LIVING WITH FIRE A H O M E OW N E R ’ S G U I D E
Published by:
JUNE 2008
In conjunction conjuction with: In with: Feather River Resource
Conservation District
Page 2 • Living With Fire
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
. . . helping Plumas residents live more safely with the threat of wildfire Fact: Despite our best prevention efforts, much of Plumas County will continue to experience wildfire. Fact: The number of homes located in eastern California’s high wildfire hazard areas is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Fact: Many of these homes, neighborhoods, and communities are not prepared to survive a wildfire. Living in a High Wildfire Hazard Area The potential for loss of human life and property due to wildfire in Plumas County is growing. In response, local, state, federal, private, and nonprofit organizations have banded together to create Living With Fire, a wildfire threat reduction program for homeowners. The Living With Fire program is not about fire prevention. Its purpose is to teach people how to live more safely with the threat of wildfire. For many areas in our County, it is not a question of “if ” wildfire will occur, but “when.”
Home Survivability H Why do some houses survive a wildfire, while others are destroyed? Research findings prove that house survival during a wildfire is not random, miraculous or “dumb luck.” Rather it is how the house is built, the characteristics of the surrounding vegetation, and routine maintenance that often determine which homes burn and survive.
Photo courtesy Jack Cohen, USFS
Pre-fire actions completed before a wildfire, by the resident, often determine the survivability of structures. The “winners” will be those people who implement and maintain pre-fire activities. The homeowner has the largest role in determining whether or not a structure burns in a wildfire.
HUMAN BEHAVIOR IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS FIRE BEHAVIOR IN SAVING YOUR HOME BEFORE FIRE BEFORETHE THE FIRE
DURING THE THE FIRE DURING FIRE
AFTERTHE THE FIRE FIRE AFTER
Prior to the fire, this homeowner changed the roof material from wood shakes to fire-resistant tiles and reduced the amount of flammable vegetation surrounding the home. These pre-fire activities helped this house survive the fire.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Living With Fire • Page 3
Wildfire will threaten your house in three ways…
CONTACT BY FLAMES
This type of threat occurs when vegetation and other fuels burning near the house produce flames that come in contact with the home and ignite it. Often, it happens when fire burns through a uniform layer of vegetation right up to the house. Direct contact by flames is probably what most homeowners visualize when they think of a house burning during wildfire.
RADIATED HEAT
Radiated heat melted the vinyl siding on this house. Flames never came in contact with it. Radiated heat is produced by invisible electromagnetic waves that travel out in all directions from a flame. When a house receives enough radiated heat for sufficient time, it will ignite. Sometimes radiated heat can burst windows and allow burning embers to enter the house.
FLYING EMBERS
More houses burn due to flying embers than any other reason. If fire conditions are right, ember can be lofted high into the air and transported more than a mile. Burning embers can also be carried by wind and fire whirls. If these burning embers land in easily ignitable materials, a new fire can start.
“Itisisnot notwhere where your home is located necessarily determines the ignition It’s howthe ignitable the is as "It your home is located thatthat necessarily determines the ignition risk. It'srisk. how ignitable house is ashouse determined determined by the Home Ignition Zone” by the Home Ignition Zone" Jack Cohen, Cohen, USFS USFS Fire FireResearcher Researcher Jack
What can homeowners & communities do to reduce wildfire threat? The Living With Wildfire threat reduction recommendations are presented according to four zones…. D efensible Spa ce Z o ne This zone pertains to the vegetation surrounding your home, both ornamental and landscape plants and native plants.
Access Z one This zone provides suggestions that help emergency responders locate your home in a timely manner.
Community Zone This zone is outside and between the Defensible Space Zones. Efforts are to minimize fire damage on undeveloped areas which include vacant lots, common areas, green belts, and undeveloped lands.
Built Z one This zone provides recommendations for home construction.
Page 4 • Living With Fire
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Access Z one This zone provides suggestions that help emergency responders locate your home in a timely manner and to provide emergency equipment and personnel SAFE access to structures, while allowing residents to concurrently evacuate SAFELY.
A d d r e s s : The home address should be visible from the street, made of reflective, noncombustible material with characters at least 3 inches high
Street Signs: Street signs should be posted at each intersection leading to your home. Sign characters should be at least 3 inches high, reflective, and non-combustible.
Turnouts: Homes located along long narrow dead end streets and driveways over 800 feet should have turnouts every 400 feet that will allow two-way traffic.
Drive way Clearance : Remove vegetation from both sides of the driveway, extending at least 10 feet and at least a 15foot vertical clearance above driveway.
T u r n a r o u n d s : Homes located at the end of long driveways or dead end roads should have turnaround areas suitable for large fire equipment. Turnarounds can be a cul-de-sac with at least a 45-foot radius or a location suitable for a three-point turn.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Defensible Space Zone This zone consists of two areas around the structure: 1. Lean, Clean, Green Areas for 0-30’ 2. Reduced Fuel Zone from 30-100’ See Six Steps to creating defensible space for more information
Reduced Fuel Area: The Wildland Fuel Reduction Area usually lies beyond the residential landscape area Within this area: Remove all dead vegetation (dead shrubs, dried grass, fallen branches, pine needles, etc.). Thin out thick shrubs and trees to create a separation between them. Remove “ladder fuels” by removing low tree branches, and removing or pruning shrubs under trees.
Living With Fire • Page 5
Lean, Clean, and Green Area: For a distance of at least 30 feet from the home. “Lean” -only a small amount of flammable vegetation present, “Clean” - no accumulation of dead vegetation or flammable debris within the area “Green” plants located within this area are kept healthy, green, and irrigated during fire season. For most homeowners, this area often has irrigation, contains ornamental plants, and is routinely maintained.
Noncombustible Area: Create a “Noncombustible Area” at least 3 feet wide around the base of your home. This area needs to have a very low potential for ignition from flying embers. Use irrigated plants, rock mulches, or hard surfaces. Keep it free of woodpiles, dead plants, dried leaves, needles, flammable shrubs and debris.
Page 6 • Living With Fire
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Built Zone This zone focuses on the areas most vulnerable to either direct flame contact or embers. Most homes are ignited from blowing embers.
Chimneys: Screened with ½ inch wire mesh or approved spark arrestor.
