Prevention

You play a very important role in preventing wildfires.  Lean what Smokey Bear has to say.

More and more people are making their homes in woodland settings in or near forests, rural areas or remote mountain sites. There, homeowners enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfire.

The Wildland/Urban interface is defined as the area where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels.

Every year many families unnecessarily lose their homes and possessions to wildland fire. These losses can be minimized if homeowners take the time to become aware of safety measures to help protect their homes and complete some effective actions.

The public is an important partner in the fight to minimize the potential for devastating fires. You can help by reviewing the FireWise program to find out if you, your family and your property are prepared.

Follow this fire safety checklist to learn more about what you can do:

Roof

• Clean your roof surfaces/gutters regularly to avoid accumulation of leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other flammable materials.
• Remove dead or overhanging branches within 10ft.
• Clean all dead leaves from roof and gutters.
• Ensure roof meets fire resistant classification of "Class C" or better.
• Cover chimney outlet with a non-flammable screen.
• Clean your chimney for soot or creosote at least twice a year.
• Have a garden hose of sufficient length for roof access (75ft.).

Yard

• Keep lawn chairs/canvas furniture and picnic tables a safe distance from structures (30ft.).
• Install spark arrests on small engines/equipment.
• Do not dump lawn/brush clipping in canyons.

Access

All roads leading to your property should:

• Be at least 16 feet wide.
• Not be located in areas with grades in excess of 12%.
• Names of roads should be clearly indicated at all intersections.
• Have addresses posted at driveway entrance(s).
• Dead-end roads that end in a cul-de-sac should have minimum turnaround radius of 60 feet.
• Have at least two entrance and exit routes from your neighborhood.

Use Fire Resistant Building Materials

• Good: Non-combustible construction materials such as tile/slate, brick/stone, aluminum, sheet iron.
• Bad: Highly combustible materials such as wood siding, cedar shake.

Defensible Space

• Maintain a fuel break at least 30 feet wide around all structures.
• Stack woodpiles 30 feet from structures, fences and other combustible materials.
• Remove stacks of construction materials, pine needles, leaves and other debris.
• Clear vegetation/flammable materials from beneath deck area.
• Enclose underside of elevated decks with fire resistant materials.

Landscape

• Shrubs/trees should be at least 15 feet apart.
• Remove branches from trees to a height of 15 feet from the ground.
• Keep trees/vegetation at least 10 feet away from chimney/stove pipes.
• Plant fire resistant plants such as aspen or other deciduous species.
• Remove dead and dying vegetation.
• Plant native trees at least 10 feet apart.

Fire Escape Plan

• Plan an evacuation route.
• Designate an emergency meeting place outside your home.
• Immediately evacuate the area when ordered by police or fire personnel.