Wildfire Prevention

When there is a wildfire on ones property, homeowner’s often think of all of those little things that should have been done earlier to prevent the fire situation, and prevent the loss of the family home or other property. Be proactive and reduce the risks.

First, is your address clearly visible from the road? If not, make it visible so the fire fighters can find your property easily.

There are also some good websites out there with information on fire safety, prevention, and prepareness, like FireSmart, National Fire Protection Association, or BC Ministry of Public Safety.

There is a great site by the American Red Cross dealing with being prepared for a wildfire. Click here to read the entire article. Here are some exerpts from that site on creating a 30 to 50 foot wildfire safety zone around your home.

• Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
• Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures.
• Thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.
• Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
• Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.
• Ask the power company to clear branches from powerlines.
• Remove vines from the walls of the home.
• Mow grass regularly.
• Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Place a screen over the grill--use non-flammable material with mesh no coarser than one-quarter inch.
• Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish at an approved site. Follow local burning regulations.
• Place stove, fireplace and grill ashes in a metal bucket, soak in water for two days, then bury the cold ashes in mineral soil.
• Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
• Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home. Clear combustible material within 20 feet.
• Use only UL-approved woodburning devices.

In addition to the above, one should plan your water needs carefully.

• Identify and maintain an adequate outside water source such as a small pond, cistern, well, swimming pool or hydrant.
• Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the property.
• Install freeze-proof exterior water outlets on at least two sides of the home and near other structures on the property. Install additional outlets at least 50 feet from the home.
• Consider obtaining a portable gasoline-powered pump in case electrical power is cut off.

If you have a photo example of any of the fire hazards and encoachments to the 30 to 50 foot wildfire safety zone mentioned above, please e-mail them to the Webmaster for posting. These types of hazards need to be addressed.

(Click on the photo to ENLARGE)

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If you have any additional wildfire tips which you would like to share on this page, please e-mail the Webmaster.

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