How to Keep Your Home Safe from Wild Fires
1. Eliminate Easy Fuel Sources For Fires – dry landscaping, piles of firewood, and untreated decks are easy targets for a nearby brush fire. Move the pile of wood to a protected or remote place, make sure your landscaping and decks are treated.
2. Prune Trees and Shrubs – the smaller the branch, the easier it will catch fire. In addition, twigs from un-pruned branches act as excellent kindling for a fire, so be sure to avoid that as much as possible.
3. Trim Taller Trees – a living tree is not incredibly susceptible to fire, so be sure to trim taller trees so that the lowest branches are at least six feet from the ground. This will allow a quick-moving brush fire to pass by without causing the tree to catch fire.
4. Remove Dead Leaves and Branches – after pruning and trimming your trees and bushes, be sure to collect the detritus. If allowed to remain on the ground, the remains will dry out and be easy prey for a fire.
5. Clear Branches From Around Your Roof – make sure branches from your trees aren’t too close to your home. Should a tree catch fire, branches leaning against the house or roof make it easier for the fire to jump the gap and ignite your home.
6. Mow The Lawn Regularly and Immediately Remove Clippings – Long grass catches fire much more easily – and spreads much quicker – than a neatly trimmed lawn. In addition to looking better, your shorter grass is much safer.
7. Clear Roof, Gutters and Eaves of Debris – check your gutters and roof for dead fall branches. Most roofing shingles are treated and heat resistant, but they can only remain intact for so long when faced with fire, so a clean roof and gutter system is important.
8. Maintain Your Irrigation System – a well-watered lawn is not a drying, dying lawn. Dry grass is one of the best catalysts for fire, so make sure to keep your sprinklers in good shape, and use them consistently to avoid dangerous, brown patches.
9. Keep Firewood and Storage Tanks Away – Any easily ignited material, including firewood, fuel and gas, should be kept a safe distance away from your home. Firewood is particularly dangerous as it is intentionally dried for easy burning.
10. Store Flammable Liquids Properly – use only approved containers for storing gas or oil, to avoid flash fires or explosions. Make sure your storage area or shed is properly ventilated to avoid the build-up of flammable fumes.
For more information and other tips on how to keep your house safe in the event of a wild fire, visit the IBHS web site.
