Are You Prepared for the Summer Heat in Southern Oregon?
Did you know that in 2020, more than 9.5 million acres of land burned as wildfires in twelve contiguous Western states alone? Of the 17,000 structures destroyed, about 9,200 of them were homes. As the weather turns dry and hot, many homeowners become anxious about possible fire-related threats to their property and structures. Early spring is a great time to get a jump on completing fuel reduction projects to deter the spread of wildfire later in the season.
What is a fuel reduction strategy?
Fire reduction strategies reduce the amount of combustible materials in an area or break the chain from one location to the next to prevent flames from spreading.
What types of fuel reduction strategies are recommended for rural homes?
In Southern Oregon, many homeowners enjoy living on plots of land surrounded by evergreen trees or fields of vegetation. If not managed properly, these homes can be susceptible to damage or destruction by wildfire. There are several strategies homeowners can use to mitigate the risk:
- Clear the surrounding area. Experts recommend clearing about 40 feet of and surrounding the home of any tall vegetation to prevent flames from jumping from plants or trees onto the house’s roof. Of course, long grasses, dry or dead plants, and other debris should also be removed.
- Trim the next layer. Another 60 feet of land should be trimmed and maintained well. Removing lower tree limbs and removing select trees to create more distance between them will reduce the chances fire can spread into trees or from tree to tree. Grasses should be kept short, and any dead or dry vegetation should be removed.
- Create a firebreak. Firebreaks are non-combustible zones (gravel, dirt, etc.) that separate segments of land. The goal is to create enough distance so flames cannot jump from one plot of land to another. These are reasonable solutions for large tracts of property to ensure fires within forests or fields do not spread onto other property.
What other factors need to be considered in a fuel reduction strategy?
Several issues can complicate the implementation of a fuel reduction strategy. For example, if a home is within 100 feet of a neighbor’s property or public land, it may be more challenging to clear the land optimally. Also, it’s essential to get permission before clearing public land, as many areas are subject to wildlife sanctuary-type covenants. It may be illegal to remove vegetation or alter the land if it may affect the wildlife living there.
If you are concerned about possible wildfires where you live, contact the professionals at Excavation Oregon.
At Excavation Oregon, our crews are experienced with identifying problem areas, creating fire breaks and fire access roads, replacing water tanks, and reducing ground fuels such as buckbrush, blackberry bushes, and fallen limbs. We’ll work with you to determine your needs and ensure the job is done correctly the first time. Don’t wait until it’s too late–protect your home and property now. Contact us for a free consultation.
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