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Proper Groundskeeping And Home Maintenance Can Protect Against Wildfires

Brian Bull
/
KLCC

Oregonians are being advised to clear debris, overgrowth, and fallen foliage that could endanger their home if a wildfire breaks out.  

Over time, many homesteads get cluttered with grass, brush, twigs, and other things that could provide fuel for fire. 

At a recent wildfire webinar, Claire McGrew of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office outlined several zones around a home that should be maintained to help offset fire risks.  One of the most immediate places are roofs and gutters.

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
/
KLCC
Dead and dry foliage on a property can feed spreading wildfires.  Homeowners are advised to rake up and dispose of accumulated leaves and branches ahead of regional wildfires.

“Keeping those clean will help to make sure that embers don’t have an opportunity for a nice place to nestle during a wildfire or even during debris burning that is happening as well, we want to make sure those are nice and clean.” 

Pruning trees, keeping the grass green, and holding off on debris burning until fall or winter are other ways to limit wildfire’s growth across one’s property.

McGrew also referenced Oregon State University’s listing of fire-resistant plants for landscaping.

Copyright 2021, KLCC. 

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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