Why Homes are Lost in Wildfires

Embers are the main reason homes burn in a wildfire

• Wind driven wildfire embers can travel a mile or more

Embers ignite secondary Fuel Sources on/ under or near homes

• Stored firewood or lumber, door mats, flammable patio items, laundry vent line • Mulch, flammable plants, dead grass/plants, leaf litter, tree duff, debris • Attached wood fencing

Resulting in any of the following ways homes can burn in a wildfire

• Direct Flame Ignition of external combustible items or attachments on the home • Extreme Radiant Heat exposure that fails a window (allowing embers inside) • Structure to Structure Ignition (auto exposure) of closely spaced homes Hardening to Resist Embers Saves Homes in Wildfires 1.Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, pine needles, etc. that embers could ignite 2.Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles 3.Install & keep 1/8-inch metal mesh screening clean on all attic, roof, and soffit vents 4.Keep dryer vent line clean and ensure vent cover closes fully with no lint buildup 5.Ensure all weep holes screened with copper wool to stop ember (& insect) intrusion 6.Repair or replace damaged/missing seals around overhead opening garage doors 7.Box-in areas below wood decks and stairs to prevent flammable debris accumulating 8.Move any flammable material away from home, esp. from under windows – mulch, flammable plants, dead leaves, needles, firewood, etc., i.e., anything that can burn 9.Remove anything stored underneath wood decks or stairways and on porches/patios Defensible Space Saves Homes in Wildfires

Zone 1 - Immediate Zone: 0 to 5 ft

Only non-flammable materials No mulch, bushes, shrubs, or trees

Zone 2 - Intermediate Zone: 5 to 30 ft

Well maintained landscaping Separate island plantings No tall shrubs near home Shade trees limbed up 6 to 8 ft Overhanging trees cut back 10 ft No wood piles

Zone 3 - Extended Zone: 30 to 100 ft

Ground cover regularly cut back Trees limbed up 6 to 8 ft Request free Firewise external evaluation of your home at: SRFirewise@gmail.com

Sign up for Wildfire Evac. & other Emergency Alerts at: WarnCentralTexas.org