September 26, 2014
Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
Contacts:
Kaitlyn
Webb, Medford Oregon Department of Forestry, (541) 620-1572
John
O’Connor, Medford Oregon Department of Forestry, (541) 621-1168
An active fire season in southwest Oregon comes as no
surprise. Both smoky skies accompanied by frequent firefighter traffic are
common sights. Damage of personal property and livelihood due to forest fires
are also a concern—a concern that has recently been attracting more attention
and the prompting of local action. Individuals are understanding the importance
of defensible space around their homes as well as their neighborhoods.
Firewise, a nationwide program is aiding in the promotion of this awareness and
in taking steps to empower local communities to take action. There are
currently 55 recognized Firewise Communities in Oregon, 6 of which have been
established in 2014.
surprise. Both smoky skies accompanied by frequent firefighter traffic are
common sights. Damage of personal property and livelihood due to forest fires
are also a concern—a concern that has recently been attracting more attention
and the prompting of local action. Individuals are understanding the importance
of defensible space around their homes as well as their neighborhoods.
Firewise, a nationwide program is aiding in the promotion of this awareness and
in taking steps to empower local communities to take action. There are
currently 55 recognized Firewise Communities in Oregon, 6 of which have been
established in 2014.
John O’Connor, a Firewise Specialist with the Oregon
Department of Forestry describes this program as, “Neighbors working with
neighbors to help make their communities safer from wildfire.” The goal is to
create communities that can survive fires through fuels reduction. Since
wildfires threaten entire communities, not just a single home, it is crucial
for all members to be aware of elements that increase fire potential so that
these can be eliminated in order to create defensible space around homes and properties.
In urban areas, fire can jump from home to home. In more rural areas, fire can
feed off the flammable vegetation between properties, which means that it must
be a communal effort to create safer communities.
Department of Forestry describes this program as, “Neighbors working with
neighbors to help make their communities safer from wildfire.” The goal is to
create communities that can survive fires through fuels reduction. Since
wildfires threaten entire communities, not just a single home, it is crucial
for all members to be aware of elements that increase fire potential so that
these can be eliminated in order to create defensible space around homes and properties.
In urban areas, fire can jump from home to home. In more rural areas, fire can
feed off the flammable vegetation between properties, which means that it must
be a communal effort to create safer communities.
Flames do not have to be surrounding a neighborhood for
the structures and properties to be at risk. Fire-spreading embers can drift
miles from the actual fire presenting a danger to surrounding residents. Wisely
selecting less flammable building materials for the roof and keeping gutters and
roofs clear of leaves or needles can minimize the risk of ignition from
drifting embers. Elements such as untreated decks or woodpiles near a home
increase vulnerability to ignition and should be mitigated.
the structures and properties to be at risk. Fire-spreading embers can drift
miles from the actual fire presenting a danger to surrounding residents. Wisely
selecting less flammable building materials for the roof and keeping gutters and
roofs clear of leaves or needles can minimize the risk of ignition from
drifting embers. Elements such as untreated decks or woodpiles near a home
increase vulnerability to ignition and should be mitigated.
Firewise offers a wealth of information, property
assessments, possible funding for fuel reduction assistance, as well as
continual support and guidance regarding the plans a community sets in place
for future sustainability and improvement of defensible space.
assessments, possible funding for fuel reduction assistance, as well as
continual support and guidance regarding the plans a community sets in place
for future sustainability and improvement of defensible space.
The rewards of a proactive and fire aware community far
outweigh the efforts required. Being a Firewise Community enhances the safety
of your home, builds community, and provides a framework for future action.
Being fire ready reduces the risk of damaged structures and property in the
event of a fire.
outweigh the efforts required. Being a Firewise Community enhances the safety
of your home, builds community, and provides a framework for future action.
Being fire ready reduces the risk of damaged structures and property in the
event of a fire.
Contact
one of these Firewise Communities specialists to learn how your neighborhood
can become more resilient to wildfire by becoming a Firewise Community or visit
www.firewise.org
one of these Firewise Communities specialists to learn how your neighborhood
can become more resilient to wildfire by becoming a Firewise Community or visit
www.firewise.org
John O’Connor, Josephine County Firewise, (541) 621-1168
Bob Schumacher, Grants Pass Fire and Rescue, (541) 450-6205 Ashley Lara,
Ashland Fire and Rescue, (541) 552-2231
Bob Schumacher, Grants Pass Fire and Rescue, (541) 450-6205 Ashley Lara,
Ashland Fire and Rescue, (541) 552-2231