NEWS RELEASE

With wildfires burning across the nation, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue reminds local homeowners that this area is not exempt from the threat of wildfire. With an increasing number of homes now being built in the "interface"—areas in which homes are nestled into steep hillsides or next to forested areas and fields—the risk of wildfire increases.

Extinguishing a wildfire is much more challenging than a house or commercial building fire. In a wildfire situation, brush, trees, and homes can be simultaneously threatened, water is limited or non-existent, access is difficult, and firefighters must use shovels and hand tools. Recognizing this, TVF&R has greatly enhanced its ability to battle wildfires over the past decade. To prepare for the inevitable, the District maintains special fire apparatus (water tenders and brush rigs) and firefighters have wildfire clothing, tools and safety gear. Firefighters also receive live-wildfire training each year. In addition, the District recently implemented a Rural Water Supply Program. The program identifies the necessary techniques for getting water to a wildfire, as well as private water sources (ponds, wells, dammable creeks) including over 100 sources (ponds, wells, etc.) in the Stafford and Tanner Basin areas.

Karen Eubanks, Public Information Officer, states, "During a wildfire, time, resources and water are precious commodities! Firefighters must quickly choose the safest and most effective place to take a stand against the fire." Eubanks added, "A home with preventative measures (non-combustible roofing, vegetation cleared, wide driveway, etc.) can oftentimes be used as a firebreak, helping firefighters stop the fire." Individuals who live in the "interface" should take the following preventative measures:

Roofing

Replace wood shakes with fire resistant or fireproof materials, such as tile, metal or composition roofing. Remove pine needles and leaves that collect in gutters.

Landscaping

Create a defensible space or firebreak by clearing all flammable vegetation at least 30 ft. around your home. Keep lawns and shrubs well watered. Remove lower limbs from trees 10 ft. up from the ground and cut back limbs so they don’t hang over your roof.

Access

Driveways and roads should be wide enough for fire apparatus - 20 ft. wide and 30 ft. long, with 14 ft. clearance. Bridges should support at least 50,000 pounds.

For more information about protecting your home from wildfire, contact Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue at (503) 649-8577.

###