What to know when assessing your property to keep it safe from wildfire. SLOPE:The slope of the land around your home is a major consideration in assessing wildfire risk. Wildfires burn up a slope faster and more intensely than along flat ground. A steeper slope will result in a faster moving fire, with longer flame lengths. Homes located mid- or top of a slope (without set back) are generally more vulnerable because of increased flame length and intensity of a fire moving up the slope. Depending on the location of your home, defensible space may need to be increased. ZONE 1: 0-5 ft. around the perimeter- The objective of this zone is to reduce the chance of wind-blown embers from a nearby fire landing near the home, igniting combustible debris or materials and exposing the home to flames. This zone is closest to the house, so it requires the most careful selection and management of vegetation and other materials. ZONE 2: 5 ft.–30 ft. around the perimeter (or to the property line)- The objective of this zone is to create and maintain a landscape that, if ignited, will not readily transmit fire to the home. Trees and shrubs in this zone should be in well spaced groupings and well maintained. Ladder fuels (i.e., shorter vegetation or shrubs under taller trees) should be avoided to prevent the fire from climbing into the crown or upper portions of trees. If these groupings were to be ignited by wind-blown embers, the resulting fire should not be able to threaten the home by a radiant heat exposure or by flames being able to touch the exterior surfaces of your home. ZONE 3: 30 ft. - 100 ft. (or to the property line)- The objective of vegetation management in this zone is to reduce the energy and speed of the wildfire. Tree and brush spacing should force the fire in the tops of the tree, brush or shrub crowns to drop to the ground. Flame length should decrease. Tree Branches Overhanging Or Within 10 ft. Of The Roof: Branches overhanging your roof will result in more debris accumulation on your roof, in your gutters and near your home. OTHER COMBUSTIBLE ITEMS/STRUCTURES: -A fire in close proximity to a propane tank can result in gas releasing at the pressure relief valve, potentially resulting in a column of flame. -Flames impinging on the upper surface of the tank can result in an explosion,particularly when the fuel level is low. -If ignited, other combustible items on your property, such as a tool storage shed or gazebo, could expose your home to radiant heat and flames. Roof Slope: Roof slope is important because it will affect the amount of debris that accumulates and will also influence the radiant exposure to the roof if nearby vegetation or buildings ignite. Roof Material: Your roof is a large, relatively horizontal surface where debris from trees and other vegetation can accumulate. When a wildfire is threatening your home, wind-blown embers can also land on your roof and ignite this debris,potentially putting your home at risk. Your roof must be able to resist the burning embers from the wildfire and flames from ignited debris. Roof coverings are rated as Class A, B, or C. A Class A fire-rated roof covering offers the best protection.
Posted on: Tue, 10 Sep 2013 14:34:09 +0000
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