Wildfires

Before the wildfire:

Recognize the natural conditions that promote the chances of wildfires.
It is recommended to roof your home with Class A rated (fire resistive) roofing materials.
Cover your chimney outlet and stovepipe with non-flammable screen an inch or smaller wire mesh.
Consider fire resistive building materials (roofing and siding) when remodelling or building in wildfire prone areas.
Windows and skylights should be tempered glass or multi-layered glassed panels for protection against breakage due to the heat from fires.
Install and maintain smoke detectors in your home.
Install, maintain and teach everyone in your family how to operate fire extinguishers.
Prepare an escape route from your home and from your neighbourhood, and plan an emergency meeting place for family to re-establish contact if you’re separated.
Create and maintain a “survivable space” about 30 feet wide around your home.
Keep your yard and gutters free of pine needles, leaves or other flammable debris.
Reduce the number of trees in heavily wooded areas and plant new trees or shrubs 10 feet apart.
Remove dead branches or close, overhanging branches from the reach of your roof and 10 feet away from your chimney.
For trees taller than 18 feet, keep lower branches pruned 6 feet above the ground.
Keep stacked wood at least 30 feet from your home or other buildings, and keep vegetation cleared away from the woodpiles.
Enclose the underside of balconies and above ground decks with wire mesh.