On Real Estate & More – August 2019

With all the wildfires that have devastated communities throughout the west recently, fire safety is at the forefront of many property owners’ minds. The increase in population over the last century has pushed much of the growth into what used to be forest and grasslands. This trend has created a complex landscape that is known as the wildland/urban interface.

Encroaching development into forests and grasslands has put lives, property, and natural resources at risk from wildfire. Unfortunately, once a wildfire ignites, firefighters are limited in what they can do to protect what lies in its path. Wildfires can put multiple homes at risk at the same time and firefighters may not have the resources to protect each home. In fact, a wildfire may prevent firefighters from even reaching your home.

The National Firewise Communities Program (Firewise) is a national program that encourages partnerships among communities, homeowners, private industry, and public agencies and officials to develop and implement local solutions for wildfire preparedness—before a fire ever starts. The Firewise program offers a series of steps that residents can take to improve the safety and resilience of their homes and landscapes to withstand a wildfire. When a neighborhood is prepared, firefighters can focus more of their resources on the main body of the fire—as opposed to individual structures.

Research indicates to reduce the risk of wildfire, the home and its immediate surroundings up to 200 feet need to be protected. Fire can reach your home in one of two ways: on the ground or from the air. On the ground, a fire will burn anything in its path; the key is to interrupt the path of fuel that leads to your house. From the air, burning embers can travel a mile or more in advance of a fire and can land on and around your house. Your home’s exterior plays an important role in preventing a fire. Firewise encourages the use of vegetation that is green throughout the year.

In many cases, the condition of your home and yard affect how well your neighbor’s home will fare during a wildfire, and vice versa. Neighbors can help neighbors, and they are often inextricably linked together in their wildfire safety solutions. A Firewise community can be an entire subdivision or simply a group of residents who live on a certain street.

There are already many Firewise neighborhoods in Jackson County including in the City of Jacksonville but you do not have to live in the city to participate, the program is designed for everyone. It’s simple, and it doesn’t need to cost a lot of money. Grants are available to assist eligible homeowners with cleanup around their homes. Contact the Oregon Department of Forestry at (541) 664-6674 or your local fire district to let them know you are interested in becoming a Firewise community.