Wildfires play an important ecological role, but when they threaten homes and infrastructure, the consequences can be severe. Research shows that building materials, home condition and the type of vegetation within the first 100 feet of a structure — known as the Home Ignition Zone — are key factors in whether a building catches fire. Home hardening and defensible space strategies are critical to reducing structure loss.
By building trusted partnerships and delivering clear, actionable education, OSU Extension strengthens local capacity to live safely with fire.
In Western Oregon, shifting toward a culture of “living with fire” requires education, resources and support for implementing these strategies. State, county and local agencies involved in wildfire mitigation have called for more cohesive, collaborative education around Home Ignition Zones.
In response, the Oregon State University Extension Service partnered with Benton County, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State Fire Marshal and local fire districts to create accessible, consistent resources and learning opportunities for homeowners.
Together, the group developed a two-page checklist to help residents understand and take action on home hardening and defensible space. The checklist adapts technical information from multiple agencies and presents it in clear language for a general audience.
Extension also led a multiagency effort in Marion and Benton counties to develop and pilot hands-on Home Ignition Zone workshops. Local fire and forestry professionals served as instructors. Participants received one-on-one guidance and practiced mock home assessments in small groups.
These workshops strengthened partnerships across wildfire resilience organizations. After the Benton County workshop, 100% of organizers and instructors said the project improved their relationships with other community partners. Ninety-one percent of participants said they planned to make at least one change on their property based on what they learned, and 85% said they were likely to follow up with a partner organization for additional support.
At Tree School Clackamas, all seven workshop attendees said the course fully met their expectations and that they were “very likely” to apply what they learned within the next year.
This work helps Oregonians take practical steps to protect their homes from wildfire, increasing community resilience in high-risk areas. By building trusted partnerships and delivering clear, actionable education, OSU Extension strengthens local capacity to live safely with fire.
