4 Tips for Creating a Safe Zone of Defensible Space
In light of recent wildfires, such as the devastating January wildfires in Southern California, it is crucial for Enduris members to take proactive steps in reducing wildfire risks to their properties. While Enduris has not directly experienced losses from these fires, some fire district members have supported efforts to combat them. These events are a sobering reminder of the importance of preparation.
To help mitigate potential wildfire losses, we recommend performing a visual inspection using the following checklist. Implementing these measures can create defensible space around your buildings, increasing their chances of survival during a wildfire.
Exterior of Building:
Roof Protection:
- Remove needles, leaves, and other dry debris from rooftops every spring and monitor throughout the year. Wind-driven embers can ignite these materials.
- Trim or remove trees that overhang buildings to prevent debris accumulation on roofs.
Siding and 10-Foot Perimeter:
- Keep outdoor gas or propane tanks at least 10 feet from buildings.
- Relocate combustible materials (firewood, garbage containers, planters) away from the structure.
- Replace dry woodchips or rubber mulch near the building with non-combustible hardscape materials like gravel or rock.
Wider Perimeter:
- Maintain a 50-foot or greater defensible zone around buildings by creating fuel breaks.
- Remove tall debris and dead vegetation.
- Space landscaping to reduce the risk of fire spread.
- Eliminate highly flammable plants, such as arborvitae, and regularly clear leaves and other dry materials.
Interior of Building:
- Prohibit the use of open-flame candles by employees.
- Service fire extinguishers annually to ensure they are operational.
- Keep mechanical rooms clean and free of unnecessary items.
- Store fuels and solvents in a detached outbuilding to minimize interior fire risk.
When making updates to your buildings, consider fire-resistant materials. Replace wood shake roofs with metal or composition alternatives, upgrade wood siding to Hardiplank or steel, and switch old wooden decks to composite products.
The Power of Preparedness: A Success Story
In 2016, the Highway 10 Fire in Kittitas County, Washington, tested the effectiveness of updated building codes and defensible space practices. Homes rebuilt after the 2012 Taylor Bridge Fire adhered to Kittitas County’s new wildland-urban interface code, which required fire-resistant building materials and vegetation management. As a result, when the fire burned up to and around these structures, none were lost or damaged.
Kittitas County Fire Protection District 7, a proud member of Enduris, was instrumental in promoting these changes and continues to advocate for wildfire resilience through proper building practices and landscaping strategies. To learn more about their efforts and lessons learned, visit https://fireadaptednetwork.org/between-two-fires-lessons-learned-in-kittitas-county/. This example highlights the critical role of proactive planning and collaboration in safeguarding communities.
Conclusion:
Taking these steps not only protects your property but also aids in safeguarding your personnel and the communities you serve. Begin your inspections today and plan for necessary updates to ensure your properties are wildfire-resilient.
Additional Resources:
Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ Living with Fire publication. This comprehensive guide provides actionable steps to prepare your property and community for wildfire resilience. Access it here: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/publications/rp_fireprevent_living_with_wildfire.pdf.
Firewise USA® Program: The Firewise USA® program encourages local solutions for safety by involving homeowners in taking individual responsibility for preparing their homes from the risk of wildfire. Many districts partner with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote and implement the Firewise USA program.
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa
Contact your local fire authority for additional help and resources.
Joe Davis, Director of Risk Management and Member Relations
Eric Swagerty, Member Relations Representative