Did you know you can help avoid a wildfire at your home?
We all have seen the horrific wildfires devastating parts of Colorado, and though we've received some rainfall this year, we are headed into the dry season where fire danger will increase with each 100-degree, rainless day. I would like everyone to help us better protect our post, our community and our neighbors.
Last year, Oklahoma set record high temperatures and was in the midst of one of the worst droughts since the Dust Bowl. This year, we're a little better off, but many reservoirs are still low.
When designing and installing a fire-wise landscape, consider the following tips:
- local area fire history;
- site location and overall terrain;
- prevailing winds and seasonal weather;
- property contours and boundaries;
- native vegetation;
- plant characteristics and placement; and
- irrigation requirements.
Give yourself added protection with fuel breaks such as driveways, gravel walkways and lawns.
To create a fire-wise landscape, the primary goal is fuel reduction. To that end, initiate the zone concept.
Zone 1 is closest to the structure; Zones 2-4 move progressively further away.
The first zone is the well-irrigated area that surrounds the structure for at least 30 feet on all sides, providing space for fire suppression equipment in the event of an emergency. Plantings should be limited to carefully spaced, low flammability species.
The second zone should have low flammability plant materials. Plants should be low-growing and the irrigation system should extend into this section.
The third zone should have low-growing plants and well-spaced trees, remembering to keep the volume of vegetation low, which can serve to fuel a fire.
The farthest zone from the structure is a natural area. Selectively prune and thin all plants and remove highly flammable vegetation.
Any structures attached to the house, such as decks, porches, fences and outbuildings should be considered part of the house. These structures can act as fuel bridges, particularly if constructed from flammable materials. Therefore, consider the following.
If you wish to attach an all-wood fence to your house, use masonry or metal as protective barriers between the fence and house.
Use metal when constructing a trellis and cover it with high-moisture, low flammability vegetation.
Prevent combustible materials and debris from accumulating beneath patio decks or elevated porches. To screen or box-in areas below patios and decks, use wire screening no larger than 1/8-inch mesh.
Make sure an elevated wooden deck is not at the top of a hill where it will be in direct line of a fire moving up-slope, consider a terrace instead.
Following these few simple tips can greatly reduce the chance of a wildfire consuming your house should a fire breakout in your neighborhood. Note: Some information in this article is from www.firewise.org.
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