Creating a Defensible Space

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Here are suggestions to help protect your home against a Forest Fire

Unfortunately during Summer and into Fall, Forest Fires ravage the West Coast.  Thousands of acres of timber are lost.  And, sadly, so arere many homes.  While a wildfire is beyond our control, as a homeowner there are certain steps you can take to help reduce your property risk in case of a Forest Fire.

• Install a fire-proof roof. A metal roof is ideal here in the PNW due to the heavy rain and also provides excellent fire protection. Contact your local Roofing Professional for all your options,
• Create a ‘defensible space’ around your home – in some areas, it is required by law. Think ‘Lean, Clean and Green’ – remove all flammable vegetation within 30 feet of your home.
• Clear debris from the yard – this includes dead branches, twigs, any old building material, etc.
• Stack wood piles at least 30 feet from your home, and remove vegetation from within 10 feet of the woodpile.
• Remove lower branches, at least 6 feet from the ground.
• Trim any unhealthy looking trees. Remove dead branches, and clean out dead leaves/dried debris from under the trees.
• Consider removing any trees that are too close to your house – many fires jump tree top to tree top, as well as Emergency Vehicles need to be able to work all the way around your home in the event of a fire.
• Store any fuel tanks, propane or butane, at least 30 feet from the house.

For more information on Fire Safety & Prevention, you can visit: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/FirePrevention.aspx

If your home is damaged by a Wildfire, or sustains any kind of fire damage, please contact your Fire Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO®!