Firewise CommunityPresentation
Denunciar
Paul SchumannSeguir
11 de Dec de 2015•0 recomendaciones•880 vistas
Firewise CommunityPresentation
11 de Dec de 2015•0 recomendaciones•880 vistas
Descargar para leer sin conexión
Denunciar
Gobierno y org. sin ánimo de lucro
Description of the Firewise Community Program from the National Fire Protection Association.
Paul SchumannSeguir
Más contenido relacionado
La actualidad más candente
Reflections on 40 years of landscape restoration in AustraliaCharles Darwin University
Disaster management forest fireProf. Maulik R. Joshi
Forest fireDaiboshree
Forest fireDr Asim Amitabh Pradhan
Natural hazards wildfiresProf. David E. Alexander (UCL)
Bio 105 Chapter 10wmk423
Destacado
Austin Code DepartmentPaul Schumann
Building Community Wealth by Ruth Glendinning and David ArmisteadPaul Schumann
Lost Creek Civic Organization General Meeting June 2, 2016Paul Schumann
CodeNEXT: What Is It and Why Should We Care?Paul Schumann
LCCO General Meeting 090116Paul Schumann
APD's District Representative Presentation to LCCOPaul Schumann
Similar a Firewise CommunityPresentation
FireSmart-public-presentation-2019-1.pptxAjCabag
Fire Adaptive CommunitiesAllison Segrest
Lost Creek Wildfire Adapted Community PlanPaul Schumann
Forest Management & Why It's ImportantNational Association of Conservation Districts
Firewise Denver Botanical Gardens (January 2013)Harry Statter
Why homes burn and what we can do about itNatural Hazard Mitigation Association
Más de Paul Schumann
Liberty, Freedom and RightsPaul Schumann
An Overview of CodeNextPaul Schumann
CodeNext v3 ResolutionPaul Schumann
Lost Creek Blvd Proposed Speed MitigationPaul Schumann
LCCO General Meeting 010418Paul Schumann
What Goes In?Paul Schumann
Último
Photo Gallery - Academies Topic 3Support for Improvement in Governance and Management SIGMA
GO - paddy land wet land act - nelvayal thanneerthada niyamam 2008 Action in...Jamesadhikaram land matter consultancy 9447464502
2023-08-24 City of Portland Bike Parking Technical Memo w illustrations.pdfRoger Valdez
Kerala Revenue recovery requisions amounting more tha Rs 20 Lakhs need not be...Jamesadhikaram land matter consultancy 9447464502
UN Global Compact: SDG Stocktake Report 2023- Private SectorEnergy for One World
California State Climate Law Suit vs Big OilEnergy for One World
Firewise CommunityPresentation
- 1. Firewise Communities An introduction to Firewise concepts for local communities
- 2. Agenda • National Firewise Communities Program • Understanding Wildfire • How Homes Ignite • Hazard Assessment • Firewise Construction • Firewise Landscaping • Firewise Communities/USA
- 3. NATIONAL FIREWISE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
- 4. Firewise Communities Vision “With adequate planning and cooperation among varying interests, wildfires can occur without disastrous loss of life, property, and resources. “
- 5. Why Firewise? • Wildfires can put dozens (even hundreds) of homes at risk simultaneously. • Firefighters may not have the resources to protect each home. • Residents can take action to increase their homes’ chances of surviving a wildfire.
- 6. UNDERSTANDING WILDFIRE
- 7. Understanding Wildfire • Fire is an essential, natural process: • Replenishes soil nutrients • Removes dead and dying vegetation • Creates conditions for healthy re-growth
- 8. Understanding Wildfire • Society’s influence has altered historic fire cycles, leading to an unnatural build-up of vegetation in our wildlands. • History of prevention and suppression • Risk of larger fires • Effects on plant and animal life
- 9. Wildland/Urban Interface • Set of conditions under which a wildland fire reaches beyond trees, brush, and other natural fuels to ignite homes and their immediate surroundings.
