Here are seven important things you can do to reduce the risk of your home going up in flames from wildfire. I have gathered a lot of information over the years, on the fire line, classroom, reading and discussing the nature of fire. Here are some tips from NFPA and Firewise.org
Many of you probably saw the blowing embers from a wildfire in California, it was these embers that burned down entire neighborhoods. Keep this in mind when you look at your property.
- Clear off dead vegetation and anything that can burn from your roofline, gutters, decks, porches, patios and along fence lines. Look at your patio, deck, porch…got seating? With cushions? Rugs? Cloth awning? These will burn, get them off the porch. You could in an emergency throw them into the middle of the yard to burn freely away from your home. Think of falling embers and what an ember can ignite. Remove any wood piles you may have away from your structures.
- Screen and Seal. Wind-borne embers can get into homes easily through vents and other openings and burn the home from the inside out. Walk around your house to see what openings you can screen or temporarily seal up. Screen and seal under your deck or porch.
- Trim back any shrubs or tree branches that come closer than 5 feet to the house and attachments, and any overhanging branches. Low hanging branches can turn your tree or shrub into a torch.
- Close your windows if ordered to evacuate and make sure all windows and doors are closed tightly and seal up any pet doors. If you have a cooler, turn off the blower, but leave the water running onto the cooler pads.
- Store away furniture, cushions, rattan mats, potted plants and other decorations from decks, porches and patios. These items catch embers and help ignite your home if you leave them in place.
- Rake out any landscaping mulch to at least 5 feet away. Embers landing in mulch that touches your house, deck or fence is a big fire hazard.
- Remove anything within 30 feet that could burn, such as woodpiles, spare lumber, vehicles and or boats- anything that can act as a large fuel source.
There are many things residents can do to help protect against wildfire.
Please contact your local fire department for a free property Firewise evaluation:
FM Charlotte Herdliska Corona de Tucson Fire Department (520) 762-9370
BC Jackie Bisnar Rincon Valley Fire Department (520) 647-3760
