Oregon Fire Marshal Calls for Wildfire Awareness Month Action to Prevent Repeat of 2024’s 1.9 Million Acres Burned

The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) says residents who ensured their properties were clear of debris and timber to feed wildfires, escaped the 1.9 million acres of scorched earth that was the season of 2024.

Despite the destruction, some homes survived thanks to defensible space, highlighting the power of preparation, the Oregon State Fire Marshal noted in a recent news release. The agency is encouraging all Oregonians to participate in Wildfire Awareness Month this May.

‘Act now,’ is the call from the State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple, adding that the state is facing another challenging fire season.

Residents Must Create Defensible Space Around Their Properties

She says the OSFM cannot fight wildfires alone and needs every resident to rise to the challenge of creating defensible space around their properties – the most effective way to protect homes and communities.

Ruiz-Temple says the OSFM has increased staffing at local fire agencies, modernized response equipment, and invested in wildfire resiliency projects throughout the state … ‘but we can’t do it alone.’

Tip On How To Help

She calls on Oregonians to commit to small changes that have big impacts.

These include pruning back trees to prevent fires from climbing into canopies; removing garden and other debris at least 100 feet away from structures; cleaning roofs and gutters of flammable debris like leaves; moving combustible material like firewood away from residences; trimming back plants and other dead material close to homes; and to leave a minimum five-foot buffet under eaves.

The OSFM also appeals to residents to dispose of debris by composting, recycling, or chipping. Residents choosing to burn debris should do so strictly according to local rules, as this is a primary cause of wildfires in Oregon.

You can find a step-by-step guide to creating defensible space at www.oregondefensiblespace.org. For additional tips and wildfire safety resources, visit the OSFM’s Wildfire Awareness Month webpage or preventwildfires.oregon.gov.