Be Fire Smart

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MRFHA has met with the Forest Service. Here are their recommendations for keeping our cabins as safe as possible during fire season.

The key is maintaining a roof and gutters free of debris and creating defensible space!

First, clear a 5-foot non-combustible zone around structures

• Keep roofs and gutters clean throughout the summer and fall. Remove dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers.

• Reduce embers that could pass through vents in the eaves by installing 1/8 inch metal mesh screening.

• Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh (requires Forest Service approval) to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

• Move flammable material away from wall exteriors – mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles – anything that can burn. Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches.

• Ensure a spark arrester is installed on your chimney and all branches are cleared within 10’ of the chimney.

Then in the 5 to 30-foot area around the structure (clean + green zone)

• Clear vegetation from under large stationary propane tanks.

• Keep lawns and native grasses within the permit area mowed to a height of four inches.

• Remove all needles, cones, brush, and tree limbs within 4’ of the ground so a surface fire cannot reach the crowns of the trees.

• Tree and shrubs in this zone should be limited to small clusters of a few each to break up the continuity of the vegetation across the landscape. Forest Service approval needed before removing live trees and vegetation.

• Store firewood away from structures.

• Free yard debris disposal is available May 22-June 5 from 8 am to 4 pm at the Northwest Fryrear transfer station near Sisters and the Southwest transfer station near LaPine.

IF you burn, be sure to follow the burn pile process. 

• Create your own account on the publicfiresafety.com website or app. You will be registering your contact information with the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District. Verify debris burning is “OPEN” and obtain your burn permit.

• Identify the area of your burn. One pile/lot/permit. Follow SCSFD and Sisters Ranger District Outdoor Debris Burning Regulations for burn pile parameters.

• On the day of your burn call the Sisters Ranger District Fire Duty Officer at 541-549-7650 so the Forest Service too knows the name and location of a burn limiting false alarm responses.

• REMEMBER all fires (including campfires, outdoor wood stoves, and charcoal briquette BBQs) should be fully drowned with water, stirred and be cool to the touch before leaving unattended.

• Cabin owners are required to follow all Public Use Restrictions and Industrial Fire Level Precautions when in effect.