Wildfires are an increasing threat, but with the right precautions, homeowners can significantly reduce their risk. Through the Firewise program, local communities are learning to create defensible spaces around their homes, which can be the difference between survival and disaster. By clearing flammable debris and following expert guidelines, residents can not only protect their properties but also assist firefighters in their efforts. Small actions, such as maintaining a 6 to 10-foot safety zone, can have a huge impact on preventing the loss of homes during wildfires. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Denise Elliott, State Farm Agent and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.
Transcript
With wildfires becoming an ever-present threat in our region, the simple act of clearing a few feet around your home could be the difference between losing everything and saving it. Local communities are banding together through the Firewise program to protect their homes and lives. You’re watching the Local News Network, brought to you by Denise Elliott, State Farm Agent and Happy Pappy’s Pizza ‘N Wings. I’m Sadie Smith. Firewise, a program created by the National Fire Protection Association works to address wildfires by looking at the best practices across the country, and making region-specific recommendations.
We live in what’s called the WUI, the Wildland Urban Interface. As we’re sitting here, we’re surrounded by oaks. And we’ve got pine trees. We do have a few fir stuck in here and there. And so, we’re living in the forest. This is a forest that burns. And naturally, it would burn every eight to 11 years. So we have to learn to live with the fire.
One crucial aspect of defensible space is ensuring that firefighters can access and see homes during a wildfire. This can be the difference between a home being defended or lost to the flames.
We know from the 4/16 and and from earlier fires, if the firefighters saw branches hanging over your roof or they couldn’t see your home to know if it was on fire or not, or there wasn’t room for them to turn around and get out, then they had to say, sorry, we can’t help that house.
Firewise has created what it calls a hazardous ignition zone. These are areas around a structure, particularly a home, where the potential for fire to ignite and spread is highest. This is the most crucial area to remove any flammable debris, such as pine needles and dried oak leaves.
They say if you take care of the first six to 10 feet around your house, you have a 95% chance of saving that structure. So it’s a huge difference that you can do to prevent the loss of a home.
Proper maintenance of the area around homes and other structures can significantly increase the chances of saving it from a wildfire. Even small, seemingly insignificant items can become major hazards.
In Colorado Springs, a family had everything cleared off. They didn’t have any flammable furniture on their deck. But they left a broom with natural bristles. And the broom base caught embers ignited, went up the wooden handle, hit the wood paneling on their house, and took their house.
To learn how to protect your home from wildfires, visit Wildfire Adapted Partnership for resources from the Colorado State Forest Service. Find tips on fire-resistant materials, safe landscaping, and more. For further details, explore the Firewise website. For more information about this and other stories, visit durangolocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition of The Local News Network. I’m Sadie Smith.
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