Every year, devastating wildfires burn across the United States. Wildfires are a real risk in our area and there are things you can do to protect your home, neighborhood and family's safety. 

 

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What is Firewise? 

Being Firewise simply means practical techniques homeowners can use to reduce the risks of home destruction by wildfire.

Firewise techniques include minimizing the risk of home ignition by carefully landscaping around residential structures such as thinning trees and brush and choosing fire-resistant plants, selecting ignition-resistant building materials and positioning structures away from slopes. Essentialy, you are creating defensible space.

What are the primary threats to homes during a wildfire?

Research around home destruction vs. home survival in wildfires point to embers and small flames as the main way that the majority of homes ignite in wildfires. Embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and/or vegetation that can be carried more than a mile through the wind can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris and other objects.

There are methods for homeowners to prepare their homes to withstand ember attacks and minimize the likelihood of flames or surface fire touching the home or any attachments. Experiments, models and post-fire studies have shown homes ignite due to the condition of the home and everything around it, up to 200’ from the foundation. This is called the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ).

 

 

 

Interested in learning more? Check out this great, interactive resource.