Defensible Space for Your Home in the National Scenic Area

Fire is a natural part of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area environment. Historically, fires often started from lightning or were intentionally used as a land management tool by Indigenous people. As a result of fire suppression over the past century and changing climate conditions, fires today are often more intense and can have negative impacts on habitats, property, and human health. The National Scenic Area is considered a wildland-urban interface, meaning people live close to forests and wildlands. To protect your home, it is critical to incorporate defensible space practices on your property.

Learn about creating defensible space for your home with the Gorge Commission’s Defensible Space in the National Scenic Area brochure

Example of Best Practices for Defensible Space in the National Scenic Area:

For more information about Defensible Space assessments for your home, please contact your local county planning department listed below:

Columbia River Gorge Commission & Klickitat County NSA Planning: (509) 493-3323

Clark County Community Development: (360) 397-2375

Hood River County Planning Department: (541) 387-6840

Multnomah County Land Use Planning Department: (503) 988-3034

Skamania County Community Development: (509) 427-3900

Wasco County Planning & Development: (541) 506-2560