Prevention
Is Your Home FireWise?
As more homes are built outside of towns, the existing wildland firefighting resources are less able to protect everyone's property while trying to control a wildfire.
You can play an important role in helping communities reduce the wildfire risk of homes by conducting Firewise Assessments. These easy to do surveys of your home are important to prevent losing homes to wildland fire.
Make Your Home FireWise:
Here are a few items to consider:
- Access: Can firefighters reach your home? If you have a driveway less than 150 feet long, the driveway should be at least 12 feet wide for fire equipment. If your drive is longer than 150 feet, the driveway should be at least 20 feet wide.
- Site: Woodpiles should be at least 25 feet from any structures. Keep 100 feet of garden hose attached to your home and prune branches near home at least six feet up to avoid “ladder” fuels.
- Structures: Keep gutters cleaned, and clean leaves and other debris from around home foundation. Soffits should be enclosed.
- Burning Practices: Keep updated with MN DNR on all burning restrictions and fire weather warnings. Check to make sure there are no branches near power lines. Make sure there are approved spark arresters on your lawnmower and chainsaws.
Learn more tips at MN DNR FireWise Program Information
Minnesota has adopted the national Firewise program. Follow these links to the National FireWise page to learn more.