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
LIVING IN A NATURAL FIRE ENVIRONMENT
The Pacific Northwest region is an area where fire has
always played a prominent role in the natural environment. Long before towns
and subdivisions were established across the landscape, fires were a natural
result of the frequent summer thunderstorms that traveled across the
mountains and plains. However, decades of fire suppression have resulted in
fuel conditions that have the potential to create intense wildfires.
Within this natural fire environment, there are individual houses, subdivisions, and entire communities. Many homes, however, would be unable to survive an intense wildfire. Since it is not a question of "if" wildfires will occur but "when" they will occur, the likelihood of human life and property loss is great and growing.
Our ability to live more safely in this fire environment greatly depends upon our use of "pre-fire activities." Pre-fire activities are actions taken before a wildfire occurs which improve the survivability of people and homes. They include proper vegetation management around the home (known as defensible space), use of fire resistant building materials, appropriate subdivision design, and other measures. Research clearly demonstrates that pre-fire activities save lives and property.
Questions? Problems? Suggestions?
Contact:
Brian
Ballou
Oregon Department of Forestry
(541) 665-0662
Last update: Jan. 24, 2006