Amador County – The Amador-El Dorado Unit Chief of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection last week released tips to help create Defensible Space for protection of homes against wildfire.
Amador-El Dorado Unit Chief Kelly Keenan said creating a buffer zone between the home and wild land greatly reduces the risk of a home catching on fire from radiant heat or flying embers. Keenan said “these embers can destroy homes and even entire neighborhoods that are located far from the actual flame front of a wildfire.”
He said “with one of the driest winters on record, it is crucial to have your defensible space established before the heat of the summer is upon us. Don’t delay and start today if you haven’t already begun to create defensible space around your home.”
Some practices help achieve a defendable home and property and defensible space. “Zone One” extends up to 30 feet from every structure on your property, or to your property line whichever is closer. In Zone One, remove all dead and dying vegetation. Remove leaf litter from roof and rain gutters. Relocate woodpiles well away from homes. Trim trees so they are a minimum 10 feet from chimneys and roof lines. Also, remove “ladder fuels” of low-level vegetation that could allow fire to spread from the ground to shrubs, bushes and tree canopies.
Zone Two extends from 30 feet to 100 feet, or to your property line, whichever is closer. The key is to keep plant material separated from each both horizontally and vertically, Keenan said. This prevents vegetation from acting like a ladder and allowing the fire to move from the ground to tree canopies. Cut annual grasses down to a maximum of four inches in height.
Areas of your home should be checked annually and maintained as needed. Check that chimneys have approved spark arrestor screens in good condition covering the opening, with openings no smaller than 3/8 inch and no larger than ½ inch.
Keep the area under decks or balconies free of combustible material. Never store firewood under a deck. Consider having multiple garden hoses that are long enough to reach any area of the home and any structure on the property.
For information on local green waste programs contact the Amador Fire Safe Council for more detailed information, visit Cal-Fire’s ReadyForWildfire.org website or call (530)644-2345 to receive a free brochure.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
