Klamath Falls, Oregon – Klamath Falls is reminding residents that help is available to properly prepare their homes and protect their properties as wildfire season becomes worse in the West. Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) continues to help homeowners lower their risk of wildfires through its Community Risk Reduction Program.
The main goal of the project is to make a “defensible space,” which is a clean area between homes and the plants around them. Getting rid of grass, bushes, and tree limbs surrounding a house isn’t just for looks; it could mean the difference between losing a home and saving it when a wildfire strikes. Defensible area that is well taken care of not only inhibits the spread of fire, but it also offers firefighters room to work.
KCFD1 offers all homeowners in the Fire District free defensible space assessments to help reach this goal. These assessments, which usually happen on Mondays, assist find places on the property that need to be fixed. After the inspection, residents may be able to get further help based on how well they can handle the cleanup.
The Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Trailer is one of the program’s main features. Residents can use this trailer to help them get rid of flammable plants and natural debris that was cleared during mitigation. There are rigorous limits concerning what can be loaded, and drop-offs are on Thursdays and pickups are on Mondays. You can only use natural things like tree branches, pine needles, grass, and leaves. You can’t bring in anything like treated wood, trash, mud, or concrete. If these are detected, the homeowner may lose access to the program.
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For those able to do the work and remove the debris themselves, KCFD1 offers guidance but no trailer service. If residents can perform the work but not haul the material, the trailer may be provided. For those unable to do either, the Fire District helps connect them to alternate resources.
The program shows a proactive approach to preventing wildfires, where the community works together with the fire district. People who want to take part can sign up for an evaluation online at kcfd1.com/community-risk-reduction or call 541-885-2056 for further information.
Klamath County Fire District 1 is asking all property owners to use the resources that are available to them because fires are happening more often and are getting worse. The district is ready to help you every step of the way, even if it’s just pruning a tree or raking pine needles to protect your property.
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