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Defensible Space

Is Your Home Ready for Wildfire?

Protecting your property starts with the first five feet. Explore the three zones of defensible space to reduce your risk today.

Free Defensble Space Assessment Download Checklist

Plan Today, Protect Tomorrow

Wildfire risks are rising, and preparation has never been more critical. The Oregon State Fire Marshal's Defensible Space Program is here to help Oregonians protect their homes and communities through proactive, practical measures.

Scheduling a free defensible space assessment is easy and ensures your property is better protected from the next wildfire season. The assessment is an education-focused visit that gives home and property owners tips to start or improve their defensible space.

Defensible Space Explorer

Select a zone to learn how to protect your property from wildfire.

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The Home

Hardening Structure

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0 - 5 Feet

Immediate Zone

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5 - 30 Feet

Intermediate Zone

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30 - 100+ Feet

Extended Zone

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Resources

Guides & Access

Roof & Gutters

  • Remove all leaves, needles, and debris from the roof and gutters.
  • Install non-combustible (metal) gutter covers.
  • Replace missing or loose shingles to prevent ember entry.

Home Hardening

  • Cover all attic and crawlspace vents with 1/8" metal wire mesh.
  • Ensure siding and skirting are fiber-cement or stone if possible.
  • Use metal gates for fence sections within 5ft of the house.

The 5-Foot Buffer

  • Use river rock, gravel, or pavers within 5ft of the structure.
  • Remove bark mulch and flammable plants (like Junipers).
  • Clear debris from below all decks and patios.

Lean, Clean, and Green

  • Keep grass mowed to less than 4 inches.
  • Space tree crowns at least 10 feet apart.
  • Prune trees up 6ft from the ground.

Fuel Breaks

  • Remove ladder fuels (brush under trees).
  • Maintain 10ft clearance around propane tanks.
  • Dispose of heavy ground litter and deadwood.

Emergency Access

  • Ensure driveways have 13'6" vertical and 20' horizontal clearance for fire engines.
  • Install reflective address signs clearly visible from both directions.
  • Keep gates functional and wide enough for large apparatus.

Defensible Space

Best Practices Infographic

Download these Graphics (PDF)

Ember Defense

Ember Defense Infographic

Download these Graphics (PDF)

Professional Assistance

Ready for a expert review of your property?

Request Free Assessment

Model Defensible Space Code

The Oregon State Fire Marshal and its partners have developed a model defensible space code that local governments across Oregon can adopt. This code provides a baseline safety standard for communities and can be expanded upon to meet local needs.

View Model Code (PDF)

Local Adoption Notification

In accordance with OAR 837-040-0030, local governmental subdivisions shall notify the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) that they are pursuing their local process to adopt the model defensible space code.

Local Adoption Notification

Fire Adapted Oregon

Our broader strategy involves empowering Oregonians through Fire Adapted Oregon and ensuring we are Response Ready. We offer free defensible space assessments and technical assistance to help you navigate code requirements.