This excerpt from The Smoky Mtn Cabin Owners Manual’s chapter on FIREWISE, gives you some much needed suggestions on how to improve your Properties’ chances during a fire.
do yourself a favor and look over this excerpt then contact us to see how CCL can help you make and keep your property FIREWISE.
Recommendations from the Firewise USA™ program
The concept of the home ignition zone was developed by USDA Forest Service fire scientist Jack Cohen in the late 1990s, following some breakthrough experimental research into how homes ignite due to the effects of radiant heat. For more than 15 years, NFPA’s wildfire safety recommendations have been shaped by this fire science and because of it, is able to provide actionable guidance for homeowners to help them prepare homes/home landscapes to resist wildfire.Using the Zone Concept
The primary goal for Firewise landscaping is fuel reduction — limiting the amount of flammable vegetation and materials surrounding the home and increasing the moisture content of remaining vegetation. The home itself and everything around it up to 100 – 200 feet is known as the ‘home ignition zone.’ In areas across the country where the risk of wildfire is high, the home ignition zone extends up to 200 feet beyond the actual home structure. Within this 200 foot area, there are three zones:
Zone 1 encircles the structure and all its attachments (wooden decks, fences, and boardwalks) for at least 30 feet on all sides. Note: the 30-foot number comes from the very minimum distance, on flat ground, that a wood wall can be separated from the radiant heat of large flames without igniting. In this area:
• Plants should be carefully spaced, low-growing and free of resins, oils and waxes that burn easily.
• Mow the lawn regularly. Prune trees up six to ten feet from the ground.
• Space conifer trees 30 feet between crowns. Trim back trees that overhang the house.
• Create a ‘fire-free’ area within five feet of the home, using non-flammable landscaping materials and/or high-moisture-content annuals and perennials.
• Remove dead vegetation from under deck and within 10 feet of house.
• Consider fire-resistant material for patio furniture, swing sets, etc.
• Remove firewood stacks and propane tanks; they should not be located in this zone.
• Water plants, trees and mulch regularly.
• Consider xeriscaping if you are affected by water-use restrictions.
Zone 2 is 30 to 100 feet from the home, and plants in this zone should be low-growing, well irrigated and less flammable. In this area:
• Leave 30 feet between clusters of two to three trees, or 20 feet between individual trees.
• Encourage a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees.
• Create ‘fuel breaks’, like driveways, gravel walkways and lawns.
• Prune trees up six to ten feet from the ground.
Zone 3 is 100 to 200 feet from the home and this area should be thinned, although less space is required than in Zone 2. NOTE: Because of other factors such as topography, the recommended distances to mitigate for radiant heat exposure actually extend between 100 to 200 feet from the home – on a site-specific basis. In this area:
• Remove smaller conifers that are growing between taller trees. Remove heavy accumulation of woody debris.
• Reduce the density of tall trees so canopies are not touching.
Download our Landscaping and Construction Guide which provides a more in-depth look at each zone and the applicable actions steps (within that zone) that homeowners can take to reduce the risk of wildfire damage to their home and property.
As you can see there is a great deal of information available to assist you in making wise decisions to make your property FIREWISE. As each property has its own unique set of circumstances it may not be completely possible to accommodate all of these requirements. Property lines, Property Association rules or how the land lays may prohibit you from being able to fulfill these requirements, but it is advisable to complete as many as possible and keep those conditions well maintained.
John is a recognized and highly respected author, educator, and businessman with a reputation for helping individuals and organizations create helpful and sustainable results.