top of page
AP-Earthworks-logo
GET A QUOTE

Education Center

Wildfire Preparedness for Central Oregon

Wildfire is a fact of life in Central Oregon—but losing your home doesn't have to be.

 

At AP Earthworks, we believe education is one of the most valuable services we can provide. The best time to prepare your property is before smoke is in the air.

 

This resource center explains how wildfires spread, why homes ignite, and what practical steps you can take today to dramatically improve your property's chances of surviving a wildfire.

Why Homes Burn

Many people believe a wall of flames is what destroys homes.

​

In reality, most homes are ignited by embers—burning pieces of bark, pinecones, and other debris that can travel more than a mile ahead of the main fire under the right conditions. These embers collect in roofs, gutters, vents, decks, landscaping, and other vulnerable areas where they can start small fires that eventually consume the home. Creating a well-maintained Home Ignition Zone and reducing combustible materials around your home significantly improves its chances of surviving a wildfire.

The Home Ignition Zone

defensible zones 2.jpg
Zone 1 (0–5 feet)

This is the most important area.

Remove anything that can burn.

​

Examples include:

  • Bark mulch

  • Firewood

  • Patio cushions

  • Dead leaves

  • Pine needles

  • Wood planters

  • Dry vegetation

 

Use gravel, stone, concrete, pavers, or irrigated landscaping whenever possible.

Zone 2 (5–30 feet)

Reduce fuels while maintaining a healthy landscape.

​

  • Space shrubs apart.

  • Remove ladder fuels.

  • Prune tree limbs.

  • Keep grass mowed.

  • Remove dead vegetation.

  • Separate wood piles from structures.

Zone 3 (30–100+ feet)

This area is designed to slow wildfire before it reaches your home.

​

Recommended actions include:

  • Thin dense trees

  • Remove dead trees

  • Eliminate heavy brush

  • Create spacing between tree crowns

  • Improve access for firefighters

 

The exact spacing depends on slope, vegetation type, and property layout.

Make Your Home Harder to Catch Fire

Defensible space is only part of the equation.

​

Simple home improvements can dramatically reduce wildfire risk.

Roof

  •  Class A roofing materials

  •  Keep roof free of pine needles and debris

Gutters

  • Clean regularly

  • Install metal gutter guards

Vents

  • Install ember-resistant vent screens

  • Replace damaged vents

Decks

  • Remove combustible storage underneath

  • Clear leaves and needles

  • Use ignition-resistant materials when replacing

Windows

  • Dual-pane tempered glass performs better during wildfire exposure.

Landscaping

Choose plants with higher moisture content and avoid large concentrations of highly flammable vegetation next to structures.

gutter mesh.jpg

Wildfire professionals divide the area around your home into three zones.

IMG_20260702_223925.heic

Central Oregon Wildfire Facts

Central Oregon is one of the most wildfire-prone regions in the Pacific Northwest.

​

Several factors contribute to this:

  • Dry summers

  • Frequent wind events

  • Large areas of ponderosa pine

  • Juniper encroachment

  • Heavy accumulations of forest fuels

  • Increasing development in the wildland-urban interface

 

Wildfire seasons are becoming longer, and more people are living in areas where homes and forests meet, making preparation increasingly important.

Did you know?

  • Embers can travel over a mile ahead of the main wildfire.

  • Most homes ignite from embers, not direct flames.

  • Creating defensible space also makes it safer for firefighters to protect your home.

  • Small improvements close to your home often provide the greatest reduction in wildfire risk.

oregon wildfire map.jpg

Our Approach

At AP Earthworks, we don't believe in simply clearing brush.

​

We evaluate how fire behaves on your property and focus on treatments that reduce risk while preserving the beauty and usability of your land whenever possible.

​

Our services include:

  • Defensible space creation

  • Hazard tree removal

  • Brush reduction

  • Ladder fuel removal

  • Forest thinning

  • Home ignition zone improvements

  • Driveway and emergency access clearing

  • Ongoing property maintenance

 

Our goal is to help homeowners create properties that are safer, healthier, and more resilient to wildfire.

CGPT before.png

Helpful links

We encourage every homeowner to learn more from these trusted organizations:

bottom of page