Changing the way you deal with Fall leaves and debris may save your home from fire.

Due to the fact that we work in the green industry and since this topic is something that we deal with on a regular basis, we felt that this information should be sent out as a Public Service Announcement to our community. However, this information is not only useful in our immediate area and therefore we are publishing this article to increase awareness, so please feel free to share this information.

The fire of November 2016 taught our community some important lessons. Searching for ways to reduce the danger of fire to structures in our area and in striving to provide safe as well as reliable service; we have changed the way we approach leaf blowing in the Fall and we think you should know why. In short, it was noted that when the leaves had been moved away from structures it resulted in reducing the chances of the building catching fire. We have researched the topic and felt that providing this information may introduce you to a resource that can provide information to help you make your property more safe. 

The following is information cited from the National Fire Protection Association website NFPA.org about ways to help prevent fires around the structures on your property:

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire

Immediate zone

The home and the area 0-5’ from the furthest attached exterior point of the home; defined as a non-combustible area.  Science tells us this is the most important zone to take immediate action on as it is the most vulnerable to embers. START WITH THE HOUSE ITSELF then move into the landscaping section of the Immediate Zone.

• Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers.
• Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to prevent ember penetration.
• Reduce embers that could pass through vents in the eaves by installing 1/8 inch metal mesh screening.
• Clean debris from exterior attic vents and install 1/8 inch metal mesh screening to reduce embers.
• Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
• Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors – mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles – anything that can burn. Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches.

We may not be able to completely remove the risk of fire but every little bit helps. We highly recommend that you at least clean off the roof, clean out the gutters and remove the leaves from around the cabin and decks. Please remember that this is NOT all of the information provided on the NFPA.org website. We STRONGLY recommend that you research this information for yourself.

John D. Suttles

john@MartyLoveday.com  C: 865-724-8402

Marty Loveday and Associates,130 Maryville HWY Seymour, TN 37865 -O: 865-573-9444

P.S. This is not the ONLY reason to properly care for your leaves, for more information see my article on Leaf Care in the Mountains or download my free 10 page book on the website www.TheCabinOwnersManual.com  or purchase The Smoky Mtn. Cabin Owner’s Manual- a $20 value for under $10.

About the Author:

John operates Cardinal Custom Lawn Property Maintenance Solutions, www.CardinalCustomLawn.com, which maintains Mtn. properties inside and out. He serves as a Realtor with Marty Loveday and Associates, www.MartyLoveday.com/John-Suttles/ where he uses his knowledge to assist those in the Cabin industry (He is constantly looking for qualified listings to take to Market), and he authored The Smoky Mtn. Cabin Owners’s Manual  www.TheCabinOwnersManual.com where he offers his experience in Cabin rentals, maintenance and market to those who want to prosper with Cabins.

John Suttles

John is a recognized and highly respected author, educator, and businessman with a reputation for helping individuals and organizations create helpful and sustainable results.