Living in a Natural Fire Environment
Examples of Local Fire Behavior
Frequently Asked Questions About Defensible Space
Creating an Effective Defensible Space
Firescape - Fire Safe Landscape Design
Other Considerations in Making Your Home Survivable
Photo courtesy CDF
Photo courtesy of Jim Linardos
Evacuate, if possible, all family members not essential to protecting the
house. Evacuate pets as well.
Contact a friend or relative and relay your plans.
Make sure family members are aware of a prearranged meeting place.
Tune into a local radio station and listen for instructions.
Place vehicles in the garage, have them pointing out, and roll up windows.
Place valuable papers and mementos in the car.
Close the garage door, but leave it unlocked. If applicable, disconnect the
electric garage door opener so that the door can be opened manually.
Place combustible patio furniture in the house or garage.
Shut off propane at the tank or natural gas at the meter.
Wear only cotton or wool clothes. Proper attire includes long pants, long
sleeved shirt or jacket, and boots. Carry gloves, a handkerchief to cover
face, water to drink, and goggles.
Close all exterior vents.
Prop a ladder against the house so firefighters have easy access to the
roof.
Make sure that all garden hoses are connected to faucets and attach a nozzle
set on "spray."
Soak rags, towels, or small rugs with water to use in beating out embers or
small fires.
Inside, fill bathtubs, sinks, and other containers with water. Outside, do
the same with garbage cans and buckets. Remember that the water heater and
toilet tank are available sources of water.
Close all exterior doors and windows.
Close all interior doors.
Open the fireplace damper, but place the screen over the hearth to prevent
sparks and embers from entering the house.
Leave a light on in each room.
Remove lightweight and/or non-fire resistant curtains and other combustible
materials from around windows.
If available, close fire resistant drapes, shutters, or venetian blinds.
Attach pre-cut plywood panels to the exterior of windows and glass doors.
Turn off all pilot lights.
Move overstuffed furniture (e.g. couches, easy chairs, etc.) to the center
of the room.
Keep wood shake or shingle roofs moist by spraying water. Do not waste
water. Consider placing a lawn sprinkler on the roof if water pressure is
adequate. Do not turn on until burning embers begin to fall on the roof.
Continually check the roof and attic for embers, smoke, or fire.
Questions? Problems? Suggestions?
Contact:
Brian
Ballou
Oregon Department of Forestry
(541) 665-0662
Last update: Jan. 24, 2006