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Even the best structure defense technologies
won't work without the key to home fire defense: DEFENSIBLE
SPACE.
Defensible space is an area around a structure
where fuels and vegetation are treated, cleared or reduced
to slow the spread of wildfire towards the structure. It
also reduces the chance of a structure fire moving from the
building to the surrounding forest. Defensible space provides
room for firefighters to do their jobs. Your house is more
likely to withstand a wildfire if grasses, brush, trees and
other common forest fuels are managed to reduce a fire's
intensity.
Two factors have emerged as the primary determinants
of a home's ability to survive wildfire. These are:
- The home's roofing material
- The quality of the "defensible space" surrounding
it.
Use fire-resistive materials (Class C or better rating),
not wood or shake shingles, to roof homes in or near forests
and grasslands. When your roof needs significant repairs
or replacement, do so with a fire-resistant roofing material.
Check with your county building department. Some counties
now restrict wood roofs or require specific classifications
of roofing material.
Defensible space
allows firefighters to safely defend property. A
sensible defensible space plan increases the chances
of your home surviving a wildland fire. Note how
this home was saved because of it's defensible space.
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Under normal circumstances,
a fire would quickly move uphill, heating
up and then burning anything uphill from it. Note
how this homeowner removed brush and thick vegetation
from around his property. His home has a high chance
of surviving a wildfire.
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Left: Treated / Right: Not Treated |
- Wildfire will find the weakest links in the defense measures
you have taken on your property.
- The primary determinants of a home's
ability to survive wildfire are its roofing material and
the quality of the defensible
space surrounding it.
- Even small steps to protect your home and property will
make them more able to withstand fire.
- Consider these measures for all areas of your property,
not just the immediate vicinity of the house.
- Quite often during a wildfire threat,
fire agencies will pre-deem a home a casualty because
of bad defensible space. This decision is made before the
fire gets there!! The means the agency will use resources
on a home with a better chance of survival.
- Trees and shrubs are properly thinned and pruned within
the defensible space. Slash from the thinning is disposed
of.
- Roof and gutters are clear of leaves, needles, and other
debris.
- Branches overhanging the roof and chimney are removed.
- Chimney screens are in place and in good condition.
- Grass and weeds are mowed to a low height.
- An outdoor water supply is available, complete with a hose
and nozzle that can reach all parts of the house.
- Fire extinguishers are checked and in working condition.
- The driveway is wide enough. The clearance of trees and
branches is adequate for fire and emergency equipment. (Check
with your local fire department.)
- Road signs and your name and house number are posted and
easily visible.
- There is an easily accessible tool storage area with rakes,
hoes, axes and shovels for use in case of fire.
- You have practiced family fire drills and your fire evacuation
plan.
- Your escape routes, meeting points and other details are
known and understood by all family members.
- Attic, roof, eaves and foundation vents are screened and
in good condition. Stilt foundations and decks are enclosed,
screened or walled up.
- Trash and debris accumulations are removed from the defensible
space.
- READ MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR
HOME FIREWISE
The Groom Creek Fire District offers our Defensible Space / Hazardous Fuels Reduction services to homeowners in our community in order to help create this all-important defensible space.
Want to learn more about defensible space and how
to protect your home from wildland fire? Here are some other
sites you may want to visit:
- Contact: Jeff Archer at the Groom Creek Fire District
- Phone: 928-778-6519. Office availability is not always guaranteed due to field work.
- Email:
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