Surviving a Wildland Fire

As of June 20^th of last year fire had burned 630,886 acres in California and firefighting agencies had fought 1,781 fires and contained 1,458. Every day we awoke to news of new fires, old fires jumping fire lines and, mercifully, of some infernos being stopped in their blazing tracks. Fire is unpredictable and scary. For those of us who live in Dry Creek it is also a very real ‘clear and present’ danger. Just ask anyone who lived here in the early 70’s when fire raced down West Dry Creek. It can happen again if we aren’t smart and careful.

Captain Joe Stewart of the Geyserville Fire Department points out that in 2005 a new law extended defensible space clearance around homes and structures from 30 feet to 100 feet. When you comply, he states, you significantly increase the chance of your home surviving a wildland fire. Not to be overlooked is the fact that such a space provides a place for firefighters to safely defend your home.

Your greatest concern is still the 30 feet closest to any structure. Make sure you have removed the accumulation of needles and leaves from your roof and gutter. Dead tree limbs that hang over any building should be removed and no limb should be closer than 10 feet from a chimney. When making your defensible space be especially careful that all equipment used for the purpose has a spark arrestor. Be aware that metal blades striking rocks can create sparks, igniting fires. Mow lawns or brush early in the morning. Plant shorter less flammable plants around your house and avoid juniper, pine and palm trees. Clear all flammable vegetation from within 10 feet of propane tanks and protect against creating a ‘fire ladder’ by clearing the space below large trees. Finally, the obvious but frequently overlooked: have hoses connected and handy at various locations and Captain Stewart adds, make sure your address signs are visible.

If you smell smoke in the valley and are concerned it may be due to an unreported fire, check it out by calling: 576 1371.

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