Wildland Fire Safety

The Basics of Wildland Fire Safety

Wildland fires have always been nature’s way of caring for itself. Forest floors are scoured of choking underbrush, great pines are allowed to grow unfettered, some floral species are even germinated by fire. But today we look at wildland fires in terms of homes and lives lost, acres burned, scenery scarred. We have inserted ourselves into this annual rite of passage and the results can be devastating.

If you look at an aerial photo of the States, you’ll see layers of humanity spreading out from the cities. First subdivisions surrounded by preserved open space, then conclaves of homes on larger parcels and finally small ranches, farms and those who truly want to escape the city. We are drawn to the wildland like moths to a flame.

Whether you blame government management practices, climate change or cyclical droughts, massive fire storms seem to be on the increase. The summer of 2007 marked the most destructive series of wildland fires in California. The following spring, the state was warned that 2008 presented even more danger.

To a certain extent, the “why” of urban/wildland interface dangers doesn’t matter. What’s done is done; what our climate has in store for us will come; we can’t push back the houses; we can’t uncrack the egg. The following information is focused on what you can do to best protect yourself and your family, first, and then your home. The approach we’re taking is for new or prospective residents of these areas. Those of us who have lived in the subdivisions or the back country have already figured it out, or are just lucky. The majority of the information originates with national or California agencies but is appropriate for all Western states and adaptable to any climate or region.

You’re Not There Yet

We’ll start with the assumption that you’ve been bitten by the back country bug and are looking at land. If you’re already in your home, skip to Now You’re There. Newer subdivisions in the West are fire savvy and adhere to building codes that reduce the risk from brush fires. We’re talking actual “rural” or conclaves of homes in a near natural setting.

• Fire travels more quickly up slope. Is the home (or can the home be) situated with an adequate (30 to 100 feet of defensible space) set back from slope tops. Everyone wants a sweeping view in areas of hilly or mountain terrain; what you may end up with is a spectacular view of a fire roaring like a freight train toward your home. Some area planning departments require builders to “maintain the integrity of the ridgeline,” planning-speak for we don’t want to look at your house, we want to see a clean ridgeline, so you may not have total control over where the house sits. If you do, make a safe compromise between the view off your deck and your safety.
• Look at the property in terms of what a fire fighter will see if he has to protect your house. Is there easy and safe access to your home? Is the driveway accessible for fire engines with a turnout to allow for their escape if necessary? Is your address visible from the road? If you’re on a quaint country lane surrounded by brush, you need to be aware that fire captains will not put their men and equipment into an untenable situation. Fire engines weigh 10 times more than the average full-sized SUV. Take that into consideration when constructing driveways and any bridges necessary to cross culverts or stream beds. If the fire is being pushed by high winds toward that charming lane with the potential of cutting off escape and trapping fire fighters, they may have to pass you by.
• If the area you’re looking at is truly rural, check out the distance fire fighters will have to travel to get to you and the roads they will travel. Many rural areas are serviced by volunteer fire departments with back up from state agencies in the event of a wildland fire. Other areas will be serviced by fire protection districts with stations throughout the area. Some communities will have no official structure protection agency at all. In California, the California Department of Forestry is tasked with wildland fires and local districts with structure protection. Determine the coverage in your state, county and in your area.
• What is the source of water once the fire fighters have reached your property? Is the land in a water district or will you have to rely on a well? Is there room for a pond or reservoir on the property? The Fire Safe Council recommends an emergency water supply of 2,500 gallons, or the capacity of a 10-foot diameter above-ground pool. If you will be on well water, you may want to consider a generator to provide water in the event of a power outage. Check the location of fire hydrants on the road to your property.

If the land passes the above tests, congratulations. The home you build, or is already there, has a decent chance of survival.

Now You’re There

You can use the following checklist to determine just how fire safe your home and property is and start to make improvements. The concept of defensible space and landscaping is so important, it will be handled as a separate topic. Building codes, especially in areas prone to wildland fires, are enacted to create the best possible scenario in a fire event. But your home may have been built prior to these codes.

We’ll start at the top:

• Your roof is the most vulnerable part of the home. Those wood shake shingles look great in the country, but untreated shakes are the leading cause of fire loss. Choose non-combustible roofing materials or have those shingles treated. Of the three classification of fire resistant roofing materials, Class A is the most resistant, Class C, the least.
• Use non-combustible screens, 1/4-inch mesh, for eaves, attic vents and windows.
• Rake dried vegetation away from the base of the house and other structures.
• Keep your roof and gutters clear of leaves, pine needles and any dead branches.
• Enclose the undersides of decks with fire resistant materials. Debris collected in these openings can ignite from flying embers.
• Double- or triple-paned windows and sliding glass doors can reduce the amount of heat built up in your home as flames approach.
• Because the greatest perceived danger is from wildland fires, incorporate all the elements of a fire safe home, including an escape plan, found on this site.
• Be aware that a mower blade hitting a rock can cause a spark and lead to a fire. Plus, all gas-powered land equipment is required or should have (depending on the state) to have spark arresters in rural areas.
• Speaking of an escape plan, develop a plan in the event your home has to be evacuated during a fire incident. Find out what accommodations will be made at your children’s schools. Identify all possible evacuation routes away from your home. You won’t know in advance the direction the fire is moving.

Tagged as: wildland fire safety