- 10. HOW HOMES IGNITE
- 11. How Homes Ignite • Fuels • Weather • Terrain
- 12. How Homes Ignite • Fuels • Surface fuels • Ladder fuels
- 13. How Homes Ignite • Fuels • Surface fuels • Ladder fuels • Crown fuels
- 14. How Homes Ignite • Fuels • Weather • Dry weather, low humidity • Wind • Drought conditions
- 15. How Homes Ignite • Fuels • Weather • Terrain Chimne y SlopeSlope
- 16. HAZARD ASSESSMENT
- 17. Hazard Assessment • Low Hazard Areas • Limited wildland; vegetation is not continuous • Humid climate with short dry season • Moderate Hazard Areas • Wildland continuous within and around community; flammable vegetation, broadleaf and evergreens • Periods of dry, windy weather with a dry season or prolonged drought • High Hazard Areas • Dense vegetation; highly flammable vegetation; medium to tall broadleaf, evergreens and conifers • Multiple occurrences of dry, windy conditions; prolonged drought or dry season that lasts more than 3 months
- 18. HOME IGNITION ZONE
- 19. Home Ignition Zone Home Ignition Zone: The home in relation to its surroundings within 100 to 200 feet
- 20. FIREWISE CONSTRUCTION
- 21. Firewise Construction • The Home Ignition Zone includes the home, in addition to its immediate surroundings up to 200 feet. If it’s attached to the house, it’s part of the house. If it’s attached to the house, it’s part of the house.
- 22. Firewise Construction • Rated roofing materials • Composition shingle, metal, clay or cement tile • Roof assembly • Fire-resistant exterior walls • Stucco, stone, brick, block • Vinyl siding should be supplemented with metal screening
- 23. Firewise Construction • Double-paned or tempered glass • Enclose eaves, fascias, soffits, vents • 1/8” opening or smaller • Protect overhangs and attachments • Remove fuels from these areas • Cover openings
- 24. Lean, Clean, and Green Home Ignition Zone FIREWISE LANDSCAPING
- 25. Firewise Landscaping Home Ignition Zone: The home in relation to its surroundings within 100 to 200 feet
- 26. Firewise Landscaping All Hazard Areas • Home Ignition Zone 1: The home and its immediate surroundings, up to approximately 30 feet. • Low-flammability plants, landscaping materials, accessories • Prune limbs 10 ft. from ground; generous space between trees • Mow, prune, and water regularly • NO firewood or propane tanks
- 27. Firewise Landscaping Moderate and High Hazard Areas • Home Ignition Zone 2: 30 to 100 ft from home • 30 ft between tree clusters; 20 ft between individual trees • Fuel breaks • Branches and leaves 6 to 10 feet from ground • Remove heavy accumulation of flammable debris
- 28. Firewise Landscaping High Hazard Areas • Home Ignition Zone 3: 100 to 200 ft from home • Remove heavy accumulation of woody debris • Remove smaller conifers growing between trees • Reduce density of taller trees
- 29. FIREWISE COMMUNITIES USA
- 30. Firewise Communities/USA • National recognition program for communities that take proactive measures to prepare for wildfire.
- 31. Firewise Communities/USA Criteria • Enlist a wildland/urban interface specialist to complete a community assessment and create a plan that identifies agreed-upon achievable solutions to be implemented by the community. • Sponsor a local Firewise Task Force Committee, Commission or Department which maintains the Firewise Communities/USA program and tracks its progress or status. • Observe a Firewise Communities/USA Day each year that is dedicated to a local Firewise project.
- 32. Firewise Communities/USA Criteria • Invest a minimum of $2.00 per capita annually in local Firewise projects. • Submit an annual report to Firewise Communities/USA that documents continuing compliance with the program.
- 33. Firewise Communities/USA Sample “Firewise Day” Activities • Host a chipping day for residents to remove excess vegetation from their property, as well as community property. • Hold a pine needle or debris removal day in cooperation with the local fire department. • Hold a Firewise education day that provides information about proper plant and construction choices, introduces local staff, and distributes pertinent Firewise information for the community. • Create a fuel removal project that enlists local volunteers.
- 34. Firewise Communities/USA Sample Program Activities • Place articles in the local paper about wildfire and the need for your community to be prepared for it. Showcase your accomplishments. • Conduct Firewise landscaping and construction information sessions at a local home improvement store. • Modify homeowner association covenants to include Firewise concepts.
- 35. Firewise Communities/USA Sample Program Activities • Enlist local fire staff to conduct a wildfire hazard overview at a community meeting. • Distribute Firewise information at community festivals. • Include homeowner tips in community newsletters. • Conduct Firewise information sessions at neighborhood association meetings.
