Protecting Your Home

Home Firewise Checklist

(Text provided courtesy of City of Ashland, Oregon)

  1. Step 1: Assess Ignitability
  2. Step 2: Defensible Space
  3. Step 3 - Ongoing Maintenance

During a wildfire, airborne embers are a major cause of home ignitions. It is extremely important that these embers do not find a place to land where they can ignite your home. The following steps can greatly reduce the risk of ignition:

  • Remove all combustible leaves and needles from rooftops and gutters.
  • Clear a "fuel-free" zone within 5 feet of any structure, including decks. Clear all leaves and bark mulch and trim vegetation back, especially where the siding comes down to ground level. Compost, dirt, and gravel are acceptable within a few feet of the home as ground cover.
  • Check all exterior vents along the eves, walls, and foundation to make sure the screening is intact.
  • Move anything that can burn at least 30 feet from the house, uphill if possible. This includes lumber and firewood.
  • Keep propane tanks at least 30 feet from a structure and clear 10 feet or more around it.
  • Close off spaces under decks and exterior vents with 1/8 inch metal screening to prevent embers from entering. Keep spaces under the deck free of all combustible materials i.e. lumber, leaves, and firewood.
  • Clearly post your address on your home and at all driveway junctions. Numbers should be at least 4 inches tall and reflective for easy view in smoke or dark.
  • Replace shake roofs with Class B or Class A roofing material.

For more information, check out Be Ember Aware: A Visual Checklist of Vulnerable Ignition Spots (PDF)

Debris Disposal

Dispose of all debris safely. Material can only be burned during an authorized burn window. Material can also be disposed of at the Josephine County Transfer Station/Recycle Center (1749 Merlin Road, 541-479-3331).

Free Home Assessment

Need help to figure it all out? You can get a free home assessment! Contact Fire Marshal Joe Hyatt.

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Contact Us

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    Firewise Coordinator
    Ph: 541-450-6212

  1. Fire Danger Level LOW

Fire Safety at Home

  1. Many outside fires in Oregon are caused by improper debris burning or sparks from power equipment use. 

    Read the Yard Debris Removal & Equipment Use - Fire Safety brochure for tips on how to safely dispose of your yard debris.

  2. Recreational Fires

    Recreational fires (for cooking or recreational purposes only) are allowed in the City of Grants Pass provided the rules and regulations on the linked pamphlet are followed.

    Recreational Fire Guidelines