Wildfire prevention and safety

Smoke from Whisky Creek fire drifts across the valley toward Mosier and Microwave Tower fire - taken July 24, 2024

Before Wildfire Strikes PDF

Following are key Fire Prevention and Preparedness practices.

Preventing fire outdoors

Campfires may be prohibited during times of high fire danger

• Avoid driving or parking on dry vegetation.
• Campfires may be prohibited during times of high fire danger. When campfires are allowed, make sure the fire is cold to the touch before leaving.
• Check tow chains and trailers to ensure they are not dragging and could cause a spark.
• Only operate motorized vehicles and equipment where and when allowed.
• Do not smoke in the wilderness or near dry vegetation.
• Remember to keep water, a fire extinguisher, and a shovel in your vehicle.

Preventing fire at home

Keep fuels away from your house

Creating defensible space around your home is a resident's biggest preventive measure. Defensible space includes these three zones: Immediate zone – 0 - 5 feet from each structure; Intermediate zone – 5 - 30 feet from each structure; and Extended zone – 30 - 100 feet from each structure (up to 200 feet on steep slopes). Free Defensible Space Assessments can be requested from the Oregon State Fire Marshal by entering a property address at oregondefensiblespace.org.

• Do not burn debris during fire season. Consider chipping, composting, or recycling yard debris.
• Campfires may be prohibited during times of high fire danger. When campfires are allowed, make sure the fire is cold to the touch before leaving.
• Keep roofs, gutters, decks, and patios clear of leaves, pine needles, or other flammable materials. Repair or replace any loose or missing shingles, window screens, or windows.
• Remove flammable mulch and vegetation within five feet of the home and replace with non-flammable material.
• Don’t store anything under porches or decks.
• Remove tree or shrub branches within 10 feet of your house, roof, or chimney.
• Keep lawns watered and mowed. If conserving water, remove debris within 30 feet of the home.
• Trim tree limbs 10 feet above the ground or to 1/3rd the height of shorter trees.
• Install 1/8-inch metal mesh screens over vents and under decks to prevent ember intrusion.

Prepare for emergencies and disaster

• Prepare your property to reduce the risk of your home burning down in the event of a fire in your neighborhood.
• Prepare for smoky air during fire events. Visit SmokeReadyGorge.org, and pay attention to the Air Quality Index.
• Prepare yourself and your family for wildfire and possible evacuation by maintaining a “go” bag and having a plan.
• Understand local emergency planning, alert systems, and fire response.
• Do not smoke in the wilderness or near dry vegetation.
• Find resources and assistance to help you prepare for wildfire.

Hood River County Emergency Management prepares for, coordinates response and logistical support, mitigates, and aids community recovery for natural and man-made disasters and large-scale emergencies. Hood River County residents can receive emergency notifications from the Emergency Management Department. These notifications provide critical information quickly for various situations, including wildfires. You can sign up to receive time-sensitive messages at your specified location such as your home, mobile or business phone, email address, and text message. To register or check your preferences, please click oralert.gov.

Prepare yourself and your family for wildfire and possible evacuation by maintaining a “go” bag and having a plan.