- 36. Next Steps… • Contact www.firewise.org/usa • Establish a local Firewise Board, Committee or similar task force • Assess community vulnerabilities to wildfire • Identify community goals and create a plan of action • Conduct outreach to property owners and community groups • Submit application
- 37. Broad Community Considerations Community Considerations • Planning and zoning statutes, building codes, vegetation management and other development ordinances • Street and address markings; access to homes • Water supply • Evacuation plans and routes
- 38. DISCUSSION
Notas del editor
- Here is a quick list of the topics we’re going to cover today.
- The national Firewise Communities program is an interagency program designed to encourage local solutions for safety in the wildland/urban interface by involving homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, firefighters, and others in the effort to protect people and property from the risk of wildland fire. The National Firewise Communities Program includes the Firewise Communities/USA recognition program, Firewise Communities workshops, and support for fire organizations and community groups.
- Agencies can’t necessarily mandate what we do on our private property – and we want to keep it that way. That means we have a responsibility to take proactive measures on our own. That’s what the Firewise Communities program is all about. The vision of Firewise Communities is: With adequate planning and cooperation among varying interests, wildfires can occur without disastrous loss of life, property, and resources. To that end, Firewise Communities… … encourages partnerships among communities, homeowners, public agencies and officials to implement local solutions for wildfire preparedness – before a fire starts. … offers a series of practical steps that individuals and communities can take to reduce vulnerability to wildfire, including landscaping, home construction and design, community planning, and firefighter safety.
- The reality today is that fire agencies cannot solve the problem alone. Firefighters do not have the resources to defend every home during a wildfire. Personal responsibility is key. Residents can take steps to reduce their risks. We know that using Firewise strategies can increase the likelihood of our homes surviving a wildland fire threat. Research tell us that if we really want to reduce our risk of the wildfire threat to our homes, we need to focus right in our own backyards. We need to focus on the home and its immediate surroundings. Federal and state land managers are taking care of the public lands; but it is our responsibility to reduce the hazards on our private property. There are no guarantees that our communities will be fireproof – some fires just get too big and too hot. But if we take action to be firewise, we greatly increase the chances that our homes and communities will withstand a wildfire.
- The truth is: Wildfire is an element of nature. Although fire can be destructive, particularly where property and life are concerned, it is important to recognize that fire performs a vital role in the ecosystem. It is important to understand this because it is the context in which land management agencies make their decisions about fire management. We could spend this entire discussion just talking about fire’s role in the ecosystem, but since we have other topics to cover let’s focus on three key thoughts: Fire can replenish soil nutrients, remove dead and dying vegetation, and create the conditions for healthy re-growth. FOR MORE DETAIL: Fire has helped shape our wildlands for thousands of years, and is important for the survival of many plants and animals. Fire reduces accumulation of vegetation that can inhibit plant growth. Some plants and animals depend on fire for survival. Periodic fire stimulates growth, reproduction of plants, and provides wildlife habitat.USE REGIONAL EXAMPLESFor example, lodgepole pine need fire to warm their cones, allowing them to open and drop seed. Fire behaves differently throughout the country. In addition to fuels (vegetation), fire behavior is affected by weather and terrain. Virtually all vegetation types in the United States can experience wildland fire.USE REGIONAL EXAMPLES Here in our area, we can expect to experience fire every XX years. This year, our area is at risk because (INSERT DETAILS, E.G. DROUGHT; DRY SEASON; FUELS; BUILD-UP. Be specific about types of fuels in the area. See “Hazard Assessment” section of “Communities Compatible with Nature” handout for examples.
- Social and cultural approaches to wildland fire over the past century (up until about 1990) focused on preventing and suppressing all wildland fire. This approach was well-intentioned, with a goal of protecting lives and resources as people moved into fire-prone areas. However, fire suppression has had a severe consequence. As we kept fires smaller, many areas have become overgrown with vegetation. There is a really technical term to describe the condition of our wildlands today: They are “out-of-whack.” When paired with the right terrain and weather conditions, dense build-up of vegetation leads to fires that burn hotter, last longer, and spread faster. These fires become difficult to monitor and control, and can threaten areas of residential development. With more and more people moving into the wildland areas, we are seeing mounting losses of life and property. In addition, excess vegetation and lack of fire in some areas is threatening plant and animal life. Firefighters are currently successful in managing most fires. But it’s that small percentage of fires that get away that can have dire consequences for communities in their path.
