With summer here it is time to look into your yard and find out if your home is ready for a wildfire.  Forest Grove isn't the wild fire capital of the world by any means, but the Tillamook Burn happened in our back yard, and wild fires are a possibility in our area.  Here are some easy ways you can help protect your property:

1.  Create a defensible space around your home.  Remove all combustible plants and vegetation from within 30 feet of your home.  Beyond this 30 feet cut back dead vegetation, and remove all tree limbs from within 8 feet of the ground.

2.  Store your wood piles well away from your home.

3.  Make sure your home is adequetly addressed.  Numbers should be at least four inches high and be easily visible from the road, as well as any forks in your driveway to direct firefighters to your home quickly.

4.  Choose non combustible construction products, such as cement board siding instead of vinyl siding, or metal roofing instead of cedar shakes.

5.  Limit your use of fire on the property.  Backyard burning is closed until October, and if you have a campfire make sure that you have firefighting tools and water ready and that you attend to the campfire the entire time it is burning.  Once you are done with your campfire make sure you put it out. 

To have your home's wild fire readiness evaluated by one of our Fire Inspectors call our Fire Prevention Division at 503.992.3240.