by Kayla Dunn
A fire mitigation plan consists of specific preventative actions one can take to limit the chances of wildfire spreading to their home/property. A good base plan will consist of creating a defensible space, limiting fuels and preparing your home in case of fire.
Fuel mitigation is the process of safely removing fire fuels (naturally occurring burnable matter). When dry, these fuels can become a quick fire starter for floating embers. Even if the base wildfire is miles away, strong wind can carry embers quickly to spread the fire. That’s why it is important to maintain your property by cleaning and properly disposing of these fuels. There are four types of fuels- grass, brush, timber and slash.
Create a firebreak- A firebreak is a strip of either land stripped down to pure mineral soil or land planted with only fire resistant vegetation. A firebreak can serve as a defense barrier for fire and reduce it spreading inward towards your home. If stripping down to soil, rock can be added atop the soil to prevent weed growth in this area. Fire resistant vegetation can include these qualities; thick/waxy/fleshy leaves, thick bark, dense crowns and drought tolerant. Avoid plants that secrete oil and rapidly contribute fuel. We included a list of fire resistant plants per OSU Extension Service at the end of this page.
Here are some great steps you can take to start your own mitigation plan:
• Create a fire evacuation plan within your household.
• Stay current on wildfire activity and government evacuation updates.
• Follow local seasonal laws and regulations.
• No use of gas-powered tools during the high risk season.
• Keep your gutters clean, mow, rake and keep trees trimmed within your defensible space.
• Store fuels in a safe space (firewood, straw, leaves, etc.)
• Swap old vegetation with fire resistant plants if needed.
• Have a field assessment done on your property.
• Safely store flammable material such as patio rugs, furniture and cushions when away from the home.
Additional resources:
Request a defensible space assessment
