Hurricane

A tremendous wildfire danger exists where homes blend together with the wildland, creating the wildland/urban interface. It is important to understand what puts a home at risk and how to improve its defenses.

• Does your neighborhood have a history of wildfires?
  • If yes, you could be at moderate or high risk of wildfires.
  • If no, you could live in a lower risk area.
    
• Moderate risk areas typically have:
  • A dry season that is less than 3 months
  • Hilly terrain with grades average between 10% and 20%
  • A shared border with a wildland or conservation area with light brush, small trees or grass
  • Trees are located close to houses
  • Manmade fuels located within 50 feet of homes
  • A fire hydrant within 500 feet
  • Access for fire truck
    
• High risk areas typically have:
  • A dry season that is more than 3 months
  • Steep terrain with grades averaging more than 20%
  • Forested wildland within 100 feet of houses
  • Trees that are crowded within 30 feet of houses
  • Manmade fuels within 30 feet of houses
  • No fire hydrants
  • Limited access for fire trucks
    
• Lower risk areas typically have:
  • A humid climate with a short dry season
  • Flat terrain with no grades greater than 9%
  • Limited wildland or conversation exposure
  • Homes that are not crowded by trees
  • Manmade fuels located at least 50 feet from houses.
  • A fire hydrant within 300 feet
  • Easy access for fire trucks