On Real Estate & More – August 2026

WILDFIRE SAFETY has become an increasingly important consideration for homeowners across Oregon, especially in Southern Oregon where dry summers, steep terrain, and large areas of forest create elevated fire risk. While homeowners cannot control the weather, they can take meaningful steps to reduce the likelihood that their home will ignite during a wildfire.

Creating a wildfire-resistant property not only helps protect your home and family but may also improve insurability, preserve property value, and give firefighters a safer environment to defend your home. Whether you live in a rural area surrounded by timber or in a neighborhood bordering open space, preparation is one of the most effective tools available.

One of the most important concepts in wildfire preparedness is creating “defensible space.” This is the buffer between your home and surrounding vegetation that slows or stops the spread of wildfire.

The first five feet surrounding your home is considered the most critical. Remove combustible materials such as bark mulch, firewood piles, propane tanks, patio furniture cushions, and dry leaves from this area. Replace combustible landscaping with gravel, rock, pavers, or well-maintained, fire-resistant plants.

From five to thirty feet around the home, keep lawns mowed, remove dead vegetation, prune shrubs, and space trees so flames cannot easily spread from one plant to another. Branches should be trimmed at least six feet above the ground to reduce the chance of fire climbing into the tree canopy.

Beyond thirty feet, continue reducing excess vegetation by removing dead trees, thinning dense brush, and maintaining healthy trees. The exact recommendations will vary depending on your property’s size, slope, and surrounding vegetation.

Wind-blown embers are responsible for igniting many homes during wildfire. These embers can travel more than a mile ahead of the main fire and easily ignite accumulated debris. Make sure to clean leaves, pine needles, and other combustible debris from gutters, valleys, and roofs. Inspect your roof for damaged shingles or gaps where embers could enter.

If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, consider installing a Class A fire-rated roof when you replace your roof. Metal, asphalt composition, and clay or concrete tile provides better fire resistance than untreated wood shake roofs.

Attic, crawlspace, and foundation vents are common entry points for embers. Installing ember-resistant vent covers or using fine metal mesh can significantly reduce the risk of embers entering the home while still allowing proper ventilation. Check around windows, doors, siding, and utility penetrations for gaps that should be sealed.

Double-pane tempered glass windows also perform better during intense heat exposure than older single-pane windows.

Wildfire-resistant landscaping can also make a big difference. Select plants that retain moisture, produce less dead material, and require regular maintenance. Keep ornamental grasses trimmed or replace highly flammable varieties near structures. Separate planting beds with pathways, gravel, or stone to interrupt fire spread. Regular maintenance is just as important as plant selection. Remove dead branches, clean fallen leaves, and keep irrigation systems functioning throughout the dry season.

Garages, barns, sheds, and fences can provide a pathway for fire to reach your home. Keep these structures clear of combustible debris and vegetation. If a wooden fence connects directly to the home, consider replacing the section closest to the house with metal or another noncombustible material to reduce fire transfer. Store firewood at least thirty feet from your home whenever practical during wildfire season.

Wildfire is also an excellent reminder to review your homeowner’s insurance. Confirm that your dwelling coverage reflects today’s rebuilding costs rather than what you originally paid for your home. Ask your insurance agent about coverage for detached structures, debris removal, temporary housing, and personal belongings. Keep digital copies of important insurance documents stored securely online so they remain accessible during an evacuation.

Wildfire safety is most effective when neighborhoods work together. Homes are less likely to survive if surrounding properties are poorly maintained, even when one homeowner has taken extensive precautions.

Many Oregon communities, like Jacksonville, participate in neighborhood wildfire preparedness programs like Firewise, encourage residents to reduce fuels, improve access for emergency vehicles, and educate homeowners about local risks. Collective action helps create more resilient communities and improves firefighter safety during an emergency.