Fire Mitigation/Fuels Removal
This is our most comprehensive option and usually includes an aspect of all the services that we provide. We will come up with a custom plan depending on the situation. With so many variables we will need to see the location before we can give a quote. We will study the topography of the location by walking and using aerial maps. Using this information we would come up with a defensible space. Then come up with a written outline for the work to be done and the actions to be taken in an event of a fire. Below will be options and some ideas from previous jobs. Do not feel restricted by these options, we are very flexible and open to other ideas and thoughts.
Defensible space
When thinking of a defensible space we break it up into 5 zones.
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Structure- A fire resistant structure. Ex. Metal roof, fire resistant insulation vent covers. Use of stone, gravel and rock.
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5-10 ft.- Very limited vegetation. Removal of all dead or drying trees and shrubs.
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10-30 ft.- Limited vegetation 10-20 feet between living trees. Sprinkler system/cistern. Space for vehicles to turn. Allows for easy access of emergency equipment.
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30-100 ft.- Maintained vegetation. Keep leaf/needle piles to min. Storage of burnables such as firewood in this zone. Use of topography, driveways and other features can be used as fire break in this zone.
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100+ ft.- Maintain and ensure multiple access and exit points to ensure evacuation is possible. Also assists emergency crews locate and protect structure.
Fuels Removal
Because of the beetle epidemic there is an abundance of fuel if our forests. It is critical that this is removed. In most cases we will come in and remove all of the fallen trees as well as any standing dead. We would build slash piles that would be burnt the following winter. (Slash piles consist of all of the vegetation that is to small or rotten to be hauled off). While the goal is to prevent the spread of the fire it is important to the health of the forest to leave some ground vegetation. This helps with erosion, invasive plant species, ground nutrition and local fauna.
Water
It is very important to have a water source not only during the even of a fire, but before. Keeping vegetation watered and healthy helps with the spread of fire close to a structure. Sprinklers are another option that can be turned on before an evacuation. A decent sized cistern is a good idea to have. It can be used by emergencey responders and might be the difference between coming home to a standing structure and a pile of ashes. These are all things that we can help install and set up.