The most common hazards are flammable mulch, plants, firewood, lawn furniture, decks and fences. These items have been the main cause of burning homes in many wildfires, including 2018 Camp Fire that destroyed Paradise, California and elsewhere 2012 Waldo Canyon fire Near Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Laying gravel or paved roads instead of mulch and planting only small, sparse plants that do not touch the house can help reduce the risk.
Wooden Decks And fences can burn, even if they are properly maintained. Replacing them with non-flammable materials or applying a thin sheet of metal to the house where the siding touches a wooden deck or fence can help protect the home. Mesh screens can prevent the accumulation of debris and embers under the deck.
Zone 2—5 to 30 feet away: In the next ring, from 5 to 30 feet from the house, the lawn should be green and short. This is Zone 2.
Be sure to remove pine needles and leaves and cut back the lowest branches of the tree to at least 6 feet high.
Trees should be spaced about 18 feet apart on a flat slope, and this distance should increase as the slope increases because steeper terrain is more prone to fire. This area can accommodate walkways, paths, patios, decks and firewood.
Zone 3—30 to 100 feet away: Beyond Zone 2 and about 100 feet from the house is Zone 3. In this zone, be sure to secure sheds and propane tanks in the same way as around the house, and cut back all low branches to 6 feet.
You can contact your local emergency management office or community wildfire nonprofit organization for more information. Grant funding This can offset the cost of trimming and removing trees on forested property.
