Firewise

Information

Visit www.firewise.org to learn more about Firewise and its importance to TGO Firewise Back Home

by Ed Brown

Before you depart TGO, take a critical look at your property here. Is the roof clear of dried pine needles and leaves? How about gutters and down spouts too? Is the “30-foot defensive zone” around your property clear of fl ammable palm fronds, fallen branches, leaves? Are trees in the zone clear of branches up to 8 feet off the ground? We’re talking about “ladder fuels” that can lead a fi re to your roof line and the tree tops. Vines that climb your trees are in the same category and should be cut down. If these things have not been attended to, it might be wise to delay your departure, or hire a property maintenance professional to clean up to Firewise Standards. When you get back to your northern home, the same standards apply there, especially if you are in or near an Urban Wildland Interface (U.W.I), the zone where wildland and homes share common space. It’s just one more maintenance task that needs to be addressed If your northern home resides in this fi re danger zone. Visit fi rewise.org for support and to learn more about Firewise Communities. A number of excellent pamphlets are available right here in TGO, to guide your further knowledge of this essential subject. Some of these include Wildfi re Safety Tips, Defensible Space Guidelines, Prescribed Fire, How to Prepare Your Home for Wildfi re, Prescribed Fire in the Urban Wildland Interface Firewise Landscaping, and many more essential titles. Find them here at the CSA Offi ce, at the Nature Center or call Firewise Committee Members: Don Payne, Mike Lavery, Tim Graham, Ron Peoples or Ed Brown. You may also visit www. fi rewise.org to learn more about the Firewise Program and other Firewise communities (perhaps in your northern home area). Drive safely, be aware and especially now, be careful out there! We look forward to your safe return to The Great Outdoors in the Fall! YOUR Firewise Program is coordinated by the TGO Firewise Committee, which meets on the fi rst Wedesday of each month, at 1:00 pm, at the CSA Conference room. All residents are welcome to attend.