The threat of wildfire is a major concern to more and more homeowners as construction of homes moves into the Wildland Urban Interface. Periods of drought are frightening times for residents of suburban and rural areas across the country, including the Northwest, the West, and the Rocky Mountain states as well as the Southeast.

For those of us who live near natural areas of brush or forest, the dry seasons are especially hazardous. Experts advise us to mitigate the fire danger before construction begins and to plan firewise landscapes of widely spaced plantings (at least a 30 foot radius of 'Green Zone' around the house), keeping dry combustible plant debris cleaned up, and maintaining low, well-watered groundcovers and lawns. This advance preparation will often determine if your home is 'defensible' from the firefighters perspective. Here are some additional considerations:

Limitations:

Most rural fire departments are comprised of volunteer firefighters who are well trained. However, they are not generally present at the fire stations and therefor response times can be long. Volunteers ( I am one) must reach the fire stations after being notified, start the fire vehicles and drive to the fire scene. Pinpointing the actual location of the fire is often difficult due to terrrain that limits your visibility.

The fire scene may be quite far from the responding station. Often there may be simultaneous fires in multiple locations around your area or state. This creates an additional strain on limited resources.

Water supplies and firefighting equipment are limited and often, the only initial water supply is what the fire trucks themselves carry. A 'type 6' brush truck in our department carries just 300 gallons plus a selection of tools.

Water 'shuttles', made up of water tenders (large tank trucks) often must be established and coordinated as there may be no fire hydrants available to supply water. Drafting from ponds or tanks often replaces fire hydrants.

Narrow, steep roads and driveways may limit or even prevent access by emergency equipment. Bridges may have weight limitations that prevent large heavy trucks from reaching the fire. When wildfire does strike, it can occur with little warning and spread quickly. Fire crews and equipment can be overwhelmed by the task of fighting a rapidly advancing wildfire. There may simply not be enough personnel and equipment to defend every home. But you, the homeowner, can make a difference!

Homeowner Preparations: Create a 'Defensible Space' around your house.

Do these things well before a fire is approaching.

Remove standing dead trees.

Dispose of slash/debris and mow any dried grasses or weeds.

Remove dead limbs, leaves, pine needles and other litter from forest floor.

Stack firewood away from your home at least 30 feet.

Maintain irrigated greenbelt or remove all vegitation fuels for 30' around your house, decks, and any ornamental trees.

Prune other branches up 10 feet above the ground.

Clean leaves and pine needles from roof and gutters.

Reduce density of surrounding forest. ( 15' crown seperations minimum)

Remove trash and debris from the defensible space.

Remove any trees growing through the porch.

Remove branches overhanging chimney and roof.

Stack firewood uphill or on a contour away from the home.

Use noncombustible construction and roof materials whenever possible. REPLACE shake roofs.

Place shutters, fire curtains or heavy drapes on windows.

Place screens on foundation and eave vents to stop burning embers.

Enclose sides of stilt foundations and decks.

Use a chimney screen or spark arrester.

Clear vegetation around fire hydrants, cisterns, propane tanks, etc.

Make sure an outdoor water supply is available, with hose, nozzle and pump.

Make sure fire tools, ladder and fire extinguishers are available.

Post address signs that are clearly visible from the street or road.