Wildfire Safety Guidelines for Mountain Homeowners
- Install
30 foot safety zone (minimum) around the homesite.
- Remove
weeds, debris, and flammable fuels from within 10 feet of base
of dwelling.
- Thin
trees and brush so that a minimum of 10 feet exists between
the outer edges of tree crowns within safety zones.
- Prune
tree limbs to a height of 10 feet above the ground within safety
zone.
- Cut
tall grass within safety zone.
- Reduce
density of all trees and brush within additional 100 to 150
feet of home site minimum spacing of 12 feet between trees.
- Develop
external water supply for firefighting. Keep a garden hose available.
- Provide
adequate driveway for emergency vehicle access and maneuverability.
- Remove
all branches overhanging the roof or within 10 feet of the chimney.
- Clean
debris from roof and gutter.
- Keep
rakes, shovels, axes and hoes available for use as fire tools.
- Install
chimney screen or spark arrestor.
- Enclose
open porches and foundations, areas under overhanging decks,
and roof or attic openings..
- Stack
firewood uphill away from buildings.
- Clearly
post house or lot number.
- Use
non-combustible roofing materials.
More
information in Creating Defensible Zones