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Oregon Defensible Space



Let's Create Defensible Space

Through the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Defensible Space Program, Oregonians can schedule a free assessment at their home or property. During the assessment, a fire expert will walk your property and give you tips to create or improve your defensible space.

To schedule a free assessment or learn more, click here.

Defensible Space Checklist

To guide homeowners through creating defensible space, the Governor's Fire Service Policy Council, the OSFM, and other state agencies developed a checklist. This guide walks home and property owners through defensible space best practices, including tree spacing, driveway access, and other considerations.

Following these recommendations can increase the likelihood that your home or business will survive a wildfire. They may not eliminate wildfire threat, so it is important to follow all evacuation orders in the event of a wildfire.

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Fire-Adapted Organizations and Programs

Many organizations and programs are working to create fire-adapted communities in Oregon.

  • Firewise USA®, a program by the National Fire Prevention Association, provides a collaborative framework to help neighbors get organized, find direction, and take action to protect their homes and communities and reduce wildfire risk. Learn more here and find a Firewise community near you.

  • The Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), created by the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, helps communities collaborate with federal and state land agencies to achieve common goals. Communities with CWPPs have priority for Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management hazardous fuels reduction projects.

  • Fire Adapted Oregon is an OSFM initiative built using statewide data, defensible space best practices, and the community risk reduction framework. The initiative uses an integrated and strategic investment of resources to reduce fires and their impact on the public.