- NOTE TO PRESTENTER: INSERT PHOTOS OF LOCAL WUI AREAS, IF AVAILABLE. Over the past century, America’s population has grown dramatically. Much of this growth has flowed into traditionally natural areas. This trend has created an extremely complex landscape that has come to be known as the wildland/urban interface. That term – wildland/urban interface – is the area in which encroaching development into forests, grasslands and farms has put lives, property and natural resources at risk from wildfire. An easy to identify example might be [INSERT LOCAL EXAMPLE]. We have developed tactics to battle wildland fire. However, if we really want to reduce loss of lives, homes, and properties, we must change our development, building, and landscaping practices. The bottom line: We can live compatibly with wildland fire while protecting our lives, homes, and natural areas by creating Firewise Communities.
- Before we look at what we can do to reduce our hazards, let’s first consider what makes homes ignite.
- Wildland Fire Behavior Elements -- How a Fire Burns To understand our wildfire risk, we need to understand a little bit about how wildfires spread. Fire is affected by fuels, weather, and terrain.
- Wildland Fire Behavior Elements - FUELS A quick vocabulary lesson as we discuss fuels: Fuel includes anything that burns – trees, grass, structures such as fences, homes – even lawn furniture. When talking about what will cause a home to ignite, the primary fuels that could lead to an ignition are surface, ladder, and crown fuels. Surface fuels: Primarily flammable material on the ground. Dry grass, shrubs, pine needles, dead branches, etc. Surface fires tend to be relatively low-intensity fires, and don’t usually put homes at risk. UNLESS THERE IS A CONTINUOUS PATH OF FUELS THAT LEAD TO THE HOME. But we can fix that. Ladder fuels: Flammable material that can carry fire to the tops of trees. Tall brush, low branches, etc. These can lead to crown fires.
- Wildland Fire Behavior Elements - FUELS (Cont) Crown fuels: Crowns are the tops of trees – also called canopies. When fire reaches this level, it becomes a high-intensity, fast moving fire. These are the most difficult to control. Research shows homes must be within 100 feet of the flames to be directly ignited by a crown fire. But what gets homes here are FIREBRANDS. Firebrands are burning embers that can be carried up to a mile or more by strong winds, and can start spot ignitions away from the main fire. It’s these firebrands that put most homes at risk during a high intensity fire.
- Wildland Fire Behavior Elements - Weather Dry, windy weather contributes significantly to the spread of wildfire. Drought conditions accompanied by low humidity lead to dry vegetation that burns easily. Wind can cause fires to grow quickly, die down, or change direction. And don’t forget that during high intensity fires, strong winds can carry those firebrands that can start separate fires – up to a mile or more. Weather conditions also can change quite rapidly – from “no problem” to “high alert” in a matter of hours. (OR MINUTES??)
- Wildland Fire Behavior Elements - Terrain Fire is also affected by terrain (topography). Generally, fire moves more quickly uphill (slope) and has longer flames than on level ground or when spreading downhill. This is because the fire “preheats” the fuels above it, drying out vegetation and enabling fuels to ignite more quickly. The direction of the slope and the amount of sunlight an area receives also can impact fire behavior. Generally south-facing slopes receive more sunlight, that leads to dryer fuels. A house at the top of a “chimney” is at an increased risk as well. A chimney effect occurs when an area such as a drainage, gulch, or ravine retains heat and channels wind, causing fire to burn even hotter and faster up the hill.
- The first step in preparing for potential wildfires is to look at the climate, vegetation, and terrain of your community to determine the hazards facing your property.
