Creating Wildfire Defensible Space

            Fire is capricious. It will find the weakest links in your home's fire protection scheme and gain the upper hand because of a small, overlooked or seemingly inconsequential factor. While you may not be able to accomplish all measures below, (and there are no guarantees), each will increase your home's, and possibly your family's, safety and survival during a wildfire.

            Defensible space is an area around a structure where fuels and vegetation are treated, cleared or reduced to slow the spread of wildfire toward the structure. It also reduces the chance of a structure fire moving from the building to the surrounding forest. Defensible space provides room for firefighters to do their jobs. Your house is more likely to withstand a wildfire if grasses, brush, trees and other common forest fuels are managed to reduce a fire's intensity.

            Even small steps to protect your home and property will make them more able to withstand fire. Consider these measures for all areas of your property, not just the immediate vicinity of the house.

·        Trees and shrubs in the area are properly thinned and pruned within the defensible space. Slash from the thinning is removed from site.

·        Roof and gutters are clear of debris.

·        Branches overhanging the roof and chimney are removed.

·        Chimney screens are in place and in good condition.

·        Grass and weeds are mowed to a low height.

·        An outdoor water supply is available, complete with a hose and nozzle that can reach all parts of the house.

·        Fire extinguishers are checked and in working condition.

·        The driveway is wide enough. The clearance of trees and branches is adequate for fire and emergency equipment.

·        Road signs and your house number are posted and easily visible.

·        There is an easily accessible tool storage area with rakes, hoes, axes, and shovels for use in case of a fire.

·        You have practiced family fire drills and your fire evacuation plan.

·        Your escape routes, meeting points and other details are known and understood by all family members.

·        Attic, roof, eaves, and foundation vents are screened and in good condition.

·        Stilt foundations and decks are enclosed, screened or walled up.

·        Trash and debris accumulations are removed from the defensible space.

A checklist for fire safety needs for the home also has been completed. (Available at Station 1).