Ashland, Ore. — Monday kicked off fire season, and Ashland Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal, Margueritte Hickman, said they’re as prepared as they can be. But in a town where wildlife and urban living overlap Hickman is asking homeowners to take action to protect not only their homes, but the whole community.
“We’re really hoping people will pay attention this year even more so than normal,” Hickman said.
With the extremely dry conditions, fire officials say this year could be worse than last. Hickman said one of the most important things for residents to do is making wise decisions and following the rules that have been put in place.
“Open burning is not permitted. Fire works are not permitted in the city of Ashland at all,” she said.
And even though fire season is officially here there is still time to create defensible space around your home.
Ashland resident Larry Kellogg said he and his wife are prepared.
“We got rid of the tall grass and brush around our house and took out the plants in the front walkway area and put in rocks,” Kellogg said.
Kellogg said a representative from the city came out to their home and advised both he and his neighbors on the best way to create defensible space. Kellogg and his neighbors know the domino effect one burning house can have on others.
“We saw that a couple years ago at Oak Knoll where 11 houses burned up one right after another all in a line,” he said.
Hickman also said the city will start enforcing the rule that weeds on city lots must be cut down to four inches on June 16th. Another preventative measure to keep fires from spreading.
Click here for more information on how to prepare your home for fire season: http://www.ashland.or.us/Page.aspNavID=8366
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