Eaves: Heat traps for hot air and gases. “Box in” to allow heat to escape.
Roof: Class A/fireresistant. Keep free of needles, leaves and branches.
Foundation & Attic Vents: Unscreened vents allow embers into the structure.
Firewood: Not stored next to the house. Keep at least 30’ from house.
Siding: In fire-prone areas use noncombustible siding, such as stucco, brick or cement board.
Windows: Install windows that are double-pane with at least one pane of tempered glass.
Gutters: Keep free of needles, leaves, and debris.
Between 1990 and 2000, • the number of people living in very high or extreme fire threat areas of the Sierra grew by 16%. • the population of the Sierra is expected to triple by the year 2040, • the Sierra’s wildland urban interface (or WUI) grew by 131,000 acres, a 12% increase. From the report 'Dangerous Development Wildfire and Rural Sprawl in the Sierra Nevada' By the Sierra Nevada Alliance
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Decks: Enclose underside with ¼” wire mesh or nonflammable material. Keep free of combustible materials.
Embers created from torching trees and burning structures cause most homes to catch fire. Most houses are burned by embers: • landing on shake roofs • igniting uncleared vegetation next to the house • igniting firewood next to the house • igniting vegetation under decks • blowing into unscreened attic/crawl space vents • igniting combustible materials on decks
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Living With Fire • Page 7
Community Zone This zone is beyond the “Defensible Space Zone”. Reducing fuel loading in this zone will minimize fire damage on areas which include vacant lots, common areas, green belts, and undeveloped lands surrounding communities. Fuel treatment in this zone will not only protect more homes, but the beauty, trees and wildlife which surround your homes
Managing Fuel Requires: ➣ Reducing the volume ➣ Creating Horizontal Separation ➣ Creating Vertical Separation
Forests and Communities can survive the intrusion of a wildfir e. Forests, like homes, can and do survive the intrusion of a wildfire. Wildfires don’t have to be catastrophic stand replacing events. Critical to managing fire behavior and its effects, is managing the fuels
Lean, Clean & Green Zone
Fuel Treatment in the Community Zone should replicate that in the “Reduced Fuel Zone” (30-70’) of Defensible Space.
Reduced Fuel Zone
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Page 8 • Living With Fire
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Wildfires Threaten Plumas County Homes The Plumas National Forest typically has an average of 130 wildland fires per year on both Federal and Private lands. Plumas National Forest Firefighters have the responsibility for all wildland fires in Plumas County with exception of City of Portola and Quincy Direct Protection Area. Causes are split between natural ignitions of lightning and person caused.
Plumas County sure had their share of fire activity in 2007. Two large fires occurred in nearly the same area. On July 5 2007, the Antelope Complex of fires were started when a lightning storm swept through near Antelope Lake, just south of Susanville, California. This complex consisted of several fires, some which burned together for a total of just almost 23,000 acres. Then in August, the Moonlight fire started on private land burning nearly 67,000 acres east of Greenville, CA. It caused smoky conditions for residents of surrounding communities for weeks. Dozens of homes were threatened and mandatory evacuations were in effect for many residents in Indian Valley’s North Arm area. Unfortunately one house and several outbuildings were destroyed. Damage could have been much more severe.
Escaped debris burns are the number one cause of human started wildfires. The Clifton fire that burned 66 acres on Grizzly Road by Lake Davis in 2006 was caused by a resident that let their pile get away. It burned from private land onto federal land and cost nearly $100,000 to suppress. The community of Valley View was threatened for several hours until the fire was brought under control. Other human causes include fires started by equipment such as rotary head logging equipment, children, railroad, abandoned campfires and arson starts.
Pyrocumulous cloud develops result of energy released from Moonlight fire Lightning causes the majority of fires in Plumas County but unfortunately human caused fires are numerous. The leading cause of human started wildland fires are from escaped debris burns from individuals who aren’t careful with fire. These fires usually occur when unattended burn piles ignite fuel outside their cleared area during windy conditions. Often days after they were lit.
Defensible space increases the safety of fire suppression personnel. In 2006, 24 firefighters were killed while fighting wildfires. This includes five firefighters of a U.S. Forest Service engine crew who were killed in Southern California while trying to protect structures. Defensible space around homes is proven to save lives by providing firefighters a more secure area in which to work while protecting structures. During a wildfire, firefighters will often not attempt to protect structures with inadequate defensible space, for both safety reasons and the likelihood that their efforts will be unsuccessful. Fuels reduction projects along roadsides also contribute to public safety by keeping evacuation routes open and allowing fire suppression equipment to enter into the community.
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Living With Fire • Page 9
The Role WildFires on the Plumas National Forest: Back Then….Today ….and in the Future By Moghaddas,Fire FireEcologi Ecologist, Mt.Hough Hough Ranger District By Jason Jason Moghaddas, st, Mt Ranger District
Back Then…..
Bear Creek Guard Station above Meadow Valley in 1915 (left) and 2006- note the open stands of large trees and brush behind the station which have now filled in with young trees (Photos courtesy of Cristina Weinberg) It was an early July summer day- you could feel the dryness in the air- clouds had been forming overhead all day and in the afternoon, large anvil shaped thunderheads could be seen over the peaks near Antelope Valley. At about 4 pm, there were several lightning strikes-one strike hit a tall snag- you could see it smoldering near the top. Within a few hours, embers had dropped onto the ground around the snag, igniting the pine needles around it. Later on that evening, nightly downslope winds picked up, helping push the fire downhill through the night. By the morning, the fire had grown to about 20 acres and as the south facing slopes were exposed to the mid-morning sun, fire activity picked up. There was a slight breeze that day and it helped push the fire to the northeast- as the fire burned it ignited snags, down wood, and pine needles, leaving them behind to burn as it moved on. Occasionally groups of trees up to several acres torched out, killing most or all of the trees in that area. The fire burned towards a large ponderosa pine tree with a big fire scar at its base- that cat face caught fire, wounding the tree- the year was 1712……the fire burned for several more weeks until it was put out by fall rains. Researchers at the Fire Science Lab at UC Berkeley in collaboration with Plumas National Forest fire crews and scientists have collected and studied several of these fire scarred trees in the Antelope Lake, Frenchmen Lake, East Quincy, and Portola Valley areas. Across this broad area, they have found a consistent pattern- fires have burned regularly on this forest for hundreds of years. Data from as far back as the late 1600’s shows that fires burned an average of every 8 to 22 years. This means that every hundred years, most lower elevation areas of the forest burned about 4 to 10 times. These fires were started by both lighting and local Maidu, who have lived here for centuries. Having fires burn so often in one place kept surface fuel loads down, thinned out young trees, burned up snags and dead wood, and helped maintain diverse forests of large, fire resistant trees intermixed with areas of young trees. Fire cleared the ground, leaving a clean seedbed for new trees to grow. While some areas may have burned under high severity, killing all trees, overall the forest had lower fuel loads and fire growth was limited by the existence of several other recently burned areas on the landscape.
