ATTENTION ALL PROPERTY OWNERS IN DEERHAVEN

No Rain, Hot Sun and High Winds, this is a high risk time of the year for brush fires that can easily get out of control and spread at a rapid rate. Below you will find a best practices list for a Firewise community.

How do you Firewise your home or property?

• Keep a clearing of at least 30 feet around your house and other structures for survivable space.

• Carefully space tree plantings to avoid creating pockets of fuel.

• Remove "ladder fuels". They link ground fuels such as grass, leaves, and twigs to larger shrubs and trees – and your home.

• Create "fuel breaks" – such as driveways, gravel walkways, or green lawns.

• Maintain existing irrigation systems in working condition.

• Prune trees so the lowest limbs are 6' - 10' from the ground.

• Remove leaves and debris from your roof and yard.

• Mow your yard regularly.

• Store firewood at least 50 feet from your house or other buildings.

• Refuel garden and yard equipment carefully so as to avoid igniting fuels on hot surfaces.

• Maintain garden and yard equipment regularly – check spark arrestors to ensure they are working.

• Use your ashtray if you smoke.

• Store flammable liquids in proper containers and away from buildings.

• Dispose of yard cuttings and debris promptly, in accordance with local regulations.

• Observe any applicable ordinances that require vegetative clearances and fire-fighting equipment access.

• Don't keep combustible materials under decks or elevated porches.

• Construct trellises out of non-flammable material.

• Have at least two ground-level doors designated as safety exits.

• Keep at least two means of escape (either a door/window) in each room.

• Make your driveway and other access roads visible to emergency vehicles.

• Establish access for emergency vehicles:

• Two-way roads with parking lanes allow fire trucks and emergency vehicles to get in and out.

• Any bridges leading to your home should accommodate width and weight of fire-fighting vehicles.

• If you live on a cul-de-sac, make sure the radius is a minimum of 45 feet--wide enough for a fire truck to turn around without having to back up. Do not park vehicles in a cul-de-sac, as they will restrict emergency vehicle access.

• Prevent sparks and embers from entering your house by covering exterior vents with 1/8" “wire mesh” – this would include gable, eave, and basement/crawlspace vents.

• When possible, use construction materials that are fire-resistant or non-combustible. This includes roofing, siding and veneer materials. The number one cause of home loss in wildland fires is from untreated wooden shake shingles.

• Create escape routes and safety zones for your pets and livestock.

• Create a family disaster plan