How to use this checklist
Check each item as you complete it your score updates live. Items are listed most important first within each zone. Items marked PLUS are additional requirements for IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Plus designation. If an item does not apply to you, click the box. The Red Flag Warning Checklist at the bottom is scored separately — it covers the ~20 high-risk days per year when temporary actions are needed, not permanent improvements.
Check each item as you complete it your score updates live. Items are listed most important first within each zone. Items marked PLUS are additional requirements for IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Plus designation. If an item does not apply to you, click the box. The Red Flag Warning Checklist at the bottom is scored separately — it covers the ~20 high-risk days per year when temporary actions are needed, not permanent improvements.
Priority:
CRITICAL Direct ember/flame path — address immediately
HIGH Complete before fire season
MODERATE Plan within 1–2 years
PLUS IBHS WPH Plus designation only
Zone 0: The 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone
IBHS §2.2.1 — The single most critical area. Measured from exterior walls and outermost deck posts in every direction.
Vegetation & Ground
✓
Remove all plants and groundcover within 5 ft of the house — down to bare soil or noncombustible hardscape
This means everything: grass, weeds, shrubs, flowers, mulch, rubber mulch, and weed cloth. Embers landing in Zone 0 need fuel to ignite your home. Replace with gravel, pavers, decomposed granite, river rock, or concrete. No exceptions.
CRITICAL$–$$
✓
Remove all wood or plastic fencing, posts, and gates within 5 ft of the house
A wood or vinyl fence touching or connecting to the house acts as a direct fire pathway to your walls. Replace with metal (aluminum, chain link, or iron) or masonry within the 5 ft zone.
CRITICAL$$
✓
Move firewood at least 30 ft from the house
Firewood stacked against or near the house will ignite from ember contact and carry fire directly to the wall. Store it at least 30 ft away. Do not cover with fire-retardant tarps — they are not permitted under IBHS standards and can trap embers.
CRITICAL$
✓
Remove combustible items stored within 5 ft of the house
Remove: large area rugs, wood planters, plastic rain barrels, sheds, storage containers, and playsets. Metal-framed patio furniture is permitted. Smaller items like cushions should be moved indoors on Red Flag days.
CRITICAL$
✓
Install a noncombustible gravel or paver border around the full foundation (0–5 ft)
A permanent gravel, decomposed granite, or paver perimeter is the most effective Zone 0 solution. It eliminates fuel, prevents debris accumulation near the foundation, and documents your compliance for insurance purposes. Minimum 3–4 inches of depth for gravel.
HIGH$$$
✓
Do not park vehicles, trailers, or RVs within 5 ft of the house during fire season
Vehicle fuel tanks and tires are ignition risks. On Red Flag days, move all vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, and boats at least 30 ft from the structure or into a closed garage.
HIGH$
Home Structure: Vents, Roof, Gutters & Siding
IBHS WPH §2.1 — Embers enter through vents and collect in gutters. These are the most common ignition paths on the structure itself.
Vents — Most Common Ember Entry Point
✓
Replace or cover eave and soffit vents with ember-resistant vents or 1/8" metal mesh
Under-eave vents are the most common entry point for embers. Standard vents have openings large enough to let embers into your attic. Replace with ASTM E2886-certified vents (such as BrandGuard®) or cover existing vents with 1/8" noncombustible metal mesh. Seal all gaps around the installation. SafeHaven installs BrandGuard® certified vents throughout Central Oregon.
CRITICAL$$$
✓
Replace or cover foundation and crawlspace vents with ember-resistant vents or 1/8" metal mesh
Embers can enter under the house through foundation vents and ignite wood framing and insulation. Standard 1/4" mesh is inadequate — Oregon code (ORSC R327) requires 1/8" maximum opening. Replace or cover with ASTM E2886-certified vents or 1/8" corrosion-resistant metal mesh.
CRITICAL$$
✓
Replace or cover gable-end attic vents with ember-resistant vents, 1/8" or 1/16" metal mesh
Gable vents on the ends of the roofline face direct wind-driven ember exposure during a fire. Replace with ASTM E2886-certified vents or cover with 1/8" or 1/16" metal mesh. Seal all gaps around the frame.
CRITICAL$$
✓
Upgrade roof ridge vents and any other roof ventilation openings to 1/8" mesh or certified vents
All ventilation openings on the roof require the same upgrade as eave and gable vents. Existing 1/4" mesh is not adequate per Oregon code.
HIGH$$
✓
Check dryer vent and exhaust vents — they must have a working flap, NOT mesh
Dryer vents and similar forced-air exhaust vents need a working louver or flap to block ember entry when not in use. Do NOT cover these with metal mesh — lint will accumulate and create a fire hazard. Inspect and clean annually.
