Tip of the Week April 24, 2025 Wildfire Preparedness Oregon had a record breaking 1.9 million acres burned by wildfire in 2024. That was the most acreage burned in 30 years and 18 times as much acreage as in 2023. The current year started with destructive fires in California and has continued in several areas of the country with nearly 823,000 acres burned so far. May is a great time to learn about wildfires and prepare your home before the surrounding land dries out. Here are a few things to consider: 1. Have a Plan. Develop an emergency plan using this evacuation checklist as a guide (wildfire.oregon.gov/Documents/Wildfire_Evacuation_Checklist_En.pdf). Include a communications plan with your family and friends and at least one person out of the area. 2. Know about evacuation levels and sign up for emergency alerts at oralert.gov. 3. Clear a defensible space around your home. Start with 5 feet around your home, then work your way up to a 30-foot distance. This is a buffer-zone that can protect your home in case a wildfire is coming. 4. Use safe backyard burning practices. Escaped debris burning is the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon. 5. Use care with power equipment. Do yard clean up in the spring, not in the summer. Equipment fire is usually the second leading cause of human-caused wildfire. 6. Check your home address marker – can you see it from the street? If not, trim overgrown vegetation or move the marker so first responders can find you if they need to. 7. Build a 72-hour kit for your family and pets. Get tips at www.ready.gov/kit . 8. Document your possessions and store this digitally or away from your home. A video can work for this. 9. Prepare financially for a disaster. The Division of Financial Regulation has information on insurance and other financial considerations 10. For more wildfire prevention tips, visit www.keeporegongreen.org