As wildfires become more common and intense across the Pacific Northwest, protecting your property is more important than ever. One of the most effective strategies for reducing wildfire risk around homes and buildings is ignition zoning. At Ash Rock Tree Service, we often recommend ignition zoning as part of a larger wildfire mitigation plan for homeowners in and around Salem, OR.

Understanding Ignition Zoning

Ignition zoning is a method of organizing your landscape into zones based on the distance from your home or other structures. Each zone has specific recommendations for vegetation management and material use to reduce the chances of wildfire spreading to your home. The goal is to create a series of defensible spaces that slow down or stop a fire before it reaches your house.

Zone 0: The Immediate Zone

This zone extends zero to five feet from your home, including decks, porches, and outbuildings. This area should be kept free of anything flammable. That means no dry leaves, firewood piles, or mulch near the foundation. Ideally, hardscaping like gravel, stone, or concrete should be used in this area. Gutters should be kept clean, and roofs should be made of fire-resistant materials.

Zone 1: The Intermediate Zone

Zone 1 covers the area from five to 30 feet from your home. This is where fire-resistant landscaping becomes critical. Tree limbs should be trimmed at least 10 feet from the ground and kept away from structures. Flammable shrubs should be replaced with fire-resistant plants. Spacing between plants and proper maintenance can slow the spread of flames and reduce heat.

Zone 2: The Extended Zone

This area stretches 30 to 100 feet out from buildings and is your opportunity to further reduce fuel buildup. In this zone, dead trees, dense brush, and ladder fuels (vegetation that allows fire to climb from the ground into tree canopies) should be removed. Trees can remain but should be spaced appropriately, with undergrowth cleared regularly.

Why It Matters in Salem, OR

Salem and the surrounding areas are prone to wildfire threats, especially during dry, windy summers. Ignition zoning gives homeowners a proactive way to protect their homes and support community-wide fire resistance. When combined with other practices like tree thinning, proper pruning, and regular maintenance, ignition zoning can significantly improve a property’s chances of surviving a wildfire.

Let Ash Rock Tree Service Help

At Ash Rock Tree Service, we help Salem-area homeowners apply ignition zoning principles to their properties. Whether it’s removing hazardous trees or maintaining defensible space, we’re here to help you stay safe and prepared. Contact us today at 503-447-6231  to schedule a wildfire risk assessment and expert tree care you can trust.