Stay prepared. Stay protected.
Wildfire season is becoming longer and more intense throughout the Pacific Northwest. For homeowners in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, now’s the time to take action to protect what matters most.
Whether you live on the edge of the forest or in a quiet rural community, here are seven fire safety tips to help reduce the risk to your home and family:
1. Create Defensible Space
Start by clearing flammable materials—like brush, dry grass, and leaves—from around your home. You’ll want at least 30 feet of cleared space to create a buffer zone that can slow a wildfire’s path and give firefighters room to work.
Check out Oregon’s Defensible Space Guidelines to see what’s recommended for your property.
2. Trim Trees & Shrubs
Overgrown landscaping can be fuel during a fire. Keep tree limbs trimmed at least 10 feet away from your roof and chimney, and remove any dead branches or leaves that could catch fire easily.
Here’s a detailed checklist to help guide your yard maintenance.
3. Clean Gutters & Roofs
Pine needles and dry leaves in your gutters or on the roof can ignite quickly from wind-blown embers. A simple seasonal cleaning can go a long way toward keeping your home safe.
4. Use Fire-Resistant Landscaping
Swap out flammable plants and ground cover like juniper, ornamental grasses, or bark mulch for safer alternatives such as gravel, river rock, or fire-resistant plants like lavender and red monkeyflower. It’s a smart blend of safety and curb appeal.
5. Inspect & Update Emergency Kits
Your emergency kit should be fully stocked with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, masks, and important documents. Review it annually and tailor it to your family’s specific needs.
6. Make an Evacuation Plan
Talk with your household about what to do in the event of a wildfire. Know your evacuation routes, establish a communication plan, and practice it regularly. Don’t forget to include pets in your planning!
7. Test Smoke Detectors & Replace Batteries
Your smoke detectors are your home’s first line of defense during a fire—but only if they’re working. Test each alarm monthly and replace the batteries at least twice a year, even if they seem fine. A good rule of thumb? Change them when you adjust your clocks for Daylight Saving Time.
What to Avoid:
- Combustible siding materials like untreated wood
- Unscreened attic or soffit vents where embers can sneak in
- Highly flammable plants near your foundation
- Neglected yards filled with dry brush, weeds, or stored materials
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Build with Fire Safety in Mind
One of the most effective ways to increase your home’s fire resistance is to start with quality materials and design. At HiLine Homes, we build with your safety in mind—leveraging decades of experience across fire-prone regions like CA, OR, WA, and ID.
Whether you’re rebuilding, relocating, or planning your dream home, choosing a responsible and reliable home builder can make all the difference. From defensible space planning to smart material choices, HiLine Homes helps you build smarter, safer, and stronger.