HIGH$
Roof & Gutters
✓
Confirm your roof is Class A fire-rated — no wood shake
A Class A roof is the single highest-value structural upgrade you can make. Qualifying materials: asphalt shingles, concrete or clay tile, metal, slate. Wood shake roofs — even treated — are prohibited under the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home standard and are a critical vulnerability. If you have wood shake, roof replacement should be your top priority.
CRITICAL$$$$$
✓
Clear pine needles and debris from roof and gutters at least twice a year
Accumulated debris in gutters and on the roof surface is one of the most common ignition points. Clear in spring before fire season and in fall after needle drop. Also clear after major wind events. This is free and takes under an hour.
CRITICAL$
✓
Replace plastic or vinyl gutters with metal gutters
Plastic gutters melt and ignite from ember contact, dropping burning material against your siding and foundation. Metal gutters (aluminum or steel) are required for IBHS compliance. Note: plastic downspout extensions at ground level for drainage are permitted.
CRITICAL$$$
✓
Install ember-resistant gutter guards PLUS
IBHS Plus designation requires gutters to be covered with noncombustible material so debris cannot accumulate inside. BrandGuard® and MitigageNow® ember-resistant gutter guards meet this requirement. SafeHaven is a certified BrandGuard® and MitigateNow® installer for Central Oregon.
HIGH$$$
Siding & Walls
✓
Ensure at least 6 inches of noncombustible siding at the base of all exterior walls
The bottom 6 inches of your exterior walls — measured from the ground and from the top of any deck or patio surface — must be noncombustible. Acceptable materials: fiber-cement board, metal flashing, brick, stone, stucco, or exposed concrete. This applies to deck post bases as well. This is where burning debris and embers collect.
CRITICAL$$$
✓
Enclose open eaves and exposed rafter tails with solid noncombustible material PLUS
Open rafter eaves allow flames and embers to travel directly into the attic. IBHS Plus requires the underside of all eaves to be enclosed with noncombustible material, fire-resistance-rated material, or solid 2-inch lumber. This is a high-impact structural improvement even without a full Plus certification.
HIGH$$$$
✓
Replace all exterior siding with noncombustible material PLUS
IBHS Plus requires all exterior wall siding to be noncombustible: fiber-cement, brick, stone, stucco, metal, or masonry veneer. Wood siding — even with ignition-resistant treatment — is not permitted for Plus designation. This is the highest-cost structural upgrade and should be planned as part of a broader hardening project.
HIGH$$$$$
Windows & Skylights
✓
Repair or replace torn window screens with 1/8" metal mesh
Torn or missing screens let embers land on windowsills and enter through gaps. Inspect every screen before fire season and replace any that are damaged. This is one of the lowest-cost, highest-impact items on this list.
HIGH$
✓
Replace plastic dome skylights with flat tempered glass skylights
Plastic dome skylights melt quickly under ember or radiant heat exposure, leaving a large unprotected hole into your attic. Replace with flat, dual-pane or tempered glass. If the skylight opens, add a 1/8" noncombustible mesh screen.
HIGH$$$$
✓
Upgrade exterior windows to dual-pane tempered glass PLUS
IBHS Plus requires at least two panes of tempered glass on all exterior windows. Single-pane windows crack from radiant heat long before flames arrive, creating an opening for embers. Dual-pane tempered glass significantly extends the time your windows can hold against a fire.
HIGH$$$$$
Decks, Patios & Outdoor Structures
IBHS WPH §2.1.5 — Wood decks are a leading ignition source. Ember accumulation under and on deck surfaces is the primary risk.
Under the Deck — Highest Risk Area
✓
Remove all vegetation and groundcover from under the deck down to bare soil or gravel
The area under an elevated deck is a natural ember trap. Any grass, weeds, plants, mulch, or weed cloth under the deck creates fuel that can ignite the wood structure above it. Clear everything. Noncombustible hardscape — gravel, pavers, river rock, decomposed granite, or concrete — is permitted and recommended.
CRITICAL$
✓
Remove everything stored under the deck
Nothing should be stored under an elevated deck — no firewood, furniture, bins, equipment, or kayaks. Any stored item is fuel. If you need under-deck storage, the space must be fully enclosed with noncombustible materials.
CRITICAL$
✓
Enclose the underside of low decks (4 ft or less off the ground) with 1/8" metal mesh
Decks 4 feet or less above grade must be enclosed around the full outer perimeter with 1/8" corrosion-resistant metal mesh running from the deck surface to the ground. This prevents embers from blowing under and igniting the wood substructure. The mesh goes on the outside of any existing lattice.
CRITICAL$$
✓
Remove wood or plastic lattice from at least the bottom 6 inches under the deck, or replace with metal lattice
Combustible lattice at the base of a deck catches and holds embers. Remove at least the bottom 6 inches of any wood or vinyl lattice, or replace the entire panel with noncombustible metal lattice. If you install mesh, it goes on the outside of the lattice frame.
