Maintain a Survivable Space - "Things you can do today"- Clean roof surfaces and gutters of pine needs, leaves, branches, etc., regularly to avoid accumulation of flammable materials.
- Remove portions of any tree extending within 10 feet of the flue opening of any stove or chimney.
- Maintain a screen constructed of non-flammable material over the flue opening of every chimney or stovepipe. Mesh openings of the screen should not exceed 1/2 inch.
- Landscape vegetation should be spaced so that fire cannot be carried to the structure or surrounding vegetation.
- Remove branches from trees to height of 15 feet.
- A fuel break should be maintained around all structures.
- Dispose of stove or fireplace ashes and charcoal
briquettes only after soaking them in a metal pail of water. - Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from
occupied buildings. - Propane tanks should be far enough away from buildings
for valves to be shut off in case of fire. Keep area clear of
flammable vegetation. - All combustibles such as firewood, picnic tables,
boats, etc. should be kept away from structures. - Garden hose should be connected to outlet.
- Addressing should be indicated at all intersections
and on structures. - All roads and driveways should be at least 16 feet in
width. - Have fire tools handy such as: ladder long enough to
reach the roof, shovel, rake and bucket for water. - Each home should have at least two different entrance
and exit routes.
From the National Interagency Fire Center |  | | A good example of defensible space. |
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