The Wildland Urban Interface in and near large forests has proportionately increased the risk of catastrophic wildfire in these areas. Some tips for protecting your property include:
1) Clear vegetation that could carry a fire to your house or to surrounding treetops for a distance of 30 feet from your house.
2) Remove dead and dying branches and trees.
3) Prune low-hanging live branches and shrubs to prevent fire from spreading from the ground to the tops of trees.
4) Do not store anything flammable, including wood, underneath decks or within 30 feet of your home.
5) Keep the lawn within 30 feet of your home mowed and well irrigated.
6) Replace wood roofs with fire-resistant roofing material.
7) Clear pine needles, leaves and other debris from the roof and gutters.
8) Install a spark arrestor on chimney outlets.
9) Remove branches or trees that are within 10 feet of a chimney outlet.
10) Mark your driveway and access roads clearly.
11) Make sure your street numbers are reflective and visible.
12) When possible, use construction materials that are fire-resistant or non-combustable.
13) Have at least two ground-level doors as safety exits.
14) Encourage your neighbors to consider firewise landscaping – this is a community effort!
15) Visit: Firewise for more information.
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