Wildfire

Creating A Defensible Space

The National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise Communities Program provides extensive information on how homeowners can mitigate damage from wildfires.

For more information on the Firewise Program, visit; www.firewise.org

Wildfire behavior is influenced by three main factors: topography (lie of the land), weather (wind speed, relative humidity and ambient temperature) and fuel (vegetation and man-made structures). Of these three factors, fuel is the only one we can influence. The primary goal for Firewise landscaping is fuel reduction — limiting the amount of flammable vegetation and materials surrounding the home and increasing the moisture content of remaining vegetation. The home itself and everything around it up to 100 – 200 feet is known as the ‘home ignition zone.’ Within this 200 foot area, there are three zones:

Zone 1 encircles the structure and all its attachments (wooden decks, fences, and boardwalks) for at least 30 feet on all sides. Note: the 30-foot number comes from the very minimum distance, on flat ground, that a wood wall can be separated from the radiant heat of large flames without igniting. In this area:

  • Plants should be carefully spaced, low-growing and free of resins, oils and waxes that burn easily.
  • Mow the lawn regularly. Prune trees up six to ten feet from the ground.
  • Space conifer trees 30 feet between crowns. Trim back trees that overhang the house.
  • Create a ‘fire-free’ area within five feet of the home, using non-flammable landscaping materials and/or high-moisture-content annuals and perennials.
  • Remove dead vegetation from under deck and within 10 feet of house.
  • Consider fire-resistant material for patio furniture, swing sets, etc.
  • Remove firewood stacks and propane tanks; they should not be located in this zone.
  • Water plants, trees and mulch regularly.
  • Consider xeriscaping if you are affected by water-use restrictions.

Zone 2 is 30 to 100 feet from the home, and plants in this zone should be low-growing, well irrigated and less flammable. In this area:

  • Leave 30 feet between clusters of two to three trees, or 20 feet between individual trees.
  • Encourage a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees.
  • Create ‘fuel breaks’, like driveways, gravel walkways and lawns.
  • Prune trees up six to ten feet from the ground.

Zone 3 is 100 to 200 feet from the home and this area should be thinned, although less space is required than in Zone 2. NOTE: Because of other factors such as topography, the recommended distances to mitigate for radiant heat exposure actually extend between 100 to 200 feet from the home – on a site-specific basis. In this area:

  • Remove smaller conifers that are growing between taller trees. Remove heavy accumulation of woody debris.
  • Reduce the density of tall trees so canopies are not touching.

PREPARATION WELL IN ADVANCE OF A FIRE:

  • Complete a home inventory – this will assist in talking with your insurance provider should you suffer a loss due to a wildfire. Consider making a video walk-through of your possessions and keep that in a safe off-site location.
  • Sign up for local Emergency Notifications/Alerts
  • Have an Evacuation Plan and a designated meeting place where family members will reconnect after the evacuation. Ensure everyone in the household knows the plan and meeting place location.
  • Know where evacuation centers will be located in your community
  • Have an off-site phone number, (relative, etc.) where family members can check in and provide status information
  • Have a plan and supplies for your pets

WHAT TO DO DURING WATCHES OR WARNINGS:

  • Make sure there’s at least a 72-hour supply of important medications in your go-bag
  • Know which personal items, (pictures, documents, etc.) have been prioritized to take if time permits, when evacuation is necessary
  • Remove deck/ patio furniture, cushions and door mats to prevent ember ignitions
  • Remove portable propane tanks from the deck/patio
  • Know how to turn off the gas to the home
  • Place a ladder against the house (for Fire Department use)
  • Have your garden hoses connected (for Fire Department use)
  • Make sure windows, doors and garage doors are closed
  • Make sure windows are closed on vehicles that will remain at the residence while you’re evacuated

PO Box 493
Ely, MN 55731

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Membership

If you are interested in becoming a member or renewing your membership, follow the link below.

Support WICOLA

Please consider financially supporting WICOLA by following the link below.

© White Iron Chain Of Lakes Association - All rights reserved.