Protecting Somersett from
Somersett is over 3,000 acres of rangeland and to attempt to clear fire fuels from all areas annually would cost more than the entire SOA budget. So, we must be smart about where, when and how we mitigate by using a measured plan targeting the highest risk areas and using the most cost-effective methods. This year the SOA is thinning and removing fire fuels in the biggest risk areas using a mosaic technique. We’re also moving to create a Firewise community. We’ll be working with Nevada Division of Forestry and others to create a multi-year plan to build continuous improvement and lower fire risk. Read on to learn how you can do your part and slow the spread of fire by creating defensive space around your property. The following is by Reno Fire Marshal Tray Palmer, who is a Somersett resident.
Preparing for Summer
The Somersett community borders a high hazard wildland-urban interface area. As vegetation dries out, the potential of uncontrolled fire increases. It only takes one spark. Wildfire knows no boundary. A fire in Verdi can quickly spread and threaten your home here in the Somerset community.
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Simple property maintenance will slow the spread of fire when the next wildfire occurs. Keep hot embers from entering your attic and living space by clearing juniper, pine shrubs, and combustible ground covers like pine needles, leaf litter, and wood chips at least 5 feet away from your exterior walls and decks. Make sure the protective flashing at the bottom of your exterior walls is intact. Keep your rain gutter free of leaves, needles, and debris. Remove tree limbs that are within 6 feet of the roof and remove evergreen tree limbs that are close to the ground to keep a ground cover fire from progressing into a larger crowning fire.
Make sure we can quickly get to you in the event of an emergency. Make sure your address is clearly posted from street view and in contrasting color. Make sure your closest fire hydrant is unobstructed. A firefighter needs a clear space of three feet around the entire hydrant to connect a hose and turn on the valve. Any vegetation planted within 3 feet of the hydrant must be removed. Don’t park in front of emergency access gates or fire lanes. Our apparatuses need a minimum of 20 feet width on access roads to correctly respond to and set up suppression operations. 18
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Somersett Living
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May/June 22
