Homeowners Can Take Action to Protect Their Property from Wildfire

A wildfire need not destroy everything in its path. In fact, cleaning your property of debris and maintaining your landscaping are important first steps to helping minimize damage and loss. The National Fire Protection Association has developed the following list of actions you can take throughout the year to help reduce the risk of your home and property becoming fuel for a wildfire:

• Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches, and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
• Remove dead vegetation from underneath your deck and within 10 feet of the house.
• Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches.
• Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
• Remove flammable materials, such as firewood stacks, propane tanks, and dry vegetation, from within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck, or porch.
• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. If you have trees on your property, prune them so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
• Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
• Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
• Inspect shingles or roof tiles and replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.