Safeguard your residence against desert wildland fires!
Over the last several years, nearby communities of Cave Creek, north Scottsdale and Phoenix and have experienced large destructive desert wildfires. Discover effective measures through the national initiative FIREWISE USA® to shield your home from these destructive forces.
On Saturday, May 18th, at 9 AM at the Town of Carefree Fire Station, located at 37401 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Rural Metro firefighters will provide essential insights on reducing ignition risks on your property and implementing proactive strategies to protect your homes. Learn more about How to be Firewise by reading below or visiting the NFPA website HERE.
How to Be Firewise
Best Firewise Practices in Rural Communities:
Create Defensible Space: Clear vegetation and debris from around your home to create a buffer zone that helps prevent wildfires from spreading.
Maintain Landscaping: Choose fire-resistant plants and maintain them regularly to reduce the risk of ignition.
Manage Vegetation: Regularly mow grass, prune trees, and remove dead vegetation to eliminate potential fuel sources for wildfires.
Secure Structures: Use fire-resistant building materials for roofs, siding, and decks to reduce the vulnerability of structures to ignition.
Stay Informed: Stay updated on local fire conditions and follow evacuation orders if necessary. Prepare an emergency evacuation plan for your family and pets.
By implementing these Firewise practices and participating in programs like FIREWISE USA, rural communities can enhance their resilience to wildfires and protect lives and property.
What is the Home Ignition Zone?
The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) is a critical concept developed by Jack Cohen, a retired USDA Forest Service fire scientist in the late 1990s. It identifies three key areas around a home that influence its vulnerability to ignition during wildfires.
Immediate Zone (0-5 feet): This zone encompasses the home and the area immediately surrounding it. It's crucial to prioritize actions here due to its high vulnerability to embers. Steps include:
Clearing roofs and gutters of debris.
Repairing or replacing damaged roofing materials
Installing ember-resistant screens on vents.
Removing flammable materials from around the house.
Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet): This area extends beyond the immediate surroundings of the home and focuses on landscaping and hardscaping strategies to reduce fire risk. Measures include:
Creating fuel breaks using driveways, walkways, and decks.
Maintaining lawns and grass at a low height.
Pruning trees and removing vegetation to prevent fire from reaching tree crowns.
Extended Zone (30-100 feet, out to 200 feet): This zone aims to interrupt the spread of fire and keep flames small and close to the ground. Actions involve:
Removing ground litter and dead plant material.
Thinning out vegetation and small conifers.
Maintaining adequate spacing between trees based on distance from the home.
It's important to note that specific recommendations may vary based on factors like slope and tree species. Seeking advice from local forestry professionals is advised for property-specific guidance. Download the Home Ignition Zone Checklist HERE.