Page 10 • Living With Fire
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Today….
Dense forest in watershed completely burned with high severity northeast of Antelope Lake. This area burned in the Antelope-Border Fire (Photo by Jerry Hurley).
It was a warm summer day- July 5th, 2007 to be exact. Residents of Indian Valley were heading home from work. Overhead, there were large thunder cloudsthat afternoon, a few quick lighting strikes were seen, and then very quickly- smoke. The fire had started in the Hungry Creek drainage east of Antelope Lake – within 1/2 hour, it had grown to several acres in size and showed no sign of slowing down. Throughout the night, fire fighters battled the blaze as it torched out trees and moved quickly across the landscape. Over the next few days, winds, high fuel loads, and dense forests helped push the fire from Hungry Creek across Dry Flat and towards Antelope Lake and the Janesville Grade. The fire torched out large areas of trees and made long runs through tree crowns up drainages and steep slopes. Behind the flaming front, patches of once dense forest several hundred to several thousand acres in size stood smoldering – needles were completely blown off trees, leaving blackened sticks in an eerie ghost forest. Some big trees died, including some that burned in those fires back in the 1600’s.
And in thef future… Scientists agree that prolonged periods of drought will be more common in the future. As drought becomes more common, there is the potential for fire season to become longer and for fires to become more severe. While there is continued disagreement on how to manage this problem, we know that fire will continue shape the forests of the Sierra Nevada, though it may be in ways that society doesn’t really want to happen. Restoring the forests through a use of treatments, including mechanical thinning, large scale prescribed fire, and wildland fire use are essential parts of helping mitigate the negative effects that prolonged drought will have on wildfires in the future……
Fire is natural in the Sierra
A Mount Hough fire fighter lights a burn in a stand near Green Flat which has been mechanically thinned to reduce hazardous fire conditions (Photo by Jason Moghaddas).
The Sierra Nevada is a fire-dependent ecosystem. A Mediterranean climate of wet winters and hot, dry summers creates the perfect conditions for wildfire. Most of the plants, animals and forests evolved with fire for thousands of years, and have adapted and depend on fire to survive.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Living With Fire • Page 11
Structure triage in a wildfire situation: What are the first things the firefighter looks at to determine if a home should be defended from an approaching wildfire, can we defend it, or will it probably survive without protection? Deciding which homes can be saved and which can’t is often a very rapid process. “Access, access, access…if I can’t see it, we can’t protect it,” said an experienced firefighter from Northern California. If safe ingress and egress is available into the structure, then – if time allows – a quick walk-around is conducted to determine if it is defensible. The walk-around takes several items into consideration including the building construction – roof type, siding, what will burn when fire embers land, sur-
rounding buildings, combustible debris, hazards; and, especially defensible space — is there any and will it provide clearance so the firefighters can work safely? The majority of homes are burned because they have wood roofs and lack defensible space. Most burn as a result of burning embers or firebrands which attack the house both before and after the fire front has passed. When considering a structure’s susceptibility to a wildfire, firefighters look at the roof to see if it is made of combustible materials, such as untreated wood shakes or if it is non-combustible, such as metal, composition, or tile. They look for unscreened vents, large windows, and firewood stacked next to the house, that can be easy entry
paths for heat and flying embers. Firefighters also consider the topography, water sources, current and expected fire behavior, available firefighting resources and, of course, the safety of their crews. Topographical features such as steep slopes or drainages and dangerous fuel types are part of the equation. Decks built out over slopes present an easy place for firebrands to become trapped and cause ignition. Firefighters look for decks and other extensions from the main structures that have been enclosed with fire-resistant materials. Structure triage will quickly lead to a decision to defend or abandon a structure. Every structure will fall into one of these three categories:
Needs little or no attention: Construction and defensible space sufficient enough to allow the structure to survive on its own or with a little assistance. Needs protection but is savable: Constructed and maintained fire-safe with defensible space and where the firefighters are reasonably safe. Undefendable: The fire will destroy the structure no matter what is done and may place firefighters at great risk. Now is the time to contact your local fire authority and request a “pre-fire inspection.” Better now then when the fire is knocking at your door this summer. Excerpts from Wildfire Magazine at wildfiremag.com
Defensible Space -- What's your excuse? “I don’t have the time or money”: If you live in a high fire hazard area, creating defensible space needs to be a high priority use of your spare time. Many defensible space activities require little or no money to implement. For bigger, more expensive community tasks, consider forming a Local Community Fire Safe Council for assistance in acquiring grant funds. “It’s wrong to cut trees”: In many areas, pines, cedars and firs occur in unnaturally dense stands. Thinning of these thick stands of trees not only reduces the fire threat, but often promotes forest health. “It won’t look good”: There is a misconception that defensible space has to be ugly and barren to be effective. Through proper planning, a homeowner can have both an attractive landscape and an effective defensible space.
“It’s not my responsibility”: The manner in which a house is built, characteristics of the adjacent vegetation, and maintenance often determine survivability during wildfire. The homeowner, not the firefighter, is usually responsible for these factors. “I don’t have an easy way to dispose of the unwanted vegetation”: Check to see if there is a free community cleanup day in your area, ask your fire department if they have a fuels reduction chipping program, or join several other neighbors and rent a chipper and trailer for a weekend. “It’s not going to happen to me”: If you live near areas of dense brush and trees (extensive surface and ladder fuels), it is only a matter of time before these areas burn.