HIGH$$
On Top of the Deck
✓
Keep the deck surface clear of pine needles, leaves, and debris throughout fire season
Accumulated debris on deck boards is a direct ignition risk. Clear regularly — at least weekly during fire season and before any Red Flag Warning day.
CRITICAL$
✓
Remove all climbing vines and plants growing on or over the deck structure
Woody plants, vines, and shrubs growing on or over deck structures carry fire directly to the house. Remove completely. Exception: up to 10 potted plants in terra cotta or clay containers ≤36" that can be moved 30+ ft away on Red Flag days.
CRITICAL$
✓
Remove combustible shade screens, artificial turf, large rugs, and storage from the deck
Fabric shade screens, artificial turf, plastic storage containers, wood planters, and large rugs are all highly vulnerable to ember ignition on a deck surface. Remove permanently or store indoors during fire season. Retractable screens that fully retract into a noncombustible housing are permitted.
HIGH$
Around the Deck & Plus Upgrades
✓
Clear a 5 ft noncombustible zone around the outermost deck posts
The deck has its own Zone 0, measured from the outermost posts — not from the house wall. All vegetation, combustible groundcover, and wood fencing within 5 ft of those posts must be removed. This is a separate requirement from the home's Zone 0.
CRITICAL$
✓
Replace wood deck boards, railings, and stair treads with noncombustible materials PLUS
IBHS WPH Plus requires deck boards to be solid, gapless noncombustible material — metal, lightweight concrete, tile, stone, or pavers. Railings within 5 ft of the home must be metal. Stair treads must be solid noncombustible material with no open gaps. For staircases wider than 4 ft, enclose the underside with 1/8" metal mesh.
MODERATE$$$$$
Zone 1: 5–30 Foot Defensible Space
IBHS §2.2.2 — Lean, Clean & Green. Eliminate the plants that carry fire to your home. Central Oregon's juniper and sagebrush are especially dangerous.
Shrubs & Plants — Highest ROI Action in Zone 1
✓
Remove juniper, sagebrush, bitterbrush, and rabbitbrush from within 30 ft of the house
These are the most common and dangerous plants on Central Oregon properties. Juniper in particular burns intensely and explodes with flame. Removing or significantly thinning these shrubs from Zone 1 is the single highest-ROI landscape action you can take. This is the deficiency found most often in professional assessments in Deschutes County.
CRITICAL$$
✓
Space remaining shrubs so there is clear separation between them — no rows, no hedges
Any shrubs remaining in Zone 1 must be spaced apart by at least twice their height (maximum 10 ft required). No shrubs should grow under trees. Continuous rows and hedges are not permitted — they act as fuel ladders and pathways that carry fire directly toward the house.
CRITICAL$$
✓
Keep grass mowed to 4 inches or less throughout fire season
Dry annual grasses are a primary ember ignition fuel. Mow to under 4 inches throughout fire season. Exception: grasses on steep slopes where mowing would cause erosion may be left up to 18 inches. Remove dead and dying plants routinely.
HIGH$
Trees
✓
Remove all lower tree branches up to 6 ft off the ground within 30 ft of the house
Low branches on ponderosa pine and other conifers are ladder fuels — they allow a ground fire to climb into the tree canopy and spread rapidly toward the house. Remove all branches within Zone 1 up to 6 ft above ground, or up to 1/3 of the tree's total height for shorter trees. Keep all branches at least 10 ft from chimney outlets.
CRITICAL$$
✓
Thin trees so neighboring canopies are at least 10 ft apart — no continuous canopy rows
When tree canopies touch, fire moves from crown to crown and is nearly impossible to stop. Prune branches so there is at least 10 ft of clear horizontal space between the outermost branches of neighboring trees. Continuous rows of trees planted for privacy are not permitted in Zone 1.
CRITICAL$$
Storage & Structures
✓
Store all firewood at least 30 ft from any structure
Firewood piles must be at least 30 ft from the house and any outbuildings. Do not cover with fire-retardant tarps — they are not an approved solution and can trap embers. Small propane BBQ tanks not in active use should also be stored 30+ ft away or in a detached outbuilding.
CRITICAL$
✓
Keep the propane tank at least 30 ft from the house, or 10 ft away with bare noncombustible ground all around it
Two options: (1) Place the tank 30 ft or more from any structure. (2) If the tank must be closer, it must be at least 10 ft from the house with noncombustible ground under and around it, plus an additional 10 ft of cleared vegetation beyond that — 20 ft total cleared radius from the tank.
HIGH$
✓
Sheds and outbuildings must be at least 10 ft from the house and have their own noncombustible zone
Any outbuilding 15 sq ft or larger within 30 ft of the home must be at least 10 ft from the house (30 ft for IBHS Plus). Each outbuilding must have a Class A roof, metal gutters, ember-resistant vents, 6" noncombustible material at its base, and a clear 5 ft noncombustible zone around it.
