One has to ask why a wildfire will leave some homes unscathed but reduce those in the vicinity to ashes. Or what is really involved in clearing fire fuel from a property. Then there is the matter of the trees and brush on your land; it is no secret they are the single most important factor in fire safety, more so than anything else.
For over 15 years we at 4 Brothers Tree Service Inc. have been putting our expertise to work for property owners in Central Oregon. As a family run operation we cover Redmond, Prineville, Bend, Deschutes and Sisters, OR. Should you have any questions on the subject of fire safety, do not hesitate to put in a call to (541) 815-2342.
There is a lot of interesting information to be had with fire fuel reduction, despite how technical the term may sound. We would like to put forward a few fun facts that could put a different perspective on your property.
What Is Fire Fuel?
Simply put, fire fuel is anything capable of catching and propagating flames. In Central Oregon it is more prevalent than one might think. Be it dead branches or dry grass and pine needles, all of it serves to feed a fire and make it spread.
You will find these common forms of fire fuel on an Oregon property:
- Fallen and dead trees
- A thick accumulation of leaves and pine needles
- Brush and shrubs left to overgrow
- Limbs low enough to bridge the gap between treetops and ground fire
- Firewood in stacks near the house
- Trees that are too close together
The object of fire fuel reduction is to see to it that there is less for a fire to have, which in turn makes it easier to put out and slows its progress.
A Fun Fact: Put Some Distance Between Your Trees
Homeowners are not always aware of this. A crown fire will jump from the top of one tree to another, but give the trees proper spacing and you can make that difficult. Gaps in the canopy put an end to the chain that allows a fire to run through your property.
We are not talking about cutting down everything. A forest can be well-managed and safe without losing its beauty or shade.
Fun Fact: It is the First 30 Feet That Count
When fire experts speak of “defensible space” they are referring to the area nearest your home as being paramount. The first 30 feet ought to be free of debris, with the grass mowed and branches in order.
Too often the focus is on the far side of the property while what is right up against the house is overlooked. Yet that is where a fire will make its way to your home.
More to Fire Fuel Reduction Than Meets the Eye
Get rid of the dead material and you are doing more for the health of your land and trees than just mitigating fire risk. Thinning out a crowded spot and removing dead wood gives the rest of the trees their due in sunlight, nutrients and water.
In short, a fire fuel reduction project will see to it your property is in better shape. There are other advantages as well:
- An open space that is more usable and affords better views
- Less of a haven for pests in the deadwood
- You can walk and tend to your land with greater ease
- Fewer limbs to come down in a storm
- The place looks after itself
Wind and Storms Are Quick to Make New Fuel
Then there are the storms and hard winds that are part of life in Central Oregon. A storm can bring a tree or branch down and before you know it you have fresh fire fuel.
Fire fuel reduction is something to be maintained from season to season, not done once and forgotten. And when a storm comes, 4 Brothers Tree Service Inc. is on hand with 24-hour emergency wind, fire and storm services.
Have a Plan for Your Property
You need not go at it by yourself. Our team has the confidence of the region’s families and businesses to show for it, along with 30 plus five-star reviews on Google. We do free estimates for residential and commercial alike so there are no surprises.
If you want to get your property in a safer, healthier state, the number is (541) 815-2342. We are here around the clock to help you protect what is important.
