CREATING WILD FIRE SURVIVABLE SPACE AROUND YOUR HOME

Survivable space is simply a buffer zone around a home where fire will be stopped from spreading to the structure. There are three levels of protection. The first, outlined below, can be done immediately. The second should be done during landscaping, and the third set of criteria can be taken into consideration during the building or re-building process.

GIVE YOUR HOME A SURVIVABLE SPACE
To create survivable space, you must view your yard as a fuel source. Fire will burn only if fuel, such as landscaping, woodpiles and decks, are present. To create your survivable space, take the following steps within at least 30 feet of your home, 50-100 feet if you live in a heavily wooded area:

# Prune tree branches and shrubs 2-3′ away from your home.

# Branches on taller trees should be a minimum of 6 feet from the ground.

# Remove dead leaves and branches, especially around the roof and chimney.

# Mow your lawn regularly and mulch thoroughly the cuttings.

# Clear your roof, gutters and eaves of pine needles and debris.

# Maintain your irrigation system and keep hoses at each water spiggot.

# Move firewood, picnic tables, boats and storage tanks 50 feet away from the home.

# Store flammable liquids properly and 30 feet from your house..

MINIMIZE RISK THROUGH SMART LANDSCAPING

When landscaping, take these additional steps to help protect your home.

# Introduce more native vegetation, junipers, pines, oak are very flammable.

# Space trees at least 10 feet apart.

# Plant low growing ground covers.

# Do not connect wooden fencing directly to your home.

BUILD OR RETROFIT YOUR HOME WITH NON-FLAMMABLE MATERIALS

Another line of defense is the type of materials used on your home’s exterior.

# Use only non-combustible roofing products.

# Make address clearly visible.

# Enclose and screen eaves, fascias, soffits and sub floor vents using 1/4” non-combustible screening.

# Install spark arresters in chimneys.

# Enclose decks with fire-resistant materials.

# Cover exterior walls with fire resistant materials like stucco, stone, or brick. (Vinyl siding can melt and is not recommended).

# Use double paned or tempered glass for all exterior windows.

See http://www.firewise.org or our local Fire Protection Agency - The Robert & Barbara Burns Fire Station on Rasmussen Road at 435-940-2500.