“It’s against the law to remove vegetation”: If there are regulations that prohibit the removal of vegetation necessary to create defensible space, contact your local fire official and ask for help in resolving the conflict. “I’ve got insurance”: While insurance can rebuild a house, it cannot recreate a home. Photo albums, heirlooms, and other memorabilia are often irreplaceable. “I don’t know what to do”: For more information about creating defensible space, go to www.livingwithfire.info or contact your local firefighting agency or University of California Cooperative Extension office. Courtesy of Ed Smith, University of Nevada Cooperative Education
Page 12 • Living With Fire
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Six Steps to Creating an Effective Defensible Space The term “defensible space” refers to the area between a house and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been managed to reduce the wildfire threat and allow firefighters to safely defend the house. In the event that firefighters are not available, defensible space also improves the likelihood of a home surviving without assistance.
Step Three Create a separation between trees and shrubs: Within the Defensible Space Zone, native trees and shrubs, suc11111s to create more space between them. This will reduce fire intensity, rate of fire spread and can create an acceptable working environment for firefighters.
Step One Determine the two zon es of effe ctive defensible space: California Law (PRC 4291) requires 100 feet of defensible space and is broken into two zones:
1. Le a n, Cl e a n a nd Gr ee n Ar e a: An area 30 feet immediately surrounding your home where all flammable vegetation and any dead or dying plants should be removed. You may keep single trees or other vegetation that are trimmed of all dead foliage and are well pruned and maintained.
2. Re du c ed F u el A r e a: An area from 30 feet to 100 feet from your home, or to your property line (whichever is less). You should remove all dead vegetation and decrease flammable brush and small trees so fire cannot spread through vegetation or act as a fire ladder introducing fire to tree crowns . Flat to gently sloping 0-20%
Moderately Very Steep Steep +40% 21-40%
2 times Shrubs the height of shrub
4 times the height of shrub
6 times the height of shrub
Trees
20 Feet
30 Feet
10 feet
Defensible space distance is measured from the base of the house, extending outward.
Step S t e pTwo Two R e m o v e dead dea d v egetation: Remove vegetation: Within the recommended Defensible
Within the recommended Defensible Space Zone, remove: Space remove: • dead Zone, and dying trees or recently fallen trees native andtrees ornamental shrubs •• dead and dying or recently fallen trees dead native branches •• dead and ornamental shrubs driedbranches grass, weeds, and flowers •• dead • dead leaves, needles, and twigs that are still •attached dried grass, weeds, and flowers to plants, draped on live •plants, dead leaves, and twigs thator are on theneedles, roof or in rain gutters onstill the ground to plants, draped on live attached • Remove 3 inches or or less. plants, on surface the rooflitter or intorain gutters on the Surface litter consists of fallen leaves, needles, ground twigs, bark, cones, small branches etc. •• Remove to 3beinches or less. Logs andsurface stumpslitter should removed unless Surface litter consists of fallen leaves, neethey are embedded in the soil, remove nearby vegetation an embedded log branches is left. twigs, if bark, cones, small etc. dles, •• Logs Standing trees (snags) may be kept for and stumps should be removed unless wildlife providing they don’t exceed one per are embedded in the soil, remove nearby they acre or if it were to fall, would not reach vegetation if an embedded log left. buildings/structures or land onisroadways or •driveways. Standing trees (snags) may be kept for wildlife providing they don’t exceed one per acre or if it were to fall, would not reach buildings/structures or land on roadways or driveways.
Dense trees pose a high fire threat Horizontal Clearance for shrubs and trees is based on slope, vegetation size and type and other fuel characteristics.
If you don’t have Defensible Space, please ask yourself. • Should firefighters be placed at increased risk to save your home? • If you haven’t taken proven actions to help protect your home why should firefighters protect it? • Should taxpayers pay for fire agencies to protect your home? • Will your insurance cover your losses?
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Living With Fire • Page 13 is typically abundant. Grasses should not exceed four inches in height unless special circumstances exist.
Separation:
2x x
R ecommended Min Horizontal Distance
Shrub spacing should be twice the height.
10 feet
Sagebrush, other Shrubs, Pinyon and Juniper: On flat to gently sloping terrain, individual shrubs or small clumps of shrubs within the Defensible Space Zone should be separated from one another by at least twice the height of the average shrub. For homes located on steeper slopes, the separation distance should be greater. For example, if the typical shrub height is 2 feet, then there should be a separation between shrub branches of at least 4 feet. Remove shrubs or prune to reduce their height and/or diameter. In most instances, removing big sagebrush is the preferred approach. It is a very flammable plant, is easily removed, does not resprout, and
Pine and White Fir: On flat to gently sloping terrain, pine and white fir should be thinned to provide an average separation between canopies
of at at least least 10 gently sloping land. of 10 feet feeton onflat flattoto gently sloping land. For homes onon steeper slopes, the the separaFor homeslocated located steeper slopes, should be greater, see table. When tion distancedistance separation should betrees greater, see table. Whencutting selecting selecting for removal, consider trees for removal, consider cutting unhealthy, unhealthy, damaged, or weak trees. damaged, or weak trees.
Step Four
Step Fourbetween Create a separation
tree branches and lower Create a separation between growing plants: tree branches and lower growing If trees are present within the Defensible Space plants: Zone, there should be a separation thevegetation Defensible Space If trees are between thepresent lower within growing and lowest tree Zone,the there should bebranches. a separation between the Vegetation that can carry a the firelowest tree lower growing vegetation and burning low growing plants to a fire burnVegetation that can carry branches.in taller plants is called “ladder fuel.” The ing in low growing plants to taller plants is recommended separation for ladder called “ladder fuel.” The recommended separafuels is three times the height of the tion for ladder fuels is three times the height of lower vegetation layer. Prune the lower the lower vegetation layer. Prune the of lower tree tree branches, shorten the height branches, shorten the height of shrubs, or shrubs, or remove lower plants. Do not, remove lower plants. Do not, however, remove however, remove more than one-third of thethan totalone-third tree branches. When more of the total treethere branches. is no understory vegetationvegetation present, present, When there is no understory remove lowertree tree branches a height remove lower branches to atoheight of at of at least feet above least 2 feet 2above ground.ground. During During a fire, this will ahelp fire, this will help prevent burning prevent burning needles and twigs that are needles and twigs that are lying on the lying on the ground from igniting the tree. ground from igniting the tree.
