JACKSON COUNTY

FIRE DISTRICT 5

Outdoor &Wildland Interface

Fire Protection

 The area immediately adjacent to your   house is particularly important in terms of an  effective defensible space in event of a wildland fire. Within an area extending at least 30 feet from your house, the vegetation should be kept:

 ● LEAN...small amounts of flammable vegetation.
 ● CLEAN...no accumulation of dead vegetation or other flammable debris.

 ● GREEN...plants kept healthy and green during the fire season.
 

Homeowner Fire Safety Checklist

Each year, prior to the wildland fire season, a homeowner can take the following steps to provide the best chance of your home surviving a wildland fire. These steps should normally begin by June 1st and be maintained through the fire season:

1. Move all wood storage at least 100 feet from any structure.
2. Mow all native vegetation within 100’ of structures to a height of 6” or less.
3. Remove dead trees and branches prior to fire season.
4. Clean debris from rain gutters and roof.
5. Replace dense stands of shrubbery with less flammable vegetation (download a list of plants from OSU Extension or stop by the fire department for information.)
6. Prune and thin existing shrubs to maintain an open structure and prevent dense branching.
7. Regularly rake leaves, pine needles and other flammable debris from the ground.
 

About Vegetation...

Many people don’t realize the plants and trees on their property can have considerable influence upon the survivability of their homes. All vegetation is potential wildfire fuel. If vegetation is properly chosen, modified and maintained, a fire can be slowed and the length of the flames shortened, all of which assist firefighters to defend your home.

Some characteristics of fire-resistant plants are:

    Leaves are moist and supple
    Little dead wood or dry accumulation within the plant
    Sap is water-like and does not have a strong odor
    Open, loose branching habit
    Low volume of total vegetation
    Slow growth, requiring less frequent pruning.

Landscaping tips to keep in mind:

1) Emphasize the use of low-growing non-woody plants that are kept green during the summer: lawn, clover, flowers and bulbs, groundcover.

2) Use more mulches, rock, and noncombustible hard surfaces near your home – brick, concrete, etc.

3) Deciduous trees and shrubs are acceptable if they are kept green and free of dead material, and are a safe distance from the structure so fire cannot pass to the house through the vegetation. Low-growing shrubs are preferred.

4) Junipers, a traditional border shrub, are not recommended because they have a high amount of oils, resins and waxes that make them burn with great intensity. Keep Junipers and other broadleaf evergreens 30 feet away from your house.
           

                                                (Right: Examples of

                                            Fire-Resistant Shrubbery)