Editor in Chief - John McMahon Ret. Deputy Chief

Protecting Homes from the Dangers of Wildfire

by Keith Newburn

As we begin this new millennium more and more people are experiencing the American Dream and leaving the confines of the city for the wide-open spaces.

As people flock into the area where the city meets the wilderness they are creating what is referred to as a Wildland / Urban Interface.
As more homeowners build within these areas they are creating an entirely new set of dangers for Firefighters. The W/UI presents dangers that Structural FF's are all too familiar with. However this presents dangers that many Wildland FF's are not trained to deal with.

Many of today's Wildland Firefighters have just a brief introduction into Structural Firefighting. They have been content with this. Many of them have said that was all they need as you will not catch them running into a burning structure with a high pressure bottle on their backs and all of that heavy restrictive gear.

On the same note though I have also heard many Structural Firefighters say that they had no interest in going into the woods with no more protective gear than what Wildfire crews are equipped with and battling the flames. As one said, "They are only trees".

Little do they realize the economical impact of the loss of forest Resources. Unfortunately, we as Volunteer Firefighters do not have the luxury of calling a Wildland crew in every time we have a Wildfire.
It is because of this that we need to try to keep up to date on many of the techniques that are available for Public education as well as Suppression. If we can better educate the public in what they need to do to protect themselves it makes our job easier if we have to respond to a wildfire in that area.

It is good to have some input in advising new home builders with some thoughts that would benefit them as well us. For example; constructing driveways and approaches to the home with wider turns and enough clearances for Fire Engines to be able to access the property. I have seen many instances when a structure had to be written off because there was not any way to access it with apparatus.

The lure of a hilltop construction site is enticing to all of us because of great view that it offers, but a home is hard to defend against fire if it is built right on the crest. Wildfire runs uphill far faster than downhill. When the homes are constructed with approximately a 30 or 40 foot backset it gives Firefighters a "Defensible Space" in which to establish a fire stop.

We've identified a safe place to build now let's take a look at building materials; if people build sensibly they can build a very firesafe home at very little additional cost over traditional methods. For instance everyone is aware of what a danger wood shake shingles are, if homebuilders specify composition shingles they provide far more protection. Wall construction materials should also be addressed during this time as well; there are many fire resistive materials on the market. There is currently a trend in the Cast in Place Concrete Industry to develop very reasonably priced concrete wall construction methods. Until that is perfected though there are still economical alternatives, such as Stucco or Brick Veneer.
After the home is completed the homeowner will want to get started landscaping the property. Even now there are many things that can be done to make the home more fireside. Any taller timber that could fall on the house should be cleared back, creating a clutter-free area that will not support fire.

A visit with your area Forester or Agriculture Extension agent will educate you as to some of the more fire resistive shrubs and greenery that will flourish and are readily available in your area.

Keep the woodpile (if the home has a fireplace) stacked away from structures but still readily accessible for heat.

If you are in need of further information please don't hesitate to contact your Forestry Service Representative as they can help you with any questions that you or a prospective homebuilder may have.

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