Wildfire Program
- It can happen to you . . .
- Will your home survive?
- Will you?
While the wildland areas can be a wonderfully tranquil place to live, dangerous wildfires threaten Southern California lives and property there every year. Dry, hot east winds are capable of pushing wildfire incredibly fast – deep into neighborhoods far from the edge of native vegetation. When dry, native brush explodes, a single wind driven spark can ignite one roof, sending sparks to other roofs. Reduce the risk to your family and property – take steps now to protect your family and property – take steps now to protect your home!
Access and Visibility
- Make sure the roadway approaching your home is wide enough to accommodate an evacuating car and an entering fire truck at the same time. Trim over-hanging branches to allow enough clearance for large emergency vehicles.
- Streets and roads must be marked with clearly visible street signs. Missing or difficult-to-read street signs can delay emergency response.
- Your address should be easy to see from the street. If necessary, post it at your driveway entrance as well as on your home. The numbers should be at least four inches tall on a contrasting background. Periodically check to make certain that new plant growth has not covered any part of your address.
Brush Clearance
- Clear dry brush, grass, and dead leaves a minimum of 30 to 100 feet from your home. If your home is located on steep terrain, or surrounded by dense vegetation, provide even more clearance. Call your fire department for exact brush clearance rules in your area.
- Remove trees and bushes planted against your home where they can ignite and spread flames to the structure.
- Check with your local nursery and purchase fire-resistive plants. Landscaping with the right materials can provide an attractive, fire resistant barrier.
Construction For Fire Resistance
- Choose non-combustible roofing materials like tile, fiber cement, clay, or asphalt shingles when you build, buy a home, or replace an existing roof. Don’t be fooled by claims that a spray-on treatment will protect your wood shake roof from fire; the fire resistance won’t last, once again leaving your roof and home vulnerable to fire.
- Enclose the undersides of patios and decks with fire-resistant materials. Stucco, brick and decorative rock will provide effective fire resistance to the exterior of your home.
- Protect the interior of your home from radiant heat caused by fire by installing residential fire sprinklers.
Plan for Evacuation
- Plan your escape in advance that you will "pack up and get out" if your home is in the path of a wildfire.
- Make a list of important items to take with you, including valuables, family photographs and videos, and important documents like insurance papers, birth certificates, and other legal papers. Be ready to take prescription medication, eyeglasses, and other health needs. Set up a plan for family members to reunite if separated.
- If you have them, include family pets and livestock in your plan and have a supply of food and water ready, as well as leashes, carriers and trailers if needed. Shot records and other documents may come in handy if boarding s required.
Getting Out Ahead of the Fire
- Be prepared to leave when told by officials or as soon as you feel threatened by the approaching fire. Make sure each vehicle has plenty of gas and is parked facing toward the exit road. Know where the keys are.
- Fire can move as rapidly as the wind blows. So be sure to leave while it is still safe. Resist the temptation to stay behind in order to try and save your home with a garden hose. You might be endangering the lives of emergency personnel, as well as your own. No house or anything in it is more valuable than a human life.
The Burn Institute has the following Wildfire material available:
- A Wildfire Brochure
- A Wildfire Evacuation Brochure
- A Wildfire Guide For Homeowners
- A Wildfire Video ($5 plus shipping and handling)
Call The Burn Institute at (858)-541-2277 for more information.
