IS YOUR HOME IN THE "RED ZONE"

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY
WILDFIRE PROTECTION INFORMATION

Site Development Department
P.O. Box 2000, Georgetown Co. 80444
303-679-2421
email Site Development  

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is a defensible space? According to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group it is defined as, "a fuel break adjacent to improvements in which you can safely defend improvements". This is a firefighters definition, and one which is accurate, but not one which appeals to the aesthetics visualized by the property owner for their "dream home". The concept of defensible space is the leading deterrent to fire intensity around your home. It is easy to understand that for a structure to survive a wildfire, radiated heat and fire intensity must be kept to a minimum.

Creating an effective defensible space involves developing a series of three management zones in which different treatment techniques are used.  These zones are generally described as follows:  Zone 1 - consists of an area 15 feet around the structure in which all flammable vegetation is removed.  Zone 2 - typically should extend at least 75 to 125 feet from the structure.  Thin trees so there is at least 10 feet between crowns.  Eliminate ground clutter type fuels and trim lower tree limbs to about 10 feet.  Zone 3 - is the area of existing forest from the edge of Zone 2 out to the property boundaries.

How should I select the trees to be thinned? The selection of trees to be cut should be made by considering the crown spacing. The crown spacing is wider, closer to the home, and narrow as the distance from the home increases. Smaller trees and diseased trees may be selected first but consideration should be given to not eliminate all young growth.

Do I have to clear cut everything from around my home? This is a misconception of the defensible space program. The area immediately adjacent to the home is 3 - 5 feet wide. In this area it is advised not to plant if the home is sided with flammable material. If the home has non-combustible siding, widely spaced shrubs are acceptable but should not be planted under windows or next to vents. From this zone, extending out away from the home, the crown spacing decreases gradually and blends into the traditional forest management.            

What else can I do to help protect my home? There are numerous suggestions that can be found in the Colorado State Cooperative Extension Publications.  http://www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/NATRES/06302.html

Some of the more important but often overlooked items are; clear roof and gutters of leaves and pine needles, remove branches overhanging the roof or chimney, stack firewood uphill from home, plant fire resistant vegetation for landscaping, place shutters or heavy drapes on windows, screen foundation or eave vents, and practice family fire drill and evacuation plan.

FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST     

1) Trees and brush are properly thinned and pruned within the defensible space; slash from the thinning is disposed of
2) Roof and gutters are clear of debris.
3) Branches overhanging chimney area are removed.
4) Grass and weeds are mowed within 15 feet of the structure.
5) Firewood is stacked uphill and/or on a contour at least 30 feet from the structure.
6) Outdoor water supply is available complete with hose and nozzle.
7) Fire extinguishers are checked and in working condition.
8) Driveway is wide enough to accommodate fire vehicles (check with local fire department).
9) Signs are posted for; identification, emergency vehicle parking area, and bridge load limits.
10) There is an easily accessible tool storage area complete with rakes, hoes, axes, and shovels for use in case of fire.
11) Family fire drills and fire evacuation plan have been practiced. (Escape areas should be open with good visibility all around. Meadows, rock outcrops, and wide roads are good examples).
12) Attic, roof, eave openings, and sides of stilt foundations, are enclosed, screened or walled up.
13) Trash and debris accumulations are removed from the defensible space.
14) A checklist for fire safety needs inside the home has also been completed (available from your local fire department).
15) Shutters or heavy draping is available to cover windows and plan to move furniture to center of rooms.

 

INFORMATIONAL CONTACTS

Site Development Department
P.O. Box 2000, Georgetown Co. 80444
303-569-3251 ext. 421
email Site Development

For more information try these contacts:

Colorado State Forest Service
5060 Campus Delivery
Ft. Collins, CO 80523-5060
     Office: 970-491-6303     
Fax:  970-491-7736
              On the Webb:  http://csfs.colostate.edu/                

      Clear Creek County Fire Authority
              P.O. Box 999
              Georgetown CO 80444
              Office: 303-569-3102
                   email Fire Authority
                       On the Webb: www.clearcreekfire.com/

              Evergreen Fire Protection       
                   Fire Marshall - Frank Dearborn              
303-674-3145         
Dispatch Center      
303-674-2323