Wildfire

A tremendous wildfire danger exists where homes and businesses blend together with the wildland, creating the wildland urban interface (WUI). It is important to understand what puts a home or business 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