Protect Your Home in the Wildland/Urban Interface

Wildland fires aren’t limited to the forest or remote areas, they do occur in urban areas. Usually driven by winds, these fires can spread quickly through wooded mountain areas. These fires are sometimes started by lightning or by accident. They can move very fast and burn many acres. In addition, large amounts of fuel and paths for wildfire to travel often are hidden in residential areas. Wildfire destroys hundreds of homes every year. If you live where flammable vegetation is abundant, your house and property could be a target for wildland fire. By taking some proactive steps you can dramatically reduce the risk of destruction by wildfire. The following safety tips will create a fire safe environment for your property.

• Report all brush fires, by dialing 911.
• Establish an escape plan for your home. ALWAYS have an evacuation plan.
• Make certain house numbers are easy to find and clearly visible.
• Keep the yard well trimmed and free of combustible debris. Maintain a non-combustible safety zone around the house by clearing, trimming, and removing all dry combustible vegetation within 30 feet of the structure (insert diagram of defensible space)
• Enclose spaces under decks and porches to prevent the accumulation of combustible materials and debris.
• Use fire-resistant materials on structures.
• Clean and inspect chimneys. Cover your chimney outlet or vent with a vertical spark arrester of 1/2" mesh screen Trim tree limbs within 10 feet of your chimney
• Keep branches around your home free of dead or dying wood or vegetation. Cut the brush and grass around trees very short. Trim tree branches away from the roof and driveway.
• Remove all leaves and needles from the roof, eaves and rain gutters.
• Regularly dispose of rubbish.
• Store combustible or flammable materials in approved containers and keep them a safe distance from your home.
• Store combustibles and stack firewood at least 100 feet away from the house.
• Work with others in your neighborhood to make it fire safe. Plan escape routes.
• Use extreme caution in attempting to extinguish a brush fire on your own; they can travel quickly leaving you surrounded.
• Avoid open burning or grilling near exposed, dry brush.
• When camping, follow all Forest Service safety guidelines.
• Attach spark arresters on chainsaws, motorcycles, grass mowers and all other small internal combustion engines.
• Maintain an emergency supply kit for your home and car. Kits should be prepared prior to an emergency and stored for easy access and removal. You should have enough water, food, clothing and supplies to last for three days.
• Plan where to locate family members in case they are separated. Create a family disaster plan.

Longer-term measures include the following:

• In those areas without hydrants, consider establishing a water supply suitable for firefighting (i.e., a pool, tank, pond, cistern). An emergency gas-powered water pump will be invaluable to the homeowner in protecting his or her property.
• When replacing a roof, replace combustible roofing (wood shakes) with fire-resistive roofing materials, which have a Class A, or B rating. Fire-resistive roof coverings have proven to reduce the number of homes destroyed by fire each year.
• Cultivate low-growing, less flammable plants--rather than resinous bushes--near the house. Characteristics of fire retardant plants are little or no seasonal accumulation of dead vegetation; open, loose branching; nonresinous woody material (avoid conifers); low volume of total vegetation; and high moisture content in leaves. Consider replacing pines, firs, or other conifers around the structure with hardwoods such as paper birch, oak, maple, poplar, or cherry.

Firefighters will help you conduct a wildland fire safety inspection and alert you of steps you can take to safeguard your home and property. There are many things you can do to make and keep your home a safe place to live and now is the time to do it. If you have questions or need help call the Blowing Rock Fire Department at 828-295-5221.