| Due to the heightened threat of wildfires in the area, homeowners that live in a wooded setting or in areas that are susceptible to wildfires are urged to create a defensible space around your home. Many homeowners are complaisant to wildfire risks and have the mind set that it will not happen here. The large wildfire at Hopewell proves that it can happen here in "Our Backyard"and homeowners do need to to be prepared
A Defensible Space of 100 feet around your home is recommended. The goal is to protect your home while providing a safe area for firefighters.
"Lean, Clean and Green Zone."
– Clearing an area of 30 feet immediately
surrounding your home is critical. This area requires the greatest reduction in flammable vegetation.
"Reduced Fuel Zone."
– The fuel reduction zone in the remaining 70 feet (or to property line) will depend on the steepness of your property and the vegetation. Spacing between plants improves the chance of stopping a wildfire before it destroys your home. You have two options in this area: Create horizontal and vertical spacing between plants. The amount of space will
depend on how steep the slope is and the size of the plants. Large trees do not have to be cut and removed as long as all of the plants beneath them are removed. This eliminates a vertical "fire ladder." When clearing vegetation, use care when operating equipment such as lawnmowers. One small spark may start a fire; a string trimmer is much safer. Remove all build – up of needles and leaves from your roof and gutters. Keep tree limbs trimmed at least 10 feet from any chimneys and remove dead limbs that hang over your home or garage. The law also requires a screen over your chimney outlet of not more than ½ inch mesh.
When creating DEFENSIBLE SPACE , keep these safety tips in mind:
All equipment with an internal combustion engine must be equipped with an approved and operable spark arrestor.
• Metal blades striking rocks can create sparks and start fires. Use caution.
• To protect water quality and habitat do not remove vegetation associated with
water, avoid using heavy equipment near waterways and do not clear vegetation
near waterways to the bare mineral soil. Keep soil disturbance to a minimum.
Other hints to secure a Lean, Clean and Green Zone:
• Select less flammable plants for your Lean, C lean and
Green Zone:
Shorter plants (less than 2 feet) are safer than taller ones.
If kept green, herbaceous plants (grass and non-woody flowers)
are better choices than shrubs and trees.
If planting shrubs and trees, choose deciduous (trees that shed their leaves)
ones over evergreens. Avoid planting juniper, pine and palms.
• Remove tree limbs that are touching the house or deck, or are within 10 feet of
the chimney. If limbs are encroaching on overhead lines, contact your telephone
or power company for removal.
• Use hard surfaces (concrete, stone, asphalt, brick, etc.) in your landscaping.
• Clear ALL flammable vegetation from within 10 feet of propane tanks.
If you would like other suggestions or recommendations to protect your Home & Property or have questions or concerns regarding safety, fire conditions, fire prevention or general questions about Wildfire Safety Please EMAIL us if you have a question or comment. info@pffwa17.org
Learn how to protect your home and investment at www.firewise.org. |
