Living in a Natural Fire Environment

The 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

When Wildfire Approaches

Photo courtesy CDF

Photo courtesy of Ben Hammack

In the 1980's, the term "defensible space" was coined to describe vegetation management practices aimed at reducing the wildfire threat to homes. This article responds to some of the commonly asked questions about defensible space.

WHAT IS DEFENSIBLE SPACE?

Defensible space is the area between a house and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been modified to reduce the wildfire threat and to provide an opportunity for firefighters to effectively defend the house. Sometimes, a defensible space is simply a homeowner's properly maintained backyard.

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VEGETATION AND WILDFIRE THREAT?

Many people do not view the plants growing on their property as a threat. But in terms of wildfire, the vegetation adjacent to their homes can have considerable influence upon the survivability of their houses. All vegetation, including plants native to the area as well as ornamental plants, is potential wildfire fuel. If vegetation is properly modified and maintained, a wildfire can be slowed, the length of flames shortened, and the amount of heat reduced, all of which assist firefighters to defend the home against an oncoming wildfire.

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Questions? Problems? Suggestions?
Contact: Brian Ballou
Oregon Department of Forestry
(541) 665-0662

Last update: Jan. 24, 2006