Attachments

Walls and Small Attachments

Prevent accumulations of dead and dry vegetation around hose reels, planters, trellises, or other accessory wall attachments. 

  • Wood-product exterior siding is combustible; make sure it, and any wood accessory attached to the wall is in good condition. 
    • Seal gaps and crevices. Examine the siding for locations where embers could accumulate or lodge. Repair damaged areas of wood siding or trim. Apply caulking at trim-to-siding locations where it is missing or has failed. 
    • Use ignition-resistant building materials on exterior walls whenever possible (i.e. masonry products, stucco, plaster, cement, and cement-board).

Decks and Elevated Porches

  • Never store combustible materials underneath elevated decks/porches. 
  • Remove dead vegetation and debris from under decks/porches and between deck board joints. 
  • Place 1/8-inch metal screening between low-profile decks (under 30 inches from surface to ground), to block embers and debris from collecting underneath. 
    • Fine metal mesh screening typically requires additional structural support. It is recommended to also use metal as structural support over wood, whenever possible (e.g. use hog wire as a backing instead of wood lattice, etc.) 

Fencing

Wooden fences can carry flames directly to the house. Use non-combustible fencing materials (metal or masonry) within five (5) feet of the connection to a structure. 

  • Noncombustible fencing is also highly recommended for partition fences between homes that are closer than 50 feet from each other, whenever possible.
    • Strategically replacing 8-foot sections of wood fencing is an option to break up a long wood fence, in lieu of a full replacement.  
  • Newly installed fences (whether on new construction or replacement of an old fence) shall comply with the City of Ashland's Fences and Walls ordinance (AMC18.4.4.060.B). and its Wildfire Lands Overlay section (AMC18.4.4.060.B.8) . 
    • A fence with wood framing and steel mesh or other noncombustible infill panels shall be considered to comply with this section.
    • A metal gate, a minimum of three feet in width, that is installed within a wood-framed fence immediately adjacent to a building or deck shall be considered to comply with this section.
    • A permit is required whenever installing new or replacing a fence. 
  • Do not allow vines or other types of vegetation to grow on fences within 10 feet of a building. Perform routine maintenance on any vegetation growing on or along wood fencing (and arbors, trellises, pergolas, etc.) to remove dead materials. Keep it lean, clean, and green, or remove it.

Nooks and Crannies and Other Small Spaces

Stay aware of small spaces around your home, like around storage alcoves, A/C units, hot tubs, and storage sheds, or along the up-slope sides of structures that may collect dry vegetation debris. Keep these areas clean and clear of debris throughout fire season. 

  • Maintain weatherstripping on garage doors, basement doors, and access panels to help keep windblown embers out. 
  • Be sure doors are tight fitting with good weatherstripping, so embers can't slide under the door or blow in from the sides. 
  • Close and protect pet doors when wildfires are approaching to prevent embers from gaining access to the home.