- The following categories are general descriptions of hazards that will help guide you when deciding how to best protect your home. Not all characteristics must be present. The category that most closely resembles the characteristics of your area determines your hazard level. For information about hazard assessment of your area, contact your local fire department or state forestry office. NOTE TO PRESENTER: PLACE EMPHASIS ON DESCRIPTION THAT FITS YOUR AREA. Low Hazard Areas: Vegetation: Limited wildland. Forest and other heavy vegetation is not continuous and is interspersed with urban development. Area contains primarily short grass, low shrubs, light herbaceous (non-woody) plants, such as groundcover, bedding plants, and perennials, and deciduous trees, such as aspen, poplar, maple, oak, and beech. Weather: Humid climate with a short dry season. May experience hot, dry, windy conditions, but not necessarily every year. Moderate Hazard Areas: Vegetation: Wildland continuous around and throughout the community. Tall, heavy grass; small, flammable shrub species; broadleaf and evergreens. Weather: Periods of dry, windy conditions at least once a year. Climate includes a dry season or is in a prolonged drought. High Hazard Areas: Vegetation: Dense vegetation surrounding the community; high-flammability vegetation and tree canopies; medium to tall evergreen, broadleaf and coniferous shrubs. Weather: Multiple occurrences of dry, windy conditions throughout the year. Area in a prolonged drought, or dry climate with a dry season that lasts more than three months.
- When considering improvements to reduce wildfire vulnerability, the key is to consider the home in relation to its immediate surroundings within 100 to 200 feet. We call this area the Home Ignition Zone. The home’s vulnerability is determined by the exposure of its external materials and design to flames and firebrands during extreme wildfires. The higher the fire intensities within the home ignition zone, and the greater the firebrand exposure from the wildfire, the more you need nonflammable construction materials and a resistant building design.
- Let’s start with the home itself – the center of the home ignition zone 1. Even if a landscape is designed in perfect compliance with Firewise recommendations, fire may still reach your home. Remember that heavy winds can carry firebrands over the tops of trees to land on a roof. If that were to happen to your home, your home’s exterior must play an important role in preventing ignitions that could lead to total home destruction. When considering improvements to reduce wildfire vulnerability, the key is to consider the home as part of the entire home ignition zone – the house itself and its immediate surroundings within 100 to 200 feet. The home’s vulnerability depends on how much flammable vegetation and other hazards are surrounding it, in relation to the vulnerability of the home’s construction materials. The higher the fire intensities within the home ignition zone, and the greater the firebrand exposure from the wildfire, the more you need non-flammable construction materials and a resistant building design.
- Use Rated Roofing Material: The roof can be the part of your home most vulnerable during extreme wildfires. If firebrands fall on a roof with untreated, non-rated roofing, the entire roof can ignite, destroying the home. In contrast, roofing material with a Class A, B, or C rating, such as composition shingle, metal, and clay or cement tile, is fire resistant and will help keep the flame from spreading. Use Fire-Resistant Building Materials on Exterior Walls: Wall materials that resist heat and flames include cement, plaster, stucco and masonry such as concrete, stone, brick or block. Though some materials, such as vinyl, are difficult to ignite, exposure to extreme heat causes a loss of integrity. These materials may fall away or melt, providing the firebrands with a direct path into the home. If your home has vinyl siding, use metal screening over openings that will become exposed if the siding falls away. However, if an existing home has been constructed with flammable material, such as wood, the hazard can be reduced by reducing vegetation around the home, which we will talk about in a few minutes.
- Use Double-Paned or Tempered Glass: Exposure to the heat of a wildfire can cause glass on exterior windows to fracture and collapse, allowing firebrands to enter the home. Double pane glass can help reduce this risk by providing an added layer of protection. Tempered glass is the most effective option, as it has a higher heat tolerance and is less likely to break. For skylights, glass is less penetrable than plastic or fiberglass, which can melt at lower temperatures. Enclose Eaves, Fascias, Soffits, and Vents: Eaves, fascias, soffits, and vents should be ‘boxed’ or enclosed with metal screens to reduce the size of the openings. Vent openings should be screened to help prevent firebrands or other objects larger than 1/8” from entering your home. Protect Overhangs and Other Attachments: Overhangs and other attachments, such as room additions, bay windows, decks, porches, carports and fences, are often very vulnerable to flames or firebrands. Remove all fuels from around these areas. Box in the undersides of the overhangs, decks and balconies with noncombustible or fire-resistant materials to reduce the possibility of ignition. Make sure fences constructed of flammable materials, such as wood, don’t attach directly to your home. Remember: if it is attached to house, it’s part of your house.
