July 11, 2018 The fire season impacts the Western United States, where there is a wildland-urban interface that has to the potential to allow fires to rage through residential areas. This is not a potential risk, as thousands of properties have been destroyed with residents unable to escape the relentless flames. These scenarios do not need to happen in many cases when effective fire mitigation is carried out to protect properties. Wildfires destroy entire ecosystems if they are allowed to spread unchecked. Risk analysis, followed by active steps to remove sources of fuel that are present in and around residential properties, is an important aspect of fire mitigation. The goal is also to reduce the risk firefighters face when battling the spread of wildfires in wildland-urban interfaces. As a homeowner, you can play an important part in controlling these wildfires and potentially save properties and lives. Basics of Fire Mitigation There are fuels around your home that have the potential of providing fuel for wildfires. Removing those elements is essential in helping to control wildfires so firefighters can do their job effectively. Wildland fires may spread through forests, brush, and even grass. A defensible space is created when fuels are removed from the path of the fire. The more intense the fire, the harder it is for emergency service crews to combat the blaze. This scenario is well understood and documented in Colorado, which has experienced some of the most devastating fires in recorded history and is a direct result of more fuels being consumed by wildfires. Wildfire Risks Dead or dry vegetation creates what is known as a “fire ladder.” If the vegetation is not removed, a wildfire can easily spread to elevated areas. Highly flammable vegetation of any kind presents a significant risk in the event of a wildfire breaking out. This is especially important to consider when such fuel sources exist on residential properties. The only defense your home has against falling victim to a wildfire is creating a barrier that gives firefighters a greater chance of fighting the fire. The area between a property and fire risk factors is known as a defensible space zone. The concept involves removing potential fuels from the path of the fire. You are creating a buffer that can, in many cases, completely halt the spread of fire to your home. However, wind direction and strength are always part of risk analysis, as burning debris or embers can still cause a building to ignite. Steps should be taken to fire-proof homes wildfires. Fire Mitigation Fire mitigation involves proactively creating defensible space zones in both wildland and urban areas. The reduction of vegetation, which provides potential fuel, plays a large part in this process. However, there are other sources of fuel that must be mitigated to help reduce risk. Fire mitigation may require the removal of vegetation and other materials that will increase the heat that homes are potentially exposed to in the event of a wildfire reaching a residential area. Reducing the intensity of the fire mitigates the prospect of buildings burning due to heat exposure alone. Local ordinances typically include the protