The California fire season is in full swing. The abundance of rain this past year created a surplus of combustible fuel in addition to already existing conditions. There are a number of things that you can do to protect your home regardless of being in an urban, suburban or rural setting.
Immediate and annual removal of flammable material around your home is the easiest way to make a difference. Often referred to as the defensible space, this is the process of cutting or turning down weeds and other quick burning material and the maintaining and trimming of bushes and trees of dead or dying branches and material that is up against structures.
Leaves should be removed from gutters and around the foundation of your home regularly, and no less than twice a year. Clear the gutters before rain season to ensure proper roof drainage, but also before fire season to remove easily ignited material from catching fire from flying embers. Leaves and needles up against foundation vents can also endanger your home as air flow in these vents can act like billow to a fire if there is flammable material present, blowing hot burning embers through the vents underneath your home.
Other changes you can make regarding your landscaping includes a thoughtful and intentional plant selection and irrigation planning. Using plants that are fire-resistant can reduce fuel sources. And keeping landscaping healthy and green will help them resist catching fire.
Longer term solutions include modifying construction material to make your home less likely to catch fire. Such as non-flammable roofs. Wood shake roofs are often uninsurable, so replacing them with composite roofing, clay, tile, or even better metal roofing can make them fire resistant and easier to insure. Also replacing woodsiding with either stucco or a cement-based siding such as hardiplank can make your home more fire resistant. Consider replacing single pane windows with dual-paned windows or with one pane of tempered glass. Windows are particularly vulnerable to breakage from heat and can then allow embers inside your home.
Cal Fire has a great website to help you prepare, www.readyforwildfire.org.
By following these precautions, California residents can help protect ourselves, our assets, our families and pets from the dangerous fire season.
