Wildfire Risk This Summer

From West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District

The largest wildfires in Portland have occurred in and around Forest Park. But fire danger exists any place where homes and structures are located near forests. All vegetation is flammable, some more than others. As a general rule, plant fire-resistant vegetation and create a 30’ “defensible space” around your home where vegetation is cleared or trees are limbed to provide a buffer zone to wildfire. Avoid dry bark mulch, or intersperse with rock in fire prone areas.

When Planning New Landscapes

• Select native plant species that are naturally fire-resistant, which doesn’t mean fireproof. It means plants have moist leaves, are low in sap, and have little dead wood. Most deciduous trees and shrubs are fire-resistant. Characteristics of highly flammable plants include fine, dry or dead material within the plant (such as juniper); volatile waxes or oils; gummy sap; aromatic leaves, and loose or papery bark.
• Space your trees and shrubs so that their mature crowns are at least 10’ apart and away from your home. This prevents fire from jumping.
• A list of native plant species can be found on our web site, www.wmswcd.org, see Portland Plant List.

Maintaining Your LandscapeIn natural ecosystems, regular wildfires control undergrowth. In managed landscapes, minimize vegetation around your forest home for fire safety. To preserve the natural landscape as much as possible, transition to native forest beyond your 30 feet of “defensible space.” Most of the West Hills wildfire hazard areas are within the City of Portland’s environmental protection zones, but here are some things you can do without a permit:

• Remove invasive plants, such as Himalayan blackberry, European hawthorn, Scot’s broom, clematis and English ivy. These are highly combustible and a nuisance.
• Use native plants that don’t need watering near your house. Let your lawn go dormant and cut it as close to the ground as possible.
• Rake bark dust, wood chips, compost and tree litter away from your home, including decks.
• Prune tree branches within 10’ of walls and roofs. Limb conifers up to 6’ from the ground and within 30’ of structures. Prune deadwood from landscape plants and place in compost bin.

Protect Your Home and Land

• Work with the WMSWCD to develop a conservation plan for your forestland. We help with native species selection, invasive (and often flammable) weed control, managing snags and woody debris, advice on tree limbing and thinning, and access to incentive programs and resources.
• Get help managing your invasive weeds. Contact the Conservation District to see if you qualify for a free site visit or technical assistance.
• Keep gutters and roof free of debris. Consider treating/replacing your wood roof to make it more fire-resistant.
• Do not use illegal fireworks, which can catch trees and leaves on fire.
• Keep street trees pruned so emergency vehicles can reach your property.
• Store firewood, picnic tables, building materials, and other flammables away from buildings.

 
For more information about forestry issues, contact WMSWCD Forest Conservationist Michael Ahr, 503.238.4775, ext. 109 or michael@wmswcd.org.