Protecting Structures from Wildfires: Essential Strategies

Posted

As wildfires become increasingly frequent and intense, safeguarding homes, structures and properties is more crucial than ever. Here are some effective strategies to protect structures from the devastating impact of wildfires:

Creating Defensible Space

One of the most effective ways to protect your home is by creating a defensible space. This involves clearing away flammable vegetation and debris, keeping your lawn well-watered, and trimming trees and shrubs to maintain a safe distance from structures. This buffer zone helps slow the spread of wildfire and provides a safe area for firefighters to defend your home and structures.

There are three main zones of concern around homes and buildings: immediate, intermediate and extended. Just a small amount of preparation, immediately around homes and structures, such as trimming lawns, removing tall vegetation, pruning trees and shrubs and cleaning roofs and gutters of flammable debris can buy extra time in a wildfire event. If possible, strategic planting of crops such as wheat fields or food plots around headquarters or around designated emergency grazing and holding areas can be advantageous as a buffer.   

Immediate Zone 

Within 5 feet of a home, barn or building 

• The most important zone. 

• Complete this zone first. 

• Remove leaves and debris from roof and gutters. 

• Do not store flammable items (including propane grills) under or adjacent to deck or patio.   

• Move all flammable materials away from exterior walls, including mulch, flammable trees and shrubs, leaves, firewood piles, lumber piles and other combustible items. 

• Consider using non-combustible mulch, such as crushed stone or gravel around homes or buildings. 

• Choose landscape plants that are low-growing and free of resins, oils and waxes that burn easily. Space them carefully. 

Intermediate Zone 

5 to 30 feet from a home, barn or building 

• Create firebreaks around homes and other structures with strategically placed driveways, sidewalks, walkways, patios and non-flammable decks. 

• Mow or graze lawns and native vegetation to heights of less than 4 inches. 

• Prune trees from the ground to 10 feet up from the soil surface to remove any ladder fuels. 

• Remove vegetation and flammable mulch from under trees to reduce the risk of surface fires moving into tree crowns. 

• Plant or thin trees within 30 feet of a structure to have at least 18 feet between canopies, increasing the distance on steeper slopes. 

• Plant trees in locations where the mature canopy will not be within 10 feet of a structure. 

• Trees and shrubs within 30 feet of structures should be limited to small groups or clusters to reduce fuel continuity. 

• Aboveground propane tanks should be placed the proper distance from the home or other buildings as recommended by National Fire Protection Association: 125-to-500-gallon tank: 10 feet; 501 to 2,000 gallon tank: 25 feet. 

• Aboveground fuel storage tanks should be placed well away from structures, preferably on gravel or concrete pads. 

• Clear and keep vegetation from growing under propane and fuel storage tanks. 

Extended Zone 

30 to 200 feet from a home, barn or building 

• Use driveways and roads to create firebreaks. 

• Dispose of heavy accumulations of litter, debris and brush piles. 

• Remove dead trees. 

• Mow or graze to reduce fuel loads. 

• Do not allow small cedars/junipers to grow under or between mature trees. 

• Plant or thin trees within 30 to 60 feet from a structure to have at least 12 feet between canopies, increasing the distance on steeper slopes. Plant or thin trees within 60 to 200 feet from a structure to have at least 6 feet between canopies. Increase the distance on steeper slopes. 

• Consider removing all highly flammable trees, such as cedars or junipers, within 200 feet of a structure. 

• Place firebreaks inside fence lines along roads to help reduce wildfire risk on light wind days; however, do not expect this to effectively stop a fire on extremely windy days. 

• Conduct prescribed burns to create blackened areas around structures before wildfire season; make sure to burn before conditions become too dry or burn bans restrict the ability to burn. 

• Planned grazing can also be used to reduce or manage fuels and wildfire risk in this zone. 

Tree spacing (Figure 2) is also a crucial element to keep wildfires on the surface instead of in tree canopies.  Mature trees should be spaced out 30-100 feet with a minimum of 18 feet between tree tops nearest to structures out to 200 feet, remembering the goal is not to eliminate fire but to interrupt fire’s path and keep flames smaller and on the ground. 

Tree Spacing Considerations 

• Dispose of heavy accumulations of ground litter/debris. 

• Remove dead plant and tree material. 

• Remove small conifers growing between mature trees. 

• Remove vegetation adjacent to storage sheds or other outbuildings within this area. 

• Trees 30 to 60 feet from the home should have at least 12 feet between canopy tops.* 

• Trees 60 to 100 feet from the home should have at least 6 feet between the canopy tops.* 

Using Fire-Resistant Building Materials

Constructing or retrofitting your home and structures with fire-resistant materials can significantly reduce the risk of damage. Consider using materials like metal, tile, or stucco for roofing and siding. Additionally, ensure that vents and eaves are screened to prevent embers from entering your home.

Regular Maintenance

Regularly cleaning gutters and roofs to remove dry leaves is essential. These materials can easily catch fire and spread flames to your home and structures. Also, store firewood and other combustible materials at least 30 feet away from your house.

Safe Storage Practices

Using gravel or stone in your landscaping instead of mulch can help reduce the risk of fire spreading to your home. Additionally, having a reliable water source and firefighting tools, like hoses and shovels, readily accessible can make a significant difference.

Emergency Preparedness

Developing an emergency plan and staying informed about local fire conditions are crucial steps in protecting your home. Ensure that street signs and address numbers are highly visible to help firefighters and other emergency responders locate your property quickly.

By implementing these measures, you can enhance the resilience of your home and property against the devastating impact of wildfires. Stay proactive and prepared to protect your investment and ensure the safety of your loved ones.

References

How to Fireproof Your Home and Property Against Wildfires

Protect Your Property from WILDFIRES - FEMA.gov

www.firewise.com