Small Steps Can Make a Big Difference During Wildfire Season

By Salem Fire Department, for The West Side Newspaper

As Oregon heads into wildfire season, the Salem Fire Department encourages residents to take simple steps now to better protect their homes, neighborhoods, and families from wildfires. 

When many people think about wildfire danger, they picture large flames moving through forests or across hillsides. In reality, one of the greatest threats to homes often comes from wind-driven embers. These burning embers can travel miles ahead of a wildfire and ignite homes long before the main fire ever arrives.

The Salem Fire Department, following guidance and messaging from the Oregon State Fire Marshal, emphasizes that creating defensible space around homes is one of the most effective ways to reduce wildfire risk and improve a home’s chances of surviving a fire.

One of the most important areas for homeowners to focus on is the first five feet around the home. Fire officials refer to this as the noncombustible zone. Keeping this area free of combustible materials can significantly reduce the chance of embers igniting a home during a wildfire. Leaves, pine needles, bark dust, firewood, patio furniture, welcome mats, and even trash bins can all become fuel if they are too close to a structure. Embers are constantly searching for places to land and ignite. Reducing combustible materials near homes removes opportunities for those embers to start fires. Simple steps residents can take include removing leaves and pine needles from roofs and gutters, trimming vegetation, moving firewood away from structures, and replacing bark dust or mulch near the home with noncombustible materials like gravel or pavers. These small maintenance tasks may seem simple, but they can make a meaningful difference during wildfire season.

The Salem Fire Department also encourages residents to maintain a lean, clean, and green yard. Dry grass and overgrown vegetation can act as fuel during wildfire season, especially during hot weather, high winds, and low humidity. Keeping lawns maintained and removing dead vegetation can help slow fire spread and reduce ignition potential.

Home maintenance also plays a major role in wildfire resilience. Embers can enter homes through vents, soffits, and under-deck spaces. Installing 1/8-inch metal mesh screening over vents and enclosing areas beneath decks can help prevent embers from finding vulnerable ignition points. Cleaning debris from roofs and gutters is another important step, as dry debris can easily ignite when embers land.

The Salem Fire Department wants to remind residents that wildfire prevention is not just a rural issue. As Oregon continues to experience hotter, drier summers, urban areas and neighborhoods near natural vegetation are increasingly at risk. Wildfire smoke and fast-moving grass or brush fires can impact communities across the region. Wildfire preparedness is about reducing opportunities for ignition. Residents do not have to completely overhaul their property overnight. Small steps taken consistently over time can make homes significantly more resilient during wildfire season.

The Salem Fire Department also emphasizes the importance of community-wide preparedness. Defensible space efforts are most effective when entire neighborhoods participate. One well-maintained property can help reduce fire spread, but when entire communities work together, wildfire resilience is stronger overall.

Throughout wildfire season, Salem Fire personnel continue to share prevention messaging, conduct public education, and work with regional partners to improve wildfire awareness across the community. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! The Salem Fire Department encourages residents to stay informed, prepare early, and take wildfire risk seriously before fire season conditions worsen.

The Salem Fire Department hopes residents understand that wildfire prevention is something everyone can contribute to, whether by cleaning a roof, clearing leaves from gutters, trimming vegetation, or removing combustible items around the home.

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Messaging in this article was informed by Salem Fire Department wildfire prevention outreach materials and Oregon State Fire Marshal wildfire preparedness guidance.