Many people think wildfires are solely a California phenomenon and thats simply not true. The huge devastation in October 2007 in Southern-California, reminds us that California certainly gets pummeled quite often, however, wildfires can and do occur anywhere in the United States . Although wildfires are more frequent in the West, the truth is that nearly every state has been devastated by wildfires in the last century.
In the U.S. more than 100, 000 wildfires occur each year. As an example, in 2000, almost eight million acres burned in the United States . Thats about the combined size of the states of Delaware , Massachusetts and Rhode Island !
Why so many fires:
HOT DRY WEATHER
Dangerous woodland policies in the past that allowed fallen leaves, plants and branches to accumulate allowing those items to become a fuel source that feed a wildfire.
More homes built near woodlands, bringing vehicles, people and civilization closer to susceptible areas.
How do these fires start?
The term wild-land/urban interface is a term used where homes blend together with wild land. People cause about 90% of wildfires, with the remaining ten percent being caused by lightening.
Can we prevent these wildfires?
Unquestionably, yes. Well, of course not 100%, but we certainly can put a major dent in them by following these tips:
Careful disposal of cigarettes, cigars and matches
Not parking vehicles on dry grass
The careful use of fireworks and no use of fireworks in dry conditions
Making sure campfires are completely out
Keeping any combustible, such as stoves and lanterns away from things that can catch on fire
Not using stoves, heaters and lanterns inside a tent
Are there ways to prepare for a wildfire? A great way is to start a preparation plan is by assessing your property:
Do you border a wild-land area?
Have wildfires occurred in the area?
Do tree limbs extend over your home?
Do you have dying trees near your home?
Do you have a lot of tall vegetation crowded around your house?
Do you have a wooden fence attached to your house?
Do you have fuel tanks nearby, such as propane or fuel oil?
Do you have a woodpile nearby?
Do you live on top of a sloped area? Hot gasses rise up in front of a fire along a slope, moving a grass fire up to four times faster with flames twice as long as a fire on level ground.
If you live in any area of concern here are some tips:
Create a survivable distance between your home and the wild-land. This makes it harder for the fire to take hold and also makes it easier for you or the fire department to help your house survive
If you have dead trees or dead tree limbs remove them
If you have tall crowded vegetation near your home, get rid of them
Tree limbs should be no closer to your home than 10 feet
Woodpiles should be moved away from your home
What distances should you have between you and the wild-land? It depends on your risk factor. If youre in a lowrisk area, 50 feet on all sides is a benchmark to use.
A low risk area is:
Limited wild-land
Humid climate, short dry season
Flat terrain
Man-made fuels are at least 50 feet away
Little or no history of wildfires
Trees not crowding the home
Easy access for fire trucks
Fire hydrant no farther than 300 feet away
If you are in an area with a moderate risk you should make that distance at least 100 feet. A moderate risk area is:
Bordering a wild-land with light brush, grass or trees
History of wildfires
Hilly terrain
A dry season less than 3 months
Trees are located close to your home
Man-made fuels are within 50 feet from your house
Fire hydrants within 500 feet
Access for fire trucks
And if you live in a high-risk area, 200 feet or more should be used. A high-risk area is:
Dry climate with a dry season of over three months
History of wildfires
Forested wild-land within 100 feet from the house
Trees crowded within 30 feet of your home
Steep terrain (grade average over 20%)
Man-made fuels within 30 feet from your house
No fire hydrants
Limited access for fire trucks
Like any type of personal protection safeguards the same follows for wildfires; be aware of your surroundings. Listen to media reports, alarms, warnings and predictions. And remember to always follow evacuation orders.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is
provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice
provided to you by any health care or other professional or
organization.
