The severe 2013 fire season still fresh in their minds, Oregonians are focusing their efforts on protecting against future wildfires. Approximately 751,672 Oregonians (occupying about 342,000 homes) live in forested areas, making them vulnerable to wildfire. Are you one of them? Get involved by taking part in National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 3. Commit a couple of hours, or the entire day, and watch as your actions help reduce your community’s wildfire risk. “Communities that survive wildfires have one thing in common – they are prepared,” said Cindy Kolomechuk, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s National Fire Plan Coordinator. “Taking the time to create defensible space around homes can make all the difference in the world.” Creating defensible space around homes is a proven way to make it less vulnerable to wildfire. Kolomechuk pointed rural residents to the national Firewise Communities USA Program for tips. “Defensible space” simply means to: – Maintain the landscape around a home to reduce fire danger; – Provide safe access to firefighters so they can protect it.
