Massive wildfires spread over 24,000 acres in Colorado earlier this week, threatening hundreds of residences and destroying some in the state as firefighters and weather worked to minimize the damage, according to Barb Masinton of the Forestry Service.
It’s been a busy week of wildfires. In addition to the Colorado fires, more than 15,000 acres in California's northern Los Angeles County, and 6,000 acres of drought-impacted land in New Mexico burnt up within the last week, resulting in the evacuation of hundreds of residents. 1,100 residents in the misleadingly eponymous town of Green Valley in ultra-dry California were evacuated as the fire burnt out of control and threatened homes there. The Los Angeles Times reported on Friday, June 7th, that 14 homes have been destroyed by the wildfire.
And western states weren’t the only ones fending off the flames of destruction—-New Jersey faced a large wildfire that scorched 1,300 acres of woodland in the central part of the state that ended up closing 24 miles of the Garden State Parkway and forcing the evacuation of more than a hundred homes near Berkeley Township. One New Jersey home was completely destroyed and a couple of others were damaged but saved by firefighters.
While much of the United States is enduring heightened drought conditions, and more homes are being constructed closer to rural woodlands, the threat of wildfires to homes increases. The Institute for Business & Home Safety has information to help residents in every state better protect their homes from wildfires. Here is a list of actions any homeowner can take to reduce the risk of wildfires to homes already built, and advice on how to rebuild in ways to minimize the threat of wildfires destroying your property:
GIVE YOUR HOME A SURVIVABLE SPACE
Create a zone around your house that will slow the wildfire down and possibly direct it around your home. To do this, you must view your yard as a fuel source. Fire will burn only if fuel, such as landscaping, woodpiles and decks, are present. To create your survivable space, take the following steps within 30 feet of your home, 50 feet if you live in a heavily wooded area:
· Prune trees and shrubs.
· Branches on taller trees should be a minimum of 6 feet from the ground.
· Remove dead leaves and branches, especially around roof and chimney.
· Mow your lawn regularly and dispose promptly of cuttings and debris.
· Clear your roof, gutters and eaves of debris.
· Maintain your irrigation system.
· Move firewood and storage tanks 50 feet away from home.
· Store flammable liquids properly
MINIMIZE RISK THROUGH SMART LANDSCAPING
When landscaping, take these additional steps to help protect your home.
· Introduce more native vegetation
· Space trees at least 10 feet apart
· Do not connect wooden fencing directly to your home
BUILD OR RETROFIT YOUR HOME WITH NON-FLAMMABLE MATERIALS
Another line of defense is the type of materials used on your home’s exterior.
· Use only non-combustible roofing products.
· Enclose and screen eaves, fascias, soffits and sub floor vents using ¼” non-combustible screening.
· Install spark arresters in chimneys.
· Enclose decks with fire-resistant materials.
· Cover exterior walls with fire resistant materials like stucco, stone, or brick. (Vinyl siding can melt and is not recommended).
· Use double paned or tempered glass for all exterior windows.
The IBHS homeowner's guide for wildfire retrofit, titled, "Is Your Home Protected From Wildfire Disaster?" can be downloaded or ordered free by calling toll free, 1(866)-657-IBHS(4247).
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