Reducing Fuels in the Defensible Space & Community Zones Saves Homes. According to the Report, Structural survival on the 1990 Santa Barbara “Paint” fire: A retrospective study of urbanwildland interface fire hazard mitigation factors, 1996. The Painted Cave fire, in Santa Barbara County, threatened 800 and destroyed 479 homes. Those homes with nonflammable roofs and a clearance of 30 feet or more, had an 86% survival rate, and increased to 99% if someone was present to put out spot fires. According to the USFS Report, An Assessment of Fuel Treatment Effects on Fire Behavior, Suppression Effectiveness, and Structure Ignition on the Angora Fire, 2007. Where fuel treatments were implemented before the fire: Many firefighters reported increased ability to take “close-in” suppression actions because of the adjacent treatments which provided “black” safety zones after the fire had passed. Many houses were protected from fire or had spot fires extinguished in areas that would have been unsafe. Many firefighters reported that the treated urban lots significantly increased suppression effectiveness because of the relatively low intensity surface fire that enabled direct attack of spot fires, preventing adjacent houses from burning.
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Page 14 • Living With Fire
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tree Pruning recommendations based onPruning height of Tree fuelrecommendations below based on height of fuel below
Remove flammable vegetation and dispose of properly. Manage vegetation to prevent “ladder fuel’ occurrence.
3x
x Defensible space within a continuous tree canopy:
If keeping a larger stand of trees with continuous tree canopy: • prune lower branches of trees to a height of six to 15 feet from the top of the vegetation occurring below (or lower 1/3 of branches for small trees). Properties with greater fire potential (steep slopes) will require pruning heights in the upper end of this range. • remove all ground fuels greater than four inches in height. Single specimens of trees or other vegetation may be kept if they are wellspace, well-pruned and create and overall condition that avoids the spread of fire to other vegetation or to structures.
Step Five Step Five
Create a Lean, Clean, and Green Area extending at leastand 30 feet Create a Lean, Clean, Green from extending the house: at least 30 feet Area
There are two goals for the Lean, Clean, from theArea. house: and Green The first goal is to eliminate easily ignitable fuels,for orthe “kindling,” near the There are two goals Lean, Clean, house. This will help prevent embers from and Green Area. The first goal is to eliminate starting a easily ignitable fuels, or “kindling,” near the fire in your yard. The second goal is to keep house. This will prevent embers from fire intensity lowhelp if it does ignite near the starting a proper management of the fuels house. By fire inthe your yard. Thewould second goal is toto keep near house, a fire not be able generate enough fire intensity lowheat if it does ignite near the to ignite home. house. Bythe proper management of the fuels For most homeowners, the Lean, Clean, and near the house, a fire would not be able to Green Area is also the residential landscape. generate heat This areaenough often has irrigation, is planted with toornamental ignite the vegetation, home. and is regularly For most homeowners, the Lean, Clean, and maintained.
Green Area is also the residential landscape. This area often has irrigation, is planted with ornamental vegetation, and is regularly maintained.
Living With Fire A Special Supplement created by the staff of
Feather Publishing Co., Inc., and the Plumas Fire Safe Council Jerry Hurley, Steve Fowler, Ron Heinbockel, Steven Ross, Heather Munn, Jason Moghddas, Pete Duncan, Fire Safe Council contributors Plumas Fire Safe Council: www.plumasfiresafe.com
Michael C. Taborski, Publisher Sherri McConnell, Advertising Manager Tom Forney, Production Manager Feather Publishing: P.O. Box B, 287 Lawrence St., Quincy, CA 95971 (530) 283-0800 • FAX (530) 283-3952 email: mail@plumasnews.com
Step Six Step Six
Maintain the Defensible Spac e Zone: Maintain the Defensible Space Maintaining a defensible space is an
Zone: ongoing activity. Plants grow back and flammable vegetation needs to be Maintaining a defensible space isroutinely an ongoing removed and disposed of properly. Before each activity . Plants grow back and flammable vegefire season, your removed property using tation needs reevaluate to be routinely and disthe previous five steps and implement the posed of properly. Before each fire season, necessary defensible space recommendations. reevaluate your property using the previous five steps and implement the necessary defensiLean, Clean, and Green Area ble space recommendations.
Tips
• Remove most or all flammable wildland Lean, Green Area Tips plants, Clean, includingand sagebrush, bitterbrush, rabbitbrush, and manzanita. • Remove mostcheatgrass, or all flammable wildlandIf you wish to retain a few of these as specimen plants, including sagebrush, bitterbrush, rabplants, make sure they are free of dead wood bitbrush, cheatgrass, and manzanita. If you and leaves, pruned to reduce the amount of wish retain a fewfrom of these as specimen fuel,to and separated adjacent brush fields. plants, sure they are free dead wood • Selectmake less flammable plants forofthe home landscape. Some rules of thumb selecting to reduce theinamount of and leaves, pruned landscape plants forfrom the Lean, Clean, and fields. fuel, and separated adjacent brush Green Area are... • Select less flammable plants for the home • Shorter plants, less than 2 feet tall, are better landscape. Some rules of choices than taller plants.thumb in selecting landscape plants for the Lean, Clean, and • Green, herbaceous plants, such Green Area as grass andare... non-woody flowers, are better choices than shrubs • Shorter plants, less and thantrees. 2 feet tall, are better
choices than taller plants. • Green, herbaceous plants, such as grass and non-woody flowers, are better choices than shrubs and trees. • Deciduous shrubs and trees are better choices than evergreen types. Avoid planting juniper, mugo pine and arborvitae. • Emphasize the use of hard surfaces and mulches. Hard surfaces include materials such as concrete, asphalt, and brick. Mulches include rock and wood types. Wood mulches should not be used within 3 feet of the house. • Clear all flammable vegetation from within 10 feet of the propane tank. • Remove tree limbs that are within 10 feet of the chimney, touching the house or deck, within 6 feet of the roof, or encroaching on power lines. • Create a noncombustible area at least 3 feet wide around the base of the house. Emphasize the use of irrigated herbaceous plants, such as lawn, ground covers, and flowers. Also use rock mulches and hard surfaces.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Living With Fire • Page 15
unlikely there will be enough firefighting resources available to defend every home. In these instances, firefighters will likely select homes they can most safely and effectively protect. Even with adequate resources, some wildfires may be so intense that there may be little firefighters can do to prevent a house from burning. The key is to reduce fire intensity as wildfire nears the house. This can be accomplished by reducing the amount of flammable vegetation surrounding a home. Consequently, t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t p e r s o n i n p r ot e ct ing a hou s e f r o m w ildf i r e i s n ot a f i r e f i g h t e r , b u t t h e p r o p e r t y o w n e r . And it is the action taken by the owner b e f o r e the wildfire occurs (such as proper landscaping) that is most critical.
