the general public from Dayville to the US Forest Service 58 Road junction due to fire activity. Local traffic should drive with caution due to heavy fire-related traffic.

The Sugarloaf Fire is now at 5,057 acres and 65% contained. Most of the active fire is on the northeast edge, where burnout operations continue to secure the fire line. Heavier fuels in the forested areas are requiring extensive mop up. Firefighters continue to patrol and mop up around structures along Dick Creek Road. The western part of Sugarloaf Fire, Blue Basin Fire, and Schoolhouse Gulch Fire are being patrolled by firefighters.

The camp for firefighters assigned to these fires is on Highway 26 about 2.5 miles west of Dayville. Please drive with caution and watch for heavy fire traffic.

The forecast for the rest of the week is a concern for fire managers. The forecast calls for continuing hot weather with low humidity and northwest winds gusting 20 to 25 mph. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Friday and Saturday due to expected hot, dry weather with wind gusts to 30 mph.

7/1/15 Area Closure in place for Ochoco National Forest

The Ochoco National Forest is putting a temporary closure in place on portions of the Ochoco affected by the Corner Creek Fire.  The closure  is to protect the public and employees from the wildfire and related suppression activities. As of yesterday, July 1, 2015, you may not go into or be on any of the lands, including any roads or trails, described in the closure order (see map below).


There closure goes from the intersection of FS 5840/5830 road north to the NW corner of Township 14S, Range 26E, Section 19.  The closure then extends east to the Forest Boundary and follows the Forest Boundary south and east into the middle of Section 23. From here the closure extends south, through the Black Canyon East Trailhead, to the south side of Section 22 in T15S and R26E. The closure extends west to the middle of Section 19 and connects diagonally northwest to the junction of FS 5840/5830.

This order specifically closes FS Road 5850 and any spur roads, Black Canyon East Trailhead, and trails within the Black Canyon Wilderness. Mud Springs Campground and South Prong Trailhead Recreational Sites are also closed.

To read the entire closure order, please visit the Ochoco National Forest website athttp://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ochoco/alerts-notices

Morning Update Central Oregon Fire Information

Fire crews continued to work on several fires burning around Central Oregon and firefighters remain vigilant for any holdover fires from the lightning storms that moved through the area last weekend and early this week. . Ten new fires were reported yesterday, with two growing larger.

The largest of the new fires is incident the Corner Creek Fire (Incident #297), burning 11 miles south of Dayville, Oregon near the Black Canyon Wilderness. The fire, burning in light grass and brush, grew to 850 acres overnight. In addition to firefighters on the ground, suppression efforts will be helped by heavy airtankers, single engine air tankers (SEATs) and helicopters today. Firefighters will be challenged today by high daytime temperatures and steep slopes with limited access. The cause is lighting.

The second fire, Incident #296, burning about 1 mile south of Dayville grew to about 65 acres yesterday. The Type 2 team currently managing the Sugar Loaf Fire has assumed command of this incident (Note: Sugar Loaf is two words).

The largest fire in Central Oregon is the Sugar Loaf (incident #268), which continues to be managed by a Type 2 Incident Management Team. Information on Sugar Loaf will be provided on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

As temperatures increase through the week, firefighters expect more lightning holdover fires. These fires occur when lightning strikes a tree and starts a fire that smolders in the needles and debris underneath the tree where it’s protected from any rain that falls. As temperatures increase and nearby ground dries out, the fire flares up and can spread. Holdover fires commonly occur up to two weeks after a storm.

With the potential for fighters to be busy with lightning fires, fire officials want to remind everyone to be extremely cautious with fireworks, and to use care when recreating on public land. Make sure campfires are allowed, and always put them out when you leave or before you go to bed. Avoid traveling on roads with vegetation down the middle – this can accumulate underneath a vehicle and cause it to catch fire.

Oregon Smoke Information: 7 Day Significant Fire Potential

It's shaping up to be a busy fire season.

Oregon Smoke Information: 7 Day Significant Fire Potential

PUBLIC USE RESTRICTIONS (PURs) IN EFFECT TODAY

MEDIA CONTACT: Ed Keith, (541) 322-7117

Public Use Restrictions Enacted TODAY to Help Prevent Summer Wildfires

Today, the Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution to impose public use restrictions and declaring a state of emergency under the current dry and dangerous wild land fire conditions. The restrictions are aimed at preventing human-caused summer wildfires on all unprotected lands, and Deschutes County-owned lands throughout the County. The restrictions are in place immediately and are anticipated to last through mid-October.

Unprotected lands are defined as unincorporated lands outside of Rural Fire Protection Districts, and outside of lands receiving fire protection by the Oregon Department of Forestry. The Oregon Department of Forestry enacted similar regulations that went into effect June 19, 2015.  An interactive map that land owners can look at see the regulations and to determine if regulations apply to their own property is available at https://maps.deschutes.org/custom/basic/PublicUseRestrictions.html.

The resolution includes the following public use restrictions:

1.    Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads.

2.    Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in designated areas.  Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.

3.    Chainsaw use is prohibited, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.  Chainsaw use is permitted at all other hours, if the following firefighting equipment is present with each operating saw: one axe, one shovel, and one 8 ounce or larger fire extinguisher.  In addition, a fire watch is required at least one hour following the use of each saw.

4.    Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.  At all other times the area is to be cleared of flammable vegetation and the following fire equipment is required: one axe, one shovel, and one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher in good working order.

5.    Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is prohibited, except on improved roads and except for vehicle use by a landowner and employees of the landowner upon their own land while conducting activities associated with their livelihood.

6.    Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling in a motorized vehicle, except on federal and state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, except all-terrain vehicles and

motorcycles which must be equipped with an approved spark arrestor in good working condition.

7.    Mowing of dried grass with power driven equipment is prohibited, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

8.    Use of fireworks is prohibited.

9.    The release of sky lanterns is prohibited.

10. The discharging of exploding targets or tracer ammunition is prohibited.

11. Blasting is prohibited.

12. Any electric fence controller in use shall be: a) Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and b) Operated in compliance with manufacturer's instructions.

Information and maps of regulated closures for the Oregon Department of Forestry can be found at the following website: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/centraloregon/pages/index.aspx

Information and maps of public use restrictions on Deschutes National Forest can be found at the following website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/centraloregon.

Wildfire in the West: Forthcoming Legislation to Keep an Eye On

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA). Source: US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Wildfire in the West: Forthcoming Legislation to Keep an Eye On: Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA). Sourc: US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senator Maria Cantwell’s (D-WA) bill will target various parts of the wildfire process, from reducing the risks to reducing emergency funding fraud and better managing firefighting personnel and equipment. Review the White Paper - Click Here

Oregon & National Fire News

Ever wonder where to get up to date fire information for your area, check out Inciweb! You can select your state to see all active incidents in your area. Click on the link below for fire info.


http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Close Call in Shevlin Park Reminds Residents to Prepare Now

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Alison Green, Program Director

                     Project Wildfire, FireFree

                     541-419-1116

Yesterday’s Shevlin Fire provided a timely reminder that residents should be prepared for wildfire at a moments notice. You can prepare for wildfire by creating and maintaining your home’s defensible space and having 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. 

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