Are You Fire and Water Conservation Wise?

It’s mid-summer already, and while we love all the lush greenery we have in communities, neighborhoods, and open spaces, it can also become a hazard if fire erupts when our landscapes begin to dry out.

Firewise:
Take an active role in your home’s preparedness in the event of a regional or community wildfire. As each home is unique in location, water, and the growth of vegetation, this is a good opportunity for us to take an in-depth look at issues that may have missed your radar in the past.

The are all kinds of resources available through state agencies and the National Firewise program. Even if you feel in the past you’ve done enough to prepare your home, plants grow and landscapes change. Revisiting information is always a good thing when it comes to your safety!

From within the Firewise program there are opportunities for homeowners and community assessments that offer guidance in home survival rather than destruction.

Here are four primary topics from the Firewise program to be aware of.

Primary threats

• Embers and small flames have been shown to be the main reason for home ignition in wildfires.  Airborne embers can be carried long distances on wind and ignite debris, causing spot fires.

How to prepare your home for a wildfire

• Firewise reduction steps for homes requires looking at what the home ignition zones are.
• Choose fire resistant building materials and limit the amount of flammable vegetation that closely surrounds your home.
• To reduce ignition and fire spread, trim branches that may overhang the home or decks.  Prune branches on larger trees so they are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.

Construction elements

• Roofing and venting fire-rated products, such as composite, metal, and clay tiles offer superior protection.
• Clean roofs, roofs kept in good repair, along with boxed in eves and vents that prevent embers from entering or landing into accumulated roof debris, lessen fire ignition.
• Limit fire ignition by keeping decks and porches clear of flammable materials – be sure to clean under decks and between deck board joints.
• Consider the siding and windows in your home. Choose siding materials that are more fire resistant and windows that are able to withstand heat from wildfire flames.

Suggestions for us as homeowners and community members.

• What does emergency responder access look like?
• Make sure you have legible street markings and numbers, and accessible driveways and vertical clearance for emergency vehicles.
• Develop an emergency action plan for your home and all household members, including pets and livestock.
• Know two ways out of your neighborhood and have a predesignated meeting place.
• Always evacuate when you feel unsafe.
• Conduct an annual insurance policy checkup.
• Create or update your home inventory.

 

Lastly, be aware of the different home ignition zones (see diagram below) you can create to protect your landscape and your home.

 

Waterwise:
The link between being firewise and waterwise is a conversation that all of us should be having these days. Yes, we love our lush green yards & landscape – and green means less danger of fire. But we’re also using a lot of water to stay lush and green – which challenges the idea of water conservation. A catch-22 if ever there was one!

Many individuals and communities are now incorporating Xeriscaping; simply put, xeriscaping is selecting plants that can survive with the least amount of water possible for the region in which you live. It’s creating a landscape that saves water, protects soil, and provides a healthy environment for the lifestyle you have chosen. And done right, it’s also another way of protecting property from fire!

Here’s a great website & resource to learn more about Xeriscaping.
Plant selection is one of the key elements along with reducing the use of water. Eliminating those thirsty plants is a consideration, as is grading the soil to consistently manage every bit of water possible to allow plants to flourish.  An irrigation system customized to your plant selection is ideal and supports not only the root systems, but the amount of water that is effective for the landscape’s health.  Another alternative is to capture rainwater with systems like a rain barrel or a cistern that captures larger quantities of water from your roof.

More waterwise tips:

• Use low flow showerheads & faucets.
• Switch to dual flush toilets.
• Displace the water in your toilet so you use less when flushing.
• Wash full loads of laundry & use cold water with liquid detergent except for heavily soiled clothes or diapers.
• Use water from steaming vegetables, old water bottles, tea pots or pasta for plants and animals.
• Install rain barrels for watering lawns & gardens.

Take some time soon to review how your efforts stack up in making sure you are firewise and waterwise this summer. Also look for additional resources to support your education and implementation – talk to your local plant nurseries, and look for helpful articles like this one from Swanson’s Nursery in Seattle written specifically for those of us in the Northwest.