W HAT IS DEFE NS I B LE S PACE? Defensible space is the area between a house and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been modified to reduce the wildfire threat and to provide an opportunity for firefighters to effectively defend the house. Sometimes, a defensible space is simply a homeowner’s properly maintained backyard.
D OES DEFE NS I B L E S PA CE RE Q U I R E A LOT OF BARE G R O U N D I N M Y LAN DS CA PE? No. Unfortunately, many people have this misconception. While bare ground is certainly effective in reducing the wildfire threat, it is unnecessary and unacceptable due to appearance, soil erosion, and other reasons. Many homes have attractive, well-vegetated landscapes that also serve as effective defensible space.
W HAT IS THE RE LATIO NS H I P B ET WEE N VE GET AT I O N A N D W I L D F I R E T H R EAT? Many people do not view the plants growing on their property as a threat. But in terms of wildfire, the vegetation adjacent to their homes can have considerable influence upon the survivability of their houses. All vegetation, including plants native to the area and ornamental plants, is potential wildfire fuel. If vegetation is properly modified and maintained, a wildfire can be slowed, the length of flames shortened, and the amount of heat reduced, all of which assist fighters in defending the home against an oncoming wildfire.
D OES C REATI N G A DEFE NS I B L E S PA CE REQ U I R E A N Y S PE C IA L SK I L LS O R EQ U I P ME NT? No. For the most part, creating a defensible space employs routine gardening and landscape maintenance practices, such as pruning, mowing, weeding, plant removal, appropriate plant selection, and irrigation. Equipment needed includes common tools such as a chain saw, a pruning saw, pruning shears, loppers, a weedeater, a shovel, and a rake. A chipper, compost bin, or large rented trash dumpster may be useful in disposing of unwanted plant material.
THE F I R E DE PA RTMENT IS S UP P OSE D TO P R OTE CT MY H O USE, SO W H Y BOT HE R W IT H DEFE NS I B L E S PA CE? Some individuals incorrectly assume that a fire engine will be parked in their driveway and firefighters will be actively defending their homes if a wildfire approaches. During a major wildfire, it is
H O W B I G IS AN EFFE CTI VE DEFE NS I B L E SPACE? Defensible space size is not the same for every home, but varies by slope and type of wildland vegetation growing near the house. See “Step One” on page 12.
Don’t let wildfire ‘brand’ your house a loser; do what you can now to protect your investment from the destructive effects of wildfire and its deadly firebrands.
D OES DEFE NS I B L E S PA CE MAKE A D I FFE RE N C E? Yes. Investigations of homes threatened by wildfire indicate that those with an effective defensible space are much more likely to survive a wildfire. Furthermore, homes with both an effective defensible space and a nonflammable roof (composition shingles, tile, metal, etc.) are many times more likely to survive a wildfire. Defensible space also allows firefighters to effectively and safely defend your home. D OES HAVI N G A D EFE NS I B LE S PA CE G U A RANTEE M Y H O US E W I L L S U R V I VE A W I L D F I RE? No. Under extreme conditions, almost any house can burn. However, having a defensible space will significantly improve the odds of your home surviving a wildfire. W H Y D O E S N ’T E VE R Y O N E L I V I N G I N A H I G H F I R E HA ZA R D A REA C R EATE A DEFE NS I B LE S PACE? The specific reasons for not creating a defensible space are varied. Presented below are responses to common excuses for not creating defensible space.
Photo Courtesy USFS
Nuisance or Problem? The amount of heat which can cause a 2nd degree burn in 5 seconds would need to last for 30 minutes to ignite wood siding on a house. However, the tiny match like embers which land on skin and cause a minor annoyance are responsible for most homes burning.
Homeowners have the most control and often decided, consciously or unconsciously and long before the wildfire comes, whether or not their home will survive. Following the 2003 Southern California Wildfires, where 742,000 acres were burned, 3,361 structures destroyed and 26 lives were lost, a Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission recommended that the State increase the requirement for Defensible Space from 30 to 100 feet.
Page 16 • Living With Fire
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Want to Burn Your Yard Debris? Residents in Plumas County are urged to do their debris burning during winter or early spring, but be careful as we transition from spring to early summer. Escaped debris burns are the number one cause of human caused fires on the Plumas National Forest. Escaped debris burns are often the result of a pile left unattended or burning when windy. Debris burning can be a very effective means of reducing fire hazards around your home and land if handled properly and safely. However, remember that the person doing the burning is financially responsible for suppression costs and damages if the debris burn escapes. Also remember that burning out of hours could result in an emergency fire dispatch to your home, in which you may be cited and charged for the personnel and equipment time. Burning Permits are required beginning May 1st through June 30th. A burn ban is in effect from July 1st through October yearly regardless of the weather. Please follow these fire-safe guidelines while burning: Green or wet vegetation should be dried 3-6 weeks before burning to reduce your smoke impact on the community. Fire Prevention specialists recommend covering your burn piles with plastic or similar material in the fall before the rain to allow for easy ignition of the piles during very wet weather. Keep pile size at 4 feet in diameter or less. If burn piles are larger than 4’ x 4’ , a special permit is needed and the piles must be inspected by a District Fire Prevention Officer.
Make sure area within 10 feet of outer edge of pile is free and clear of any vegetation on the ground. Construct your control lines down to mineral soil. An adult must be in attendance with a shovel until the fire is dead out. A water supply is required at the burning site. Don’t burn when windy. Have in possession a valid burning permit. Make sure your fire is out! Check the burn area before leaving it, even after you think it is dead out.
