Fire Prevention Tips For Your Home During Wildfire Season

By Lisa Kilders For the Mountain Times

Summer is almost here, and with dry weather, many people are worried about wildfires. Now is the perfect time to turn that worry into action by making your home safer and creating a plan to keep your family, pets, and animals safe.

Wildfire safety can seem like a big job, but you don’t have to do it all at once. The Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District suggests breaking the work into smaller steps. Each week, you can focus on one part, or “zone,” of your yard.

Three Safety Zones Around Your Home

According to Firewise USA and the National Fire Protection Association, your property has three wildfire safety zones. Start with the one closest to your home.

Week 1: Immediate Zone (0–5 feet from your home)

This is the most important area to keep clean and safe. Get your family to help with these tasks:

Remove dry leaves, twigs, and pine needles from your roof, gutters, and under decks or porches.

Trim tree branches away from your roof.

Clean vents and screens under porches and decks. Make sure they have strong wire mesh no bigger than 1/8 inch. This helps stop burning embers from getting inside.

Cover roof edges and open areas with cement or bird stops so embers can’t get underneath.

Fix or replace broken window screens and windows.

Move woodpiles, trash, or construction materials at least 30 feet away from your house or barn.

Pull out or mow dead grass, weeds, or plants within 5 feet of buildings. Keep lawns short, even if they turn brown.

Always clean up yard waste like branches and clippings so wildfires don’t have fuel.

Tip: If you use bark or mulch near your home, keep it damp so it doesn’t catch fire. You could use shells or rocks instead.

Week 2: Intermediate Zone (5–30 feet from your home)

This zone helps slow down fires. Think about ways to break up flammable areas, like adding driveways or stone paths.

Here’s what you can do:

Clear grass or plants from under large propane tanks.

Add hard surfaces like paths or patios to act as firebreaks.

Keep grass cut to 4 inches and mow often, especially if it’s dry.

Trim bushes and small trees under large trees to stop fire from climbing.

Cut tree branches up to 6–10 feet above the ground (or no more than 1/3 the height of the tree).

Keep tree canopies (tops) at least 18 feet apart, more if you live on a slope.

Don’t plant trees too close to your home. Mature trees should be at least 10 feet away from buildings.

Group shrubs or trees in small clusters to reduce fire spread.

Important: Be careful with tools. Chainsaws and other equipment can cause sparks. Check that vehicles or trailers don’t drag chains, and don’t park hot engines on dry grass.

Always check with your local fire department or the Oregon Department of Forestry before burning anything.

Week 3: Extended Zone (30–100 feet from your home)

This area helps keep fires smaller and closer to the ground. This weekend, get your team together to:

Remove piles of leaves, branches, or debris.

Cut down dead trees and plants.

Take out small trees growing under big ones.

Clear dry plants near storage sheds or barns.

Keep trees 30–60 feet from your home at least 12 feet apart at the top.

Keep trees 60–100 feet from your home at least 6 feet apart at the top.

Note: Based on slope or tree type the distance between trees may need to be increased. Ask a local forestry expert what’s best for your land.

Always use tools safely, check your equipment for loose chains or hot parts, and never park hot engines in dry grass.