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Homeowners Urged To Prepare For Wildfires

Boise, ID… Fire Officials throughout Idaho urge homeowners who live in or near wildland areas to act now to protect their homes from fire.

The destructive potential of wildland fires has increased dramatically in recent years due to drought and increased population growth in the wildland/urban interface. Homeowners who spend the time and energy to make their homes “fire safe” will not only reduce the risk of wildfires destroying their home, but will also make it easier and safer for firefighters to protect the home in the event of a blaze. Fire officials are taking a tougher stance about risking firefighters' lives to protect homes. They state that “they’re NOT going to risk firefighters' lives to protect homes that don't have defensible space. Basically, if homeowners don't take precautions, we're going to triage their homes and save the ones with defensible space around them. Too many firefighters have died trying to protect homes where the homeowners did not take responsibility for their personal property in creating defensible space.”

Here are things that homeowners can do to reduce fire hazards on their property:

 Clear all flammable material from within 30 feet of houses and other structures, keep it lean, clean and green. The 30 foot clearance will reduce the chance of a wildfire reaching them and provide a safety zone or “defensible space” for firefighters to work.

 Keep the area lean, clean and green throughout the fire season, break up continuous layers of vegetation, use fire resistant plants where possible. Trim overhanging tree limbs away from your house.

 Make sure Liquefied Petroleum Gas Tanks (LPG) have a 10 foot clearance of flammable vegetation.  Make sure all flammable material is off the roof, decks, and gutters are free of debris.

 Store firewood and other combustible materials at least 30 feet from the house and other buildings and make sure they have adequate clearance.

Homeowners can reduce potential losses from wildfire to their property by taking extra steps to protect themselves. By creating “defensible space” around homes, homeowners not only minimize the risk to their own family and property, but they also reduce risks to their neighborhoods and make it safer for firefighters.

For more information on home fire safety, visit the FireWise website at: www.firewise.org or contact your local fire department.