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
Presented below are five types of vegetation common to our region with computer generated estimates of how they would burn under certain conditions. These predications assume a wind speed of 20 mph, flat terrain, typical moisture contents of living and dead vegetation for summertime, and normal August weather for our area. It is important to note that fire size and rate of spread is largely determined by spotting (embers/firebrands that are thrown ahead and to the sides of actively burning fires). Spotting results in smaller fires that may contribute to the main fire size and rate of spread.
CHEATGRASS: Cheatgrass is an invasive annual grass that usually occupies areas formerly vegetated with big sagebrush. It can dominate old burned areas, abandoned pastures, and other disturbed areas.
Questions? Problems? Suggestions?
Contact:
Brian
Ballou
Oregon Department of Forestry
(541) 665-0662
Last update: Jan. 24, 2006