by Chris LaVoie
Let’s face it—living in the McKenzie River area is paradise. Towering evergreens, fresh mountain air, sparkling rivers… it’s the kind of place you brag about to your friends stuck in the city. But along with all that beauty comes a sobering truth: this region is in a high wildfire risk zone.
And here’s the thing—wildfires aren’t polite. They don’t knock. They don’t give notice. They just show up, and if your home isn’t ready, you could lose everything in a matter of minutes.
When the Holiday Farm Fire hit, many of us who lived through that, lost most every possession. On the upside, I didn’t have to clear out the junk accumulating in the garage over the years – a huge daunting task on my ever growing todo list – but I also lost so many irreplacable items that were tied to special memories.
That’s why Firewise isn’t just “nice to have.” It’s essential.
Applying Firewise principles means you’re taking charge—proactively protecting your investment, your family’s safety, and your peace of mind. It’s not about living in fear—it’s about living smart. And as someone who’s spent the last 5 years helping the community recover, I’ll tell you: being prepared is confidence.
Your Firewise Action Plan
Here’s what you can do, starting today:
- Create Defensible Space
- Clear leaves, fir needles, and debris from your roof and gutters.
- Keep the first 5 feet around your house free of flammable plants or mulch—use rock, gravel, or hardscape instead.
- Trim tree branches so they’re at least 10 feet from your home and each other.
- Harden Your Home
- Install ember-resistant vents and cover exterior openings with 1/8-inch metal mesh.
- Upgrade to Class A fire-rated roofing materials if possible.
- Use tempered or double-pane glass in windows—heat-resistant and less likely to shatter.
- Smart Landscaping
- Plant fire-resistant species like Oregon grape, lavender, or daylilies.
- Space trees and shrubs so flames can’t jump between them.
- Water regularly during dry months—healthy plants burn slower.
- Be Ember-Aware
- Store firewood at least 30 feet from your home.
- Keep propane tanks, sheds, and other outbuildings away from main structures.
- Seal gaps in siding, decks, and eaves where embers could sneak in.
- Have a Plan
- Know your evacuation routes.
- Keep an emergency kit ready—important documents, medications, essentials.
- Sign up for local fire alerts.
Youn might not get everything done right away, do what you can. Keep moving to a goal that protects your home and family the best you can.
Lane County’s has Firewise Grants to help you get there!
Bottom line? In the McKenzie River are, and other high fire risk zones, Firewise principles aren’t just about protecting your property—they’re about safeguarding the lifestyle you moved here for. By taking these steps now, you’re sending a message: “This home, this community, and this life are worth protecting.”
And trust me—that’s exactly the kind of power move you’ll never regret.