Wildfire Preparedness, Keep your Property as Safe as Possible

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Stay safe this hot summer and prepare your property from wildfires

The geography, weather patterns and number of Wildland Urban Interface communities in California make it a state particularly threatened by devastating wildfire. Wildfires are more rampant now then they have been in past years, this makes it very important to make sure you are prepared as  and take action now to prevent as much damage as possible to your home in the case of a wildfire. As stated by CALFire  we must Plan, Prepare, and stay Aware.

Get Ready (create 3 defensible zones around your home)

Zone 0 - this is the first 5ft around your home.

• It is recommended that you remove all dead and dying weeds, grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches and vegetative debris
• make sure there is no firewood in this zone
• Limit plants in this area to low growing, nonwoody, properly watered and maintained plants
• Limit combustible items (outdoor furniture, planters, etc.) on top of decks

Zone 1 - this is 30ft from buildings structures, decks, etc.

• Relocate wood piles to Zone 2.
• Remove or prune flammable plants and shrubs near windows.
• Remove vegetation and items that could catch fire from around and under decks, balconies and stairs.

Zone 2 - from 30 feet to 100 feet out from buildings, structures, decks, etc. or to your property line, whichever is closer.

• Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches.
• Create horizontal space between shrubs and trees. (See diagram)
• Create vertical space between grass, shrubs and trees. (See diagram)
• Remove fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches. However, they may be permitted to a depth of 3 inches.
• All exposed wood piles must have a minimum of 10 feet of clearance, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions.

Other Ways to Prepare for a Wildfire

• Create a Wildfire Action Plan that includes evacuation planning for your home, family and pets.
• Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit for each person in your household.
• Fill-out a Family Communication Plan that includes important evacuation and contact information.

Being prepared can reduce the amount of loss during a wildfire and potentially save your property from further damage.