Defensible Space

Plan Today, Protect Tomorrow

Wildfire risks are rising, and preparation has never been more critical. The OSFM'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—a strategically managed area around your home—can be the deciding factor in preventing embers from igniting your property. By acting now, you can help create a fire-adapted community, reducing risks for everyone.

Join the movement to protect Oregon’s homes, lives, and landscapes. Click here to schedule your free assessment and take the first step toward a safer future. Together, we can face the wildfire challenge with resilience. Read our comprehensive guide for homeowners here.

Read the draft Oregon Defensible Space Model Code here. To provide comments or questions about the development of the model defensible space code, please use this form.

Defensible Space Rule Making Defensible Space Assessment Sign Up Defensible Space Model Code Draft Defensible Space Checklist

What is Defensible Space?

Defensible space is the area around your home or business and nearby grass, trees, shrubs, or wildland. Keeping this area mowed and free of overgrown brush and dry material can help your property survive a wildfire. Defensible space improves safety for people and firefighters and makes evacuations easier. Embers can travel up to three miles ahead of the main fire and are the biggest reason homes are lost during wildfires.

Tips to Create Defensible Space

Clear out dried leaves and pine needles from gutters, eaves, and around your chimney.
Trim the lower branches of trees so they don’t act as a ladder for fire to reach the treetops.
Keep patios free of dry materials, like leaves or old wood, especially in the summer.
Store firewood and leftover construction materials at least 30 feet away from your house.
Trim bushes near your house so they don’t touch the walls or siding.
Clean leaves, needles, and debris off your roof and out of gutters regularly.
Remove plants and bushes growing directly under the eaves of your house; leave at least a five-foot gap.
Use 1/8-inch metal mesh to cover attic vents, soffit vents, and open spaces under decks and patios.
Clear leaves, dead wood, mulch, and other debris from on, under, and around decks and fences.