The Oregon State Fire Marshal is encouraging all Oregonians to get prepared for the upcoming wildfire season

Eugene, OR – According to the state officials, creating defensible space is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home and increase the chances it will survive a wildfire.

The OSFM offers free defensible space assessments to Oregonians who want to start creating defensible space, or those who want to optimize their current plan.

For a limited time, people living in select areas of the state may be eligible for a $250 payment after receiving an assessment. 

A few projects you can consider this month include:

• Space and prune trees.
• Remove leaves, needles, wood, bark mulch, and other debris from within 100 feet of buildings or to the property line.
• Remove leaves, needles, and other debris from roofs and gutters.
• Move flammable material away from the outside of your home, including mulch, flammable plants, leaves, and needles.
• Prevent plants from growing directly under the eaves; a minimum of five feet away is recommended.
• Keep firewood piles and lumber at least 30 feet from any structure.
• Maintain the plants in your yard. Clean out old leaves or pine needles from your plants and prune away dead parts.