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Earth Gauge: Clearing Vegetation to Hamper Wildfires

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By Nick Piesco - email

With drought causing wildfires in the west and southwest, researchers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center certified to conduct prescribed burns suggest these safety tips for your home.

Studies of wildfires suggest wind-borne embers reaching a roof or other flammable material on your house are the biggest threat. Removing leaf litter and debris from gutters and underneath decks and other overhangs is important, as is using non-flammable roofing, deck and other materials when possible.  You can also clear your property of fallen limbs and prune lower tree branches to help reduce the fuel load for a wildfire nearby.  Clearing from 30 to 100 feet around your house is recommended.  Avoid highly flammable vegetation near your house, such as Ashe juniper, agarita and conifers.  Climbing vines on walls can start a house fire, as can attached fences or porches made of flammable material.  Avoid mowing dried grass and remove dry vegetation, rocks and other debris that might produce sparks in a parched lawn before mowing.

This information is provided by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center. Learn more at csfs.colostate.edu/pdfs/wholenotebook.pdf, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Website at www.wildflower.org.

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