WINNEMUCCA - Defensible space is one of those topics that many hear about but perhaps don't understand and dismiss, often thinking that they will never be affected by wildfire. Unfortunately, it is that thought process that gets many in trouble.
Wildfire is an increasing threat in our community. One, because of the choice many people make to build or buy their homes in what is referred to as "Wildland Urban Interface" or WUI, which is defined as: areas where homes are built near or among lands prone to wildland fire. Another reason is because of the buildup of ignitable fuels around people's homes. Skipping one year of clearing around your property doubles the work the next year.
Many find clearing brush, weeds, and trees to be a daunting task, so they let it go by the wayside. It will take time and a lot of work, but it is well worth the effort. It is inevitable that our community will be impacted by wildfire and when it does your hard work will pay off.
What you need to do to create good defensible space around your house and other structures on your property is to create a perimeter of 30 feet around your home or any structure on your property. This will be your "Lean, Clean, and Green" zone. It needs to look just how it sounds. Clear all brush, keep your grass cut and watered, cut down and discard any dead trees, trim up the healthy ones, and store your firewood at least 30 feet away from your home.
The next 70 feet (for a total of 100 feet of defensible space) should address the "horizontal continuity of fuels." This means that whatever brush you have in this area needs to be thinned so that fire cannot carry from one bush to the next. Dead trees should be taken down and hauled out and healthy trees should be trimmed.
Last but not least, make your home a fortress against embers. Clean out your gutters; replace your roof if it is wood shake; ensure the screens on your vents are 1/4-inch or less and are in place with no large tears. If you have a deck, make sure you are not using it as a storage space for flammable items like fuel, newspapers, firewood, or clothing; have your address visible for firefighters; and create a good turnaround spot for fire engines.
Only with your help through the good practices of reporting suspected fires, maintaining defensible space around your homes and outbuildings and remaining vigilant can we help prevent wildland fires and the destruction that they can cause.
To report any suspected or witnessed wildland fires call the Central Nevada Fire Line at (775) 623-3444.
Mark Turney is the public information officer for the Winnemucca BLM District.[[In-content Ad]]