HIGH$$$
Zone 2: 30–100+ Foot Fuels Reduction (Oregon Law)
ORS 477.015 — Oregon state law requires defensible space to 100 ft. On slopes steeper than 30%, that extends to 150 ft.
Fuels Reduction — Required by Oregon Law
✓
If your property has slopes steeper than 30%, extend your clearing to 150 ft on the downhill side
Fire travels dramatically faster uphill. On slopes greater than 30%, Oregon law requires defensible space to extend 150 ft. Prioritize the downslope side — that is where fire approaches most rapidly. OSFM assessors will cite non-compliance with this requirement.
CRITICAL$$$
✓
Thin trees and shrubs from 30 to 100 ft around the house
Oregon law (ORS 477.015) requires fuels reduction out to 100 ft. Thin trees to reduce canopy continuity and reduce shrub density — same principles as Zone 1, but less aggressive. Chip or haul all removed material. Do not leave slash piles or use fire-retardant tarps to cover debris. Contact Oregon DEQ for burn permits if needed.
HIGH$$$
Access & Emergency Readiness
✓
Post reflective address numbers at the driveway entrance — visible from both directions
Deschutes County requires reflective address numbers on a contrasting background at the driveway entrance, readable from both directions of travel. Minimum 4-inch numerals. Posting only on the house is not sufficient — emergency responders must be able to locate your property from the road during an evacuation.
HIGH$
✓
Keep your driveway clear and accessible for emergency vehicles
Fire trucks and other emergency vehicles must be able to access, travel down, and turn around at your property. Keep overhead clearance and width adequate. Trim encroaching vegetation from the sides and above the driveway annually.
HIGH$
✓
Manufactured home: replace combustible skirting with fiber-cement, metal, or masonry
Combustible skirting on manufactured homes is a primary vulnerability — embers collect under the home and ignite the exposed underside. Replace with fiber-cement board, metal, or masonry. Install ember-resistant foundation vents at the same time.
HIGH$$$
Your Defensible Space Score
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Start checking items above to see your progress.
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🏠 Zone 0 (0–5 ft)
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🏗️ Home Structure
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🪵 Decks & Structures
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🌲 Zone 1 (5–30 ft)
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🌄 Zone 2 (30–100 ft)
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Ready to Protect Your Home & Document for Insurance?
SafeHaven Fire Defense provides professional IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home pre-assessment documentation, defensible space reports accepted by insurance carriers, and complete general contractor services — from BrandGuard® ember-resistant vent and gutter installation to siding replacement and deck hardening.
CCB #259806
NFPA Firewise Trained
BrandGuard® Certified Installer
PMP Certified
Insurance Documentation Reports
Bend · Sisters · Redmond · Sunriver · Tumalo · La Pine · (541) 241-6157 · safehavenfire.com
Also on SafeHaven Checklists
Red Flag Warning Checklist
Separate from your defensible space score — complete these ~20 times per year whenever a Red Flag Warning is issued or before any extended absence during fire season.
⚠️ These actions are free or near-free and take about 15 minutes. They are temporary, recurring actions — not permanent improvements — and scored independently. For the full standalone Red Flag checklist optimized for mobile use, visit the Red Flag Warning Checklist page →
Zone 0 & Roof
✓
Clear all pine needles and debris from the 5 ft zone around the house
Debris accumulates quickly in Zone 0. Clear before every Red Flag day.
✓
Clear pine needles and debris from the roof and gutters
Accumulated roof debris is a primary ember ignition point. Clear before high-risk weather.
✓
Move potted plants off the deck or porch — at least 30 ft away
Even terra cotta pots with dry soil and plants can ignite on a Red Flag day.
Combustible Items — Move Indoors or 30+ ft Away
✓
Bring door mats, chair cushions, and hanging lights indoors
Small combustible items on the porch ignite from embers and carry fire to the structure.
✓
Move the BBQ grill and propane tank at least 30 ft from the house
Propane tanks near the home are a critical hazard on high-risk days.
✓
Move trash bins, recycling cans, and kids' toys at least 30 ft away
Plastic items melt and ignite quickly under ember exposure.
✓
Take down shade screens and remove artificial turf from the deck
Fabric and synthetic materials on decks are highly vulnerable to airborne embers.
Vehicles & Emergency Readiness
✓
Move vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers at least 30 ft from the house — or into a closed garage
Close the garage door. Never park within 5 ft of the structure on a Red Flag day.
✓
Know your Deschutes County evacuation level and confirm your go-bag is ready
Level 1 = Ready, Level 2 = Set, Level 3 = Go. Subscribe to alerts at deschutes.org. Maintain a 72-hour supply bag for all family members and pets.
