(Image: FireWise USA) This home has defensible space around it, with a vegetation-free zone that helped the house survive a surrounding wildfire A basic understanding of the physical factors that influence wildfire spread is essential for preparing a property to enhance its resistance to wildfires. Three primary
factors drive wildfire behavior: weather, topography, and fuels. - Weather plays a significant role in wildfire spread. Extended periods of hot and dry conditions dry out vegetation, making it more flammable, while strong winds can accelerate fire growth by supplying additional oxygen and preheating fuel sources ahead of the flames.
- Topography is another critical factor. Fires tend to move more rapidly uphill due to heat rising and can spread quickly through steep slopes. Additionally, canyons and other landforms can channel winds, further increasing the fire’s speed and intensity.
- Fuel, the final factor, encompasses anything that can burn, including living or dead
vegetation, homes, and outbuildings. Unlike weather and topography, which are beyond human control, fuels are the most manageable aspect for property owners. By reducing the amount and arrangement of flammable materials around a property, homeowners can significantly decrease the risk of wildfire spread and home ignition.
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Did you know that we can help you?We have teams and funds to support your defensible space efforts. Not only will our teams
help you clear brush, remove lower limbs and trees that are risk factors...we will chip them for your gardening needs and chop them into rounds for your firewood!
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Here's a cost-saving opportunity for you!RRFP is excited to announce a new opportunity for homeowners to help safeguard their properties against wildfire risks.FREE DEFENSIBLE SPACE
CLEARING! Thanks to grant funds we’ve secured, we’re offering free defensible space clearing for interested homeowners. This program is voluntary, and filling out our online interest form places you on our list to be considered for funding.
While we cannot guarantee funding for all applicants this year, your information will be kept for future opportunities. How It Works:- Complete the Interest Form – There’s no obligation, and it takes just a few minutes.
- We’ll Contact You – If selected, we’ll reach out to schedule an assessment.
- Stay on the List – If we can’t assist this year, you’ll remain on our list for future funding.
Why Participate?Defensible space is the buffer you create between your business or home and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it. Proper defensible space can slow or stop the spread of
wildfire and help protect your home or business, and contributes to the safety of our entire community.
Together, we can build a stronger, safer Row River Valley. If you have any questions or need assistance with the form, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Email us at info@rowrivervalley.org Can't wait to hear from you!
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Plan for Spring: Plant fire resistant plants.Fire-resistant does not mean fireproof!Even fire-resistant plants will burn if not well maintained. Be sure to keep all of your landscape plants healthy with appropriate watering, proper pruning, etc. What are fire-resistant plants?Fire-resistant plants are those that are less likely to ignite when exposed to flames or other ignition sources. While these plants can still be damaged or destroyed by
fire, they produce fewer embers, which are the primary cause of homes burning during wildfires. Additionally, their foliage and stems contribute minimally to a fire’s fuel load and intensity. Several factors influence the fire behavior of plants, including their moisture content, age, size, amount of dead material, and chemical composition. Many healthy
deciduous trees and shrubs are naturally fire-resistant. However, both native and ornamental plants can vary in flammability. For instance, spreading or upright juniper, a popular choice in landscaping, is highly flammable and poses a significant wildfire risk. It is best to avoid planting highly flammable vegetation near your home to reduce the chances of ignition and enhance wildfire resistance. Below are two examples of ways to understand the difference (photos and information shared from the OSU link below) |
Fire-resistant plants, like this serviceberry, have open branching patterns and moist leaves. Image: Amy Jo Detweiler, OSU |
Fire-resistant- Branching patterns are open and loose.
- Plants have little dead wood and tend not to accumulate dry, dead material.
- Sap is waterlike and does not have a strong odor.
- Sap or resin are minimal.
- Leaves are wide, flat, moist and supple.
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This Arborvitae has a lot of dry, dead material in its interior, increasing fire risk. Image: Amy Jo Detweiler, OSU |
Highly flammable- Plants contain fine, dry or dead material, such as twigs, needles and leaves.
- Leaves, twigs and stems contain volatile waxes, terpenes or oils.
- Leaves are aromatic. (They have a strong odor when
crushed.)
- Sap is gummy, resinous and has a strong odor.
- Bark may be loose or papery.
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There are many plants that are fire resistant and you may want to choose some from the following list, to satisfy your green thumb. For your gardening pleasure, OSU has developed an informative guide, with a comprehensive list of 150 plants, landscaping actions, and tips to keep your space beautiful while
also keeping it safe! Check it out here: OSU Fire Resistant Landscaping Make sure to sign up for our Free Defensible Space Program!
Stay connected for more updates, events, and opportunities! |
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