1. | Clean your roof and gutters of leaves and needles. Can’t do this yourself? Ask a neighbor for help or hire someone to do the work. |
2. | Keep wood decks clear of leaf and needle debris above and below the deck surface. Do the same around the base of walls and storage areas. |
3. | Relocate woodpiles at least 30-feet from buildings and out from under decks. If you cannot move woodpiles 30-feet from buildings, place inside an enclosed structure, or store as far away from all structures as possible and cover with a fireproof tarp that can resist embers. |
1. | Cover exterior vent openings with 1/8-inch metal mesh screens to resist ember penetrations into the home. This includes attic, crawlspace or basement vents* |
2. | It's critical to keep the space under decks clean of debris. If your deck is less than 2-feet off the ground, it's recommended to fully enclose the space under the deck, or screen-in with 1/8-inch metal-mesh. This keeps embers out. |
3. | Replace wood fencing with metal (or other non-combustible materials) for the last 5-feet of any fence that attaches to a house, detached garage, or outbuilding.** |
*rolls of 1/8” screen is sold at hardware and big box stores, or can be ordered online. Consider buying a roll and sharing it with your neighbors! Also, remember to clean out lint build-up from dryer vents!
**several stores in the Rogue Valley sell non-combustible gates or panels that can replace wood fence attachments against the home. Fencing contractors can construct non-combustible alternatives as well.
1. | Install metal flashing between wood siding and decks. Consider replacing the first 1-2 deck boards closest to the home with fire-resistant products. |
2. | Install 8-12-inch high metal flashing along walls where wood siding intersects roofing. |
3. | Keep your roof in good condition. Keep your eye out for warping or missing shingles and repair as needed. |
When It Comes Time to Replace:
1. | When replacing siding, upgrade to fire resistant materials like fiber cement, stucco, masonry, or plaster. |
2. | New windows should have metal frames, be tempered double pane, and have metal-mesh screens. |
► Are you a contractor or service provider who offers services to complete this type of work? Click here
► Are you looking for a contractor who can help you do this work? Click here
©2023 - Fire Adapted Ashland - All Rights Reserved | Site Handcrafted in Ashland, Oregon by Project A