Bend Fire and Rescue urges homeowners to create defensible space to reduce wildfire risk

Melissa Steele of Bend Fire and Rescue urged homeowners to create and maintain defensible space around their properties to reduce the risk of structure ignitions during wildfires.

Defensible space is the buffer homeowners create between a building and flammable vegetation to reduce ember- and surface-fire ignitions, Steele said. "The best way we can reduce risk from fire and protect our homes and communities is by creating defensible space," she told listeners.

Steele described two primary sources of home ignition during wildfires: embers, which can travel miles and land on roofs, gutters and around homes, and surface fires that spread along the ground and ignite nearby materials. She advised residents to remove leaves, pine needles and other debris from roofs and gutters and to keep firewood and other flammable materials at least 30 feet from homes.

She outlined recommended home-ignition zones and actions for each: keep the immediate zone (0 to 5 feet) free of flammable plants and combustible items and treat it as a noncombustible zone; cover foundation vents with one-eighth-inch metal mesh to prevent ember intrusion; in the intermediate zone (5 to 30 feet) plant fire-resistant species, irrigate them, remove flammable vegetation beneath trees and limb up trees to reduce ladder fuels; and in the extended zone (30 to 100 feet) create fuel breaks, use hardscape features and minimize ladder fuels.

"Creating defensible space helps to protect your home and gives firefighters a safer area to work in, increasing the chances of saving your property," Steele said. She added that defensible space can allow a home "to stand alone without suppression resources or firefighting equipment" if evacuation or suppression resources are unavailable.

Steele closed with preparedness reminders: "Be prepared. Make a kit. Make a plan. Stay informed. And know your neighbors and practice routes."