Let’s make the canyon Wildfire resistant!

Wildfire does not engulf everything in its path.

What are the primary threats to homes and communities during a wildfire?

Research around home destruction vs. home survival in wildfires point to embers and small flames as the main way that the majority of homes ignite in wildfires. Embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and/or vegetation that can be carried more than a mile through the wind can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris and other objects.

There are methods for homeowners to prepare their homes to withstand ember attacks and minimize the likelihood of flames or surface fire touching the home or any attachments. Experiments, models and post-fire studies have shown homes ignite due to the condition of the home and everything around it, up to 200’ from the foundation. This is called the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ).

Learn more about how wildfires spread and ignite home in our online course Understanding the Wildfire Threat to Homes. An overview of fire history, fire basics, and how homes burn.

Steps of the Defensible Space Grant Process:

Step One: Applicant schedules site assessment. You can do this now!

Step Two: The applicant gets pre-approved for the Santiam Canyon Long Term Recovery Group Defensible Space Grant BEFORE implementing itemized recommendations from the Defensible Space Assessment.

Step Three: Applicant implements the recommendation(s) from their assessment checklist.

Step Four: Applicant submits Defensible Space Assessment checklist and the associated receipts via website upload or email to Santiam Canyon Long Term Recovery Group for reimbursement.

Step Five: The application is reviewed by the Santiam Canyon Long Term Recovery Group Board.

Step 1

schedule your site assessment. You Can do this now before the program is officially launched!

  • Follow the link below to register for your Defensible Space Assessment with the Oregon State Fire Marshall Assessment Tool.

  • Schedule and complete the Defensible Space Assessment by the Oregon State Fire Marshall-trained assessor.

Get notified when the defensible space grant is officially launched!

While the grant program will not officially launch until the Summer of 2024, you can request to be notified via email by completing the below form. Remember you can complete step one by scheduling your assessment now.