High-Risk Home?
Low relative humidity levels and cold, dry air can mean that wildfire risk is high. In areas where homes “blend” with more natural landscapes – known as the “wildland-urban” interface – widlfire risk can be especially high. Homes that are located in areas with a history of wildfire occurrence, a long dry season (more than three months), steep terrain (average grade over 20 percent), and forested wildland areas within 100 feet of construction are considered high-risk.
Viewer Tip: The best way to protect your home from wildfire is to assess your property and take steps to remove wildfire fuels from the area around your home.
- Prune trees and shrubs on your property – especially those within 15 feet of your chimney. Winter, the dormant season for trees, is the right time to prune.
- Remove dead plants and leaves from your property, and clean debris from home gutters, roof, and eaves.
- Store dry, stacked firewood away from your home and its attachments, such as decks or fences.
Find complete checklists for making home landscaping and construction fire-resistant at the Firewise website: http://www.firewise.org/usa/files/fwlistsz.pdf
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
(Sources: FireWise. “Is Your Home Protected from Wildfire Disaster?” http://www.firewise.org/resources/files/wildfr2.pdf)