- Perhaps you may not be able to make immediate changes to your home’s exterior construction materials, but you CAN do simple things to minimize home ignition through proper landscape treatments and maintenance. Landscaping is among the first elements of a home that others notice. If managed effectively, landscaping can also serve as a fuel break, protecting a home in the event of a wildfire. The primary goal for Firewise landscaping is fuel reduction — limiting the level of flammable vegetation and materials surrounding the home and increasing the moisture content of remaining vegetation. Firewise landscaping also allows plants and gardens to reveal their natural beauty by leaving space between individual and groups of plants and trees.
- NOTE TO PRESENTER: For a plant list for your area, visit www.firewise.org, or contact your state forester, a local landscape specialist, or university extension service. As we look at the landscape surrounding a home, we look again to our “zones”. Recall from our discussion a few minutes ago that the “Home Ignition Zone” includes the home in relation to its surroundings within 100 to 200 feet. From a landscape perspective, the area closest to the home needs the most attention, and “Firewise” concepts. As we extend to the outer zones, there is less danger of a fire igniting a home.
- NOTE TO PRESENTER: For a plant list for your area, visit www.firewise.org, or contact your state forester, a local landscape specialist, or university extension service. ZONE 1: 30 feet adjacent to the home (All Hazard Areas) For all hazard levels, this area should be well-irrigated and free from fuels that may ignite your home, such as dry vegetation, clutter, and debris. Flammable attachments to the home, such as wooden decks, fences, and boardwalks, are considered part of the house. The perimeter should extend 30 feet beyond these attachments. Lean Plants in this area should be limited to carefully spaced plantings that are low-growing and free of resins, oils, and waxes that burn easily. For a list of low-flammability vegetation for your area, contact your state forester, forestry office, or local landscape specialist. Mow the lawn regularly. Prune all trees so the lowest limbs are at least six to 10 feet from the ground. Space flammable conifer trees generously (approximately 30 feet between crowns) to reduce the risk of crown fire. Remember, trees that hang over the house will deposit leaves and branches on the house and immediate area. Within five feet of the home, use non-flammable landscaping materials such as rock, pavers, annuals, and high moisture content perennials. Be sure to remove dead leaves and stems immediately. Clean Remove dead vegetation, such as leaves and pine needles from gutters, under your deck, and within 10 feet of your home. Be sure to keep the area clean of flammable debris. This is generally where patio furniture, swing sets, and other accessories are located. If you live in a moderate to high hazard area, consider fire resistant material for these accessories, and be sure to keep the area around them clear of debris. Keep patio cushions inside the house when not in use during periods of high fire potential. Firewood stacks and propane tanks should not be located in this area. Keep them at least 30 feet from the home. Green Water plants and trees regularly to ensure they are healthy and green, especially during the fire season. Mulch also should be kept watered, as it can become flammable when dry. Consider xeriscaping, especially in areas with low water supply and/or water use restrictions. Xeriscaping is a popular method for conserving water through creative use of landscaping features that are fire resistant, yet require limited irrigation. Contact your local nursery or landscape architect for more information. ALSO – Propane tanks should not be located in zone 1, nor should stacks of firewood during dry seasons. It’s fine to keep close to the house during wet winter weather, but move it out during the dry seasons – or store it in a fire-resistant container with a lid that has an incline so it doesn’t collect debris.
- ZONE 2: 30-100 feet from the home (Moderate and High Hazard Areas) For moderate and high hazard areas, Zone 2 extends 30 feet to 100 feet from the home. Plants in this zone should be low-growing, well-irrigated, and less flammable. Leave 30 feet between clusters of two to three trees, or 20 feet between individual trees. Encourage a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees. Most deciduous trees do not support high intensity fires. Give yourself added protection with “fuel breaks,” such as driveways, gravel walkways, and lawns. Prune trees so branches and leaves are at least 6 to 10 feet above the ground. Remove heavy accumulations of flammable debris, such as dried leaves, pine needles, pine cones, etc.
- ZONE 3: 100 to 200 feet from home (High Hazard Areas) In high hazard conditions, this area should be thinned out as well, though less space is required than in Zone 2. Remove heavy accumulation of woody debris, such as piles of stem wood or branches. Thin trees to remove smaller conifers that are growing between taller trees. Reduce the density of tall trees so canopies are not touching to reduce the ability for high intensity crown fire to reach your home.
