Ashland Firewise provides property owners with simple and easy steps to help reduce a home’s wildfire risk by preparing ahead of a wildfire.

Create Defensible Space

If you are building a new house or addition over 200 square feet, you must create defensible space according to the Wildfire Safety Ordinance (18.3.10.100)
Clean your roof/gutters of leaves and needles at the beginning of fire season. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
Create a fuel free area within 5 feet of your house: Remove all bark mulch and combustible materials and replace with rock if necessary.
Make sure your address number is easily seen from the street.
Trim all deciduous tree branches overhanging your house.
Trim all tree branches within 10 feet of your chimney.
Trim all conifer tree branches 10 feet from your roof and home.
Create adequate spacing for emergency vehicles by having at least 14 feet vertical clearance along the driveway and trimming back trees and shrubs from the shoulder.
Prune lower branches of trees 6-10 feet off the ground within 30 feet of home.

When installing new landscaping, follow the guidelines of the Prohibited Flammable Plant List.
Consider planting Firewise plants within 30 feet of and structure.
All plants need annual maintenance to remove dead branches, leaves and needles.

Talk to your children about fire safety.
Check fire extinguishers. Are they charged? Does everyone know where they are kept and how to use them?
Know your wildfire evacuation route.
Discuss and plan an escape route with your family.
Have practice drills. Include all family and pets.
Familiarize yourself with Ashland’s Weed Abatement Ordinance.

Circle the 1st Saturday in May on your calendar as the target date to be Firewise around your home. This is also the free Firewise Drop off Day at Valley View Transfer Station!
Circle June 15th on your calendar for Ashland's required weed abatement program.