Quincy: 283-3602 Burn only on days approved by the Northern Air only on days approved by the Northern Sierra Air Quality • SierraBurn 284-6520 numbers to find out if it is a perQuality Management District. Call any of the Management following District. Call Greenville: any of the following Chester: 258-2588 numbers to find out if it is a permissive burnmissive day: burn day: Portola: 832-4528 Portola: 832-4528 Quincy: 283-3602 Greenville: 284-6520
Chester: 258-2588
Note: For air quality reasons, burning is banned completely at any time throughout the year in the downtown Quincy and East Quincy portions of the American Valley. To obtain a burning permit or have your questions answered regarding residential burning, please contact or visit a local Forest Service or Cal Fire Office: Plumas National Forest Supervisor’s Office- 159 Lawrence Street Quincy Ca. - 2832050 Mt. Hough Ranger District Office- 39696 State Highway 70, Quincy Ca. -283-0555 Greenville Work Center- 122 Hot Springs Road Greenville, Ca. - 284-7126 Beckwourth Ranger District Office- Mohawk Road, Blairsden Ca. - 836-2575 Almanor Ranger District Office- Highway 36 Chester, CA. – 258-2141 Cal Fire – Westwood Fire Station – 3rd and Greenwood, Westwood, Ca. – 256-3203 The Plumas National Forest issues burn permits under an agreement with Cal-Fire. Your Burn Permit will further explain the latest regulations and recommendations.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Living With Fire • Page 177
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Page 18 • Living With Fire
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Protecting Your Community From Destruction by Wildfire So all the homes in your community are prepared for a wildfire. • What about the areas between the homes and around the community? • The Forest: Trees, Wildlife Habitat, View, Aesthetics, and Reasons you chose to live there? Experience & Science shows that not only homes, but that forests can survive a wildfire. What is Needed? Reducing fuel loading in the community zone will minimize fire damage on areas which include vacant lots, common areas, green belts, and undeveloped lands surrounding communities. Fuel treatment in this zone will not only protect more homes, but the beauty, trees, and wildlife which surround homes. Key to reducing catastrophic stand replacing wildfire in the community zone is Hazardous Fuel Reduction (HFR). This requires creating horizontal and vertical separation of plants and trees, while removing excess fuel. Similar to the 30-100 foot reduced fuel zone (see pages 12-14). PC FSC has worked in 15 communities to reduce hazardous fuels, on 2,500 acres, in and around those communities since 2003. Does it work? “The Angora Fire demonstrated that some houses had burned due to a lack of defensible space and/or continuous fuelbeds, such as pine needles, that lay adjacent to burnable parts of the homes. Conversely, many homes were protected or had spot fires extinguished by firefighters who were able to take “close-in” suppression actions because defensible space and other fuels treatments provided safety zones in which they could safely work” The Emergency California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission Report, May 2008
Key Report Findings. Angora Fire preliminary fire effects assessment Ongoing study. Report Version 2: July 19, 2007 Hugh Safford, Regional Ecologist, Pacific SW Region Angora fuels treatments 1996-2005: • Fuels treatments significantly reduced tree canopy continuity and surface fuels in the area adjacent to the Tahoe Paradise subdivision, • Fuels treatments significantly decreased tree mortality (77% in untreated areas, versus about 21% in treated areas) • Fuels treatments significantly lowered flame lengths and reduced the effects of fire to the tree canopy (32 feet in the untreated area, compared to about 7.5 feet in treated area) • Fuels treatments in the Angora Creek area significantly changed fire behavior, reduced fire effects to the ecosystem, and acted to slow and ameliorate the intensity of the fire as it approached homes in the Tahoe Paradise subdivision View the entire report at: http://www.foresthealth.org/pdf/Safford_AngoraFireEffects_v2_7-19-07.pdf Fire Behavior and Effects Relating to Suppression, Fuel Treatments, and Protected Areas on the Antelope Complex, Wheeler Fire- August 2007 • Treated areas had significantly reduced fire behavior and tree and soil impacts compared to untreated areas. • Treated areas were utilized during suppression along several flanks of the fire for both direct attack with dozers and handcrews, as well as for indirect attack with burn operations. View the entire report at: http://www.qlg.org/pub/miscdoc/antelopefireanalysis.pdf Cone Fire Tests Fuel Reduction Treatment Effectiveness In 2002, a wildfire burned through a study area, in the Blacks Mountain Experimental Forest, where varying fuel treatment methods were employed. Results indicate that there was much less mortality in the treated stands than the untreated stands. For more information go to: www.fs.fed.us/psw/programs/ecology_of_western_forests/projects/cone_fire_new/
Forest Survival following the Stream Fire – Prior to the fire, surface, ladder, and canopy fuels were thinned and removed, creating a fire resilient stand which survived the fire. (Photo by Jerry Hurley)
Forest Death following the Stream Fire – Like too much of our forests, this is an example of post-fire effects on untreated stands following the catastrophic stand-replacing wildfire. (Photo by Jerry Hurley)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Living With Fire • Page 19
PC FSC Board Members
PC FSC Board Members
Brian West, Brian West, ChairJim Hamblin Cross, Vice Chair Cross, Frank Stewart Ron Ron Ed Harrison Andy Anderson Dale Meese Ed Harrison Jim Graham Allan Setzer Andy Anderson Jim Hamblin Stewart Jim Frank Graham
What is the Plumas County Fire Safe Council (PC FSC) PC FSC was organized in 1998, became a non-profit corporation in 2002, and has since worked very hard to provide community support for wildfire mitigation countywide.
PC FSC Mission. “To reduce the loss of natural and manmade resources to wildfire through pre-fire activity.”
Dale Meese Allan Setzer
PC FSC Goals: •Implement and amend as necessary the Plumas County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), •Increase public knowledge and awareness of the wildland fire hazard and efforts they can make to reduce their threat, •Develop more community-based involvement, •Implement community hazardous fuel reduction projects, •Continue to pursue grant funds to assist community wildfire mitigation activities •Develop a strategy to provide for sustainable and renewable project funding and reduce the Council's dependence on grant funding. •Explore green waste disposal options and community chipping options. PC FSC Membership Includes Cit iz ens Individuals Homeowner Associations Community Service Districts Local FSC’s Almanor Basin Gold Mountain Fire Services US Forest Service California Department of Forestry County Fire Departments Foresters & Contractors Plumas Corporation UC Cooperative Extension Plumas County Board of Supervisors Plumas County Planning and Building Services Dept. Plumas County Office of Emergency Services City of Portola
In 2004, PC FSC was recognized by the US Forest Service Chief with the Rural Community Assistance National Leadership Award for, “Outstanding accomplishments through their exceptional leadership, vision, and perseverance in working collaboratively to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire in Plumas County”.
