Defensible spaces can save homes during fire season, OSFM reminds
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, July 14th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
NORTHEAST OREGON – With fire season ramping up, and consecutive 90-degree days settling in, public and private agencies across the state are reminding residents to take preemptive measures in protecting their homes and properties. When wildfires break out, simple reductions in potential fuels in and around residential areas can be crucial in limiting avenues for fire to spread, giving homes a fighting chance. For anyone interested in how to prepare their property for a potential fire, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has numerous resources available. Basic elements of a strong defensible space include:
- Clearing leaves, pine needles and other foliage off the roof regularly and clearing up spaces such as gutters, eaves, and the area around the chimney.
- Clearing leaves, pine needles, foliage, mulch and old wood from on or around decks, and fences, maintaining 100ft worth of clear space around buildings.
- Moving/removing trees as needed to ensure a 10ft gap between trees and powerlines
- Moving/removing trees as needed to ensure a 10ft gap between trees and buildings
- Keeping grass mowed to 4 inches or less
- Trimming lower branches from trees to eliminate ladder fuels.
- Trees more than 18ft tall should have branches removed at six feet or lower.
- Trees under 18ft tall should have branches up to 1/3 the height of the tree removed.
- Removing dry materials, such as dry wood or leaves, from patios and porches.
- Storing firewood or flammable construction materials at least 30 feet away from the house.
- Storing BBQ propane tanks and other fuels 30 feet away from the house or outbuildings.
- Trimming back plants and shrubs so they don’t’ touch walls or siding.
- Removing bushes or other plans growing directly under eaves to maintain a minimum five-foot gap.
- Using a 1/8-inch metal mesh to cover attic vents, soffit vents, and other open spaces under decks and patios
Additional defensible space resources from the Oregon State Fire Marshal can be found here.