- We’ve talked a lot about what you can do to mitigate fire hazards on your own property. And we’ve talked about the home ignition zone extending up to 200 feet. However – what if your neighbor has hazards on his/her property that could cause firebrands or other risks to your home? Worse yet, what if your neighbor’s property is within your home ignition zone – that 100 to 200 foot space? Or what if there is public land within that space? That’s one reason why Firewise Communities encourages communities to work TOGETHER to reduce their collective wildfire vulnerability.
- So, in addition to preparing your home and family for potential wildfires, consider working with your neighbors to prepare your entire neighborhood. When a residential community has taken proactive measures to prepare homes to survive a wildfire, the fire service is able to focus more of its resources on the main body of the fire as opposed to individual structures. In cooperation with National Association of State Foresters (NASF), Firewise Communities has developed a nationwide program to recognize communities that maintain an appropriate level of fire readiness – Firewise Communities/USA. This program is of special interest to small communities and neighborhood associations that are willing to mitigate against wildfire by adopting and implementing programs tailored to their needs. The communities create these programs themselves with cooperative assistance from state forestry agencies and local fire staff. Contact your state forestry office or visit the Firewise Communities/USA Web site (www.firewise.org/usa) to find out more about how to begin the assessment process in your particular state. NOTE TO PRESENTER: IF POSSIBLE, CONTACT YOUR STATE’S FIREWISE COMMUNITIES/USA LIAISON FOR DETAILS PRIOR TO CONDUCTING PRESENTATIONS.
- Working with local wildland fire staff, fire-prone communities can earn Firewise Communities/USA status by meeting the following criteria: Enlist a wildland/urban interface specialist to complete a community assessment and create a plan that identifies agreed-upon achievable solutions to be implemented by the community. In many areas, land managers may already have done assessments of communities at risk. Contact your state forestry office or fire department for more information. Sponsor a local Firewise Task Force Committee, Commission or Department which maintains the Firewise Communities/USA program and tracks its progress or status. Observe a Firewise Communities/USA Day each year that is dedicated to a local Firewise project.
- Working with local wildland fire staff, fire-prone communities can earn Firewise Communities/USA status by meeting the following criteria: 4) Invest a minimum of $2.00 per capita annually in local Firewise projects. (Work by municipal employees or volunteers using municipal and other equipment can be included, as can state/federal grants dedicated to that purpose.) 5) Submit an annual report to Firewise Communities/USA that documents continuing compliance with the program.
- NOTE TO PRESENTER: Insert specific activities relevant to your community.
- NOTE TO PRESENTER: Insert specific activities relevant to your community
- NOTE TO PRESENTER: Insert specific activities relevant to your community
- Now that we’ve seen the simple steps that we can take to reduce the threat of wildfire to our homes and property, we have a choice about whether we want to take that next step and begin to make our community Firewise. Contact www.firewise.org/usa Staff will notify local Firewise Communities/USA liaison Establish a local Firewise Council Assess our community vulnerabilities to wildfireFirewise Communities/USA liaison coordinates with community and local fire staff. Identify our community goals and create a plan of actionWUI specialist meets with the Firewise Board to discuss Conduct outreach to property owners and community groups
- Some long term considerations that could be implemented as new development occurs or through local planning and zoning statues, building codes, and other development ordinances. The Firewise Communities/USA program does not require these changes, but does encourage us to consider them. As a community, we need to be sure that we have ordinances in place to help guide homebuilders to consider Firewise concepts. But perhaps even more important – we need to be sure we don’t have any ordinances that CONFLICT with Firewise concepts, such as a ban on tree removal or a requirement for a specific type of fence or building materials that are highly flammable. In addition – we should be prepared in case a fire does come into our community. We need to be sure that streets and addresses are clearly marked and that roads are accessible in case fire trucks are available to respond. We also need to take a look at our water supply and have evacuation plans in place.
- We’ve covered a lot of ground today. Does anyone have any questions or other thoughts to share? I’d like to close with a few parting thoughts: The reality today is that fire agencies cannot solve the problem alone. - Firefighters do not have the resources to defend every home during a wildfire. Personal responsibility is key. - Residents can take steps to reduce their risks. We know that using Firewise strategies can increase the likelihood of our homes surviving a wildland fire threat. There are no guarantees that our communities will be fireproof – some fires just get too big and too hot. But if we take action to be firewise, we greatly increase the chances that our homes and communities will withstand a wildfire. Thanks again for coming.