SALEM, Ore. – As Wildfire Awareness Month begins, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is encouraging residents to complete simple home projects that could make a critical difference in the event of a wildfire.
Officials say focusing on the area within the first five feet of a home—known as the “defensible space zone”—can significantly reduce the risk of fire damage. Research from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety shows that minimizing combustible materials in this zone lowers the likelihood that wind-blown embers will ignite a home.
With wildfire seasons becoming longer and more severe, fire officials emphasize that preparation can be done gradually, starting with small, manageable tasks.
“With the help of Bigfoot as our guide, we want you to be wildfire prepared one foot at a time,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We’ve launched a summer campaign to show that these small steps can reduce your home’s chances of loss or damage from wildfire.”
Officials recommend starting with the following actions:
- Remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from roofs, gutters, and decks to prevent embers from igniting the home
- Cover vents with 1/8-inch metal wire mesh to block embers from entering
- Move flammable items such as outdoor furniture, cushions, trash cans, and rugs at least five feet away from the house
- Use non-combustible materials like gravel or pavers instead of bark mulch near the home
- Keep lawns well-maintained and green during fire season
Ruiz-Temple said collective action across communities can strengthen wildfire resilience statewide.
“Oregon communities have shown time and again that when people take action, they make a difference,” she said. “This month is about building momentum. If every household takes even one step, our statewide protection becomes stronger.”
Officials also urge residents to dispose of yard debris responsibly. Chipping, composting, or recycling are preferred methods, and any burning should follow local regulations. Escaped debris burns remain the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon.
Oregonians can find additional resources, including checklists, home assessment sign-ups, and local event information, on the state’s wildfire prevention website.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023 and works with local fire agencies, communities, and partners to improve fire prevention, preparedness, and response across Oregon.
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