As summer approaches quickly, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how to protect your home from the threat of wildfire. Warmer temperatures, dry conditions, and increased vegetation growth can all contribute to higher wildfire risk in our area. Spring offers an ideal opportunity to get ahead of the season by making a few important preparations around your home and property. Taking some simple steps now can help reduce potential hazards, improve your home’s defensibility, and provide greater peace of mind as the hotter, drier months arrive. The following are Washington Department of Natural Resources recommended 12 steps to defend your home from wildfire.
Homes built in forests should have a minimum defensible space of 100 feet. If your home sits on a steep slope, standard protective measures may not suffice. Contact your local DNR Region Office or fire department/district for additional information.
Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures and remove vines from the walls of the home. Clear all flammable vegetation.
Thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.
Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.
Ask the power company to clear branches from powerlines.
Mow grass regularly.
Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Place a screen over the grill – use nonflammable material with mesh no coarser than .25 inch.
Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish at an approved site.
Follow local burning regulations.
Place stove, fireplace and grill ashes in a metal bucket, soak in water for 2 days; then bury the cold ashes in mineral soil.
Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home. Clear combustible material within 20 feet.
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home’s contents.
Although you can never eliminate 100% of the risk of your home and property being lost or damaged in a wildfire, taking a proactive approach this spring may give you some peace of mind and spare some heartache if a wildfire is to come your way.