SALEM — With May designated as Wildfire Awareness Month, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is calling on homeowners across the state to take immediate, practical steps to protect their properties — and fire officials say the most impactful work often begins right at the foundation of a home.

"A few simple weekend projects within the first five feet of your home could be the difference between surviving a wildfire or suffering devastating damage," the Oregon State Fire Marshal's office said in a May 4 release.

The Science of the First Five Feet

Research from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety has consistently shown that the immediate zone around a home — the 0-to-5-foot perimeter — is the most critical factor in whether a structure survives a wildfire. Wind-driven embers, which can travel a mile or more ahead of a fire front, are the primary ignition mechanism for most home losses. Those embers settle into gutters, against wood fences, in dry mulch, and under decks — all within arm's reach of the foundation.

Key actions in the first five feet include:

  • Replacing combustible mulch (like bark chips) with non-combustible materials such as gravel or rock
  • Removing dead leaves, needles, and debris from gutters and against walls
  • Moving firewood stacks, propane tanks, and patio furniture at least 30 feet from the home
  • Installing ember-resistant mesh on roof vents and under decks
  • Ensuring no combustible materials are stored under the deck or porch

Beyond the Five-Foot Zone

The Oregon State Fire Marshal recommends creating a 30-foot perimeter of defensible space around all structures. The wildfire.oregon.gov portal provides zone-specific guidance: Zone 1 (0-30 feet) focuses on eliminating fuels adjacent to the structure, while Zone 2 (30-100 feet) involves thinning and spacing trees and shrubs to reduce the ladder fuels that carry ground fire into the tree canopy.

The city of Bend has launched its "Own Your Zone" initiative at bendoregon.gov/own-your-zone, providing localized guidance for Central Oregon homeowners. The Central Oregon Fire Prevention Co-op has also scheduled a Preparedness Fair to help residents understand their options and connect with local resources.

The Human Factor

Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple pointed to a troubling trend: more than 60% of Oregon wildfires in 2025 were started by humans — a reversal of years of improvement. Burning yard waste and debris remains the single leading cause of human-ignited wildfires in the state.

"Oregonians need to be proactive about protecting themselves and their properties from wildfire and behave far more cautiously when starting campfires or burning debris than in recent years," officials said at May's wildfire season kickoff event with Gov. Kotek.

Evacuation Readiness

Defensible space buys time — but it doesn't eliminate risk. Emergency managers urge residents in fire-prone areas to also:

  • Know their evacuation zone level (Level 1 = Be Ready, Level 2 = Be Set, Level 3 = Go Now)
  • Sign up for county emergency alerts at their local OEM website
  • Prepare a go-bag with documents, medications, and essentials
  • Identify two evacuation routes from their neighborhood
  • Make arrangements for pets and livestock in advance

More information on wildfire preparedness is available at wildfire.oregon.gov and through the National Fire Protection Association's Firewise USA program at nfpa.org.