PC FSC PLANS PC FSC Has developed a number of plans to assist homeowner and communities better understand the risks, mitigation measures and if necessary preparations for evacuations. Community Wildfire Protection Plan PC FSC has a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) which was developed to outline the risks and hazards associated with a wildland fire threat to Plumas County communities and to identify potential mitigation measures. The Plumas County Communities Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan is intended to provide documentation of implementing actions designed to reduce wildfire risk to homes and communities through education and outreach programs, the development of partnerships, and implementation of preventative activities such as hazardous fuel reduction, defensible space, land use, or building codes. A CWPP is necessary for FSC’s to obtain funding assistance from the Departments of Agriculture, Interior, State of California, and other grantors. Important Information provided in the Plan includes: Fire frequency and history Wildfire Threats to communities & homes Wildland fire behavior factors, influences, and elements affecting property and resource damage. Maps of Fire History, communities at risk, land ownership, fire protection districts and others Mitigation strategies are prioritized by zone, with the highest priority being the structure ignition zone and working outward. o Mitigation strategies areas of focus: A. Information, Education, and Planning B. Reducing Structure Ignitability C. Enhancing Suppression Capabilities and Public Safety D. Hazardous Fuel Reduction Mitigation strategies
http://www.plumasfiresafe.org/fire_plan.htm
Greenhorn 1990
Portola 1988
WILDLAND FIRE PREPARATION & EVACUATION PLAN PLUMAS COUNTY
Will you be ready for Wildland Fire? Have you done all you can to protect your home before wildfire strikes? Do you know what to do if fire is approaching? Do you know what to do when evacuating and where to go? Do you know what to do if wildfire strikes your community? IF NOT, THIS BROCHURE MAY BE OF HELP TO YOU.
http://www.plumasfiresafe.org/evac.htm Plumas County Fuels Assessment & Strategy The Fuels Assessment and Strategy was developed to provide citizens, communities, land managers, and decision makers, a better understanding of the fuel hazard across Plumas County, especially within the community wildland-urban interface. Projected fire behavior is displayed for the County with fuel treatment recommendations. It helps to develop a priority-based strategy for addressing the risk." http://www.plumasfiresafe.org/assessment.htm
Page 20 • Living With Fire
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
If Wildfire Approaches... If Wildfire Approaches….
Photo Courtesy of Nevada Appeal
Photos courtesy of Plumas National Forest
What should I wear and have with me? Wear only cotton or wool clothes Proper attire includes long pants, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, and boots Carry gloves, a handkerchief to cover your face, water to drink, and goggles Keep a flashlight and portable radio with you at all times Tune in to a local radio station and listen for Instruction
What about family members and pets? If possible, evacuate all family members not essential to preparing the house for wildfire Make sure to designate a safe meeting place and contact person Relay your plans to the contact person Evacuate pets Contact the local Humane Society for pet assistance if needed
How should I prepare my car? Place vehicles in the garage, pointing out with keys in the ignition Roll up the windows Close the garage door, but leave it unlocked If applicable, disconnect the electric garage door opener so that the door can be opened manually What should I take? Important documents (bank, IRS, trust, investment insurance policy, birth certificates, medical records) Credit and ATM cards Medications Prescription glasses Driver’s license Passport Computer backup files Inventory of home contents (consider videotaping) Photograph the exterior of the house and landscape Address book Cell phone and charger Personal toiletries Change of clothing Family photo albums and videos Family heirlooms Place essential items in the car How should I leave my home? Close all interior doors Leave a light on in each room Remove lightweight, non fire-resistant curtains and other combustible materials from around windows Close fire-resistant drapes, shutters, and Venetian blinds Turn off all pilot lights
Photo Courtesy of Gary Greene Humans and animals were evacuated Hundreds of homeowners when on the Rolland Fire were off evacuated Hwy. 395 onthe the Waterfall Fire approached the Lakeview subdivision. Plumas National Forest.
Move overstuffed furniture, such as couches and easy chairs, to the center of the room What about the outside of my home? Place combustible patio furniture in the house or garage Shut off propane at the tank or at the meter Close all exterior vents if possible Prop a ladder against the house to provide firefighters with access to the roof Make sure that all garden hoses are connected to faucets and attach nozzles Remove stacks of firewood from porches, decks, and next to the house Close all exterior doors and windows Turn on outside lights If available and if there’s time, cover windows, attic openings, and vents with plywood that is at least one-half inch thick Wet down wood-shake or shingle roofs before leaving Fill trash cans and buckets with water and place where firefighters can find then If you have an emergency water source (pool, pond, etc.) and/or portable pump, clearly mark its availability so it can be seen from the street
For more information visit: www.plumasfiresafe.org/equin.htm or Contact: High Mountain Riders
Special Thanks & Acknowledgement Living With Fire: A Guide for the Homeowner, was written by Ed Smith, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, with assistance from Sonya Sistare, Living With Fire program assistant. Graphic design provided by Lucy Walker, Office of Marketing and Communications, University of Nevada, Reno. Illustration services provided by Kirah Van Sickle and Animania, LLC. Funding for that project was provided by a National Fire Plan grant from the USDA Forest Service/Nevada Division of Forestry. For more information about Living With Fire, contact Ed Smith, (775)782-9960 or smithe@unce.unr.edu; or Sonya Sistare, (775)784-4848 or sistares@unce.unr.edu. A master CD is available to agencies who wish to create a customized version of this publication by registering at www.livingwithfire.info. Cover photograph courtesy of the Reno GazetteJournal and photographer Candice Towell. Copyright © 2005 3rd edition - July, 2005
For more Funding for this project provided by:
information visit For more information visit www.plumasfiresafe.org www.plumasfiresafe.org
US Forest Service Cal Fire Sierra Nevada Conservancy Plumas County Board of Supervisors Feather River Conservation District