With fire season here, Project Wildfire takes this opportunity to remind residents in Central Oregon what they can do to help project their homes, properties and neighborhoods.
Deschutes County Forester and Chair of Project Wildfire Joe Stutler says, "Reducing brush and ladder fuels help reduce the intensity of a fire so firefighters can effectively suppress it and greatly decreases the potential for flames and embers to spread quickly to tress and structures."
Where are Your Most Vulnerable Places for Glowing Embers to Ignite Your Home?A
re your gutters free from debris such as pine needles, leaves and moss? Clean them out. Despite a metal or asphalt shingle roof, the buildup of gutter debris provides necessary fuel for the glowing embers to ignite adjacent fascia boards or siding - most often made of wood.
Do your shrubs and weeds provide a path of fuel for fire to reach your trees or home? Reduce shrubs and other "ladder fuels" around your home to reduce the threat of ground fires igniting nearby trees, or your home.
What can catch fire on your deck or patio or near your fence? Remove weeds, shrubs or any combustible materials from around, under or on top of your deck, patio or wood fence. This includes toys, planters, construction materials, furniture and cushions along with even small piles of pine needles or leaves.
Is your wood pile near your home or other combustible vegetation? Move wood piles at least 20 feet away from your home or other combustibles.
Do you have a wood roof? If so, consider maintaining a charged water hose to keep the roof wet so falling embers are extinguished upon landing.
Do you have a long driveway (over 50 feet)? Make sure access to your property is clear for easy access of emergency equipment.
For additional tips, residents can visit
www.firefree.org or
www.firewise.org. For more information, contact Project Wildfire at 541.322.7129
October 31 - November 12, 2011, residents can recycle their yard debris at Deschutes Recycling for half price ($2.00 per cubic yard).
