Eugene Springfield Fire promotes wildfire preparedness following defensible space demonstration

Eugene, OR – Earlier this week, members of the Eugene Springfield Fire Marshal’s Office attended a live demonstration on creating defensible space, presented by the Oregon State Fire Marshal in partnership with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.

The event emphasized key strategies for protecting homes from wildfires, including the use of fire-resistant landscaping and construction materials.

The demonstration highlighted how defensible space and home hardening can significantly reduce the risk of fire damage. Officials are urging residents to take proactive steps as wildfire season intensifies.

Recommended actions include cleaning roofs and gutters to remove debris, replacing bark mulch with pavers or stone, trimming vegetation to maintain a five-foot buffer from siding, moving firewood stacks away from structures, lifting tree limbs 6 to 10 feet off the ground, and keeping grass trimmed to no more than four inches in height.

These measures can improve a property’s resilience and give firefighters a better chance of defending homes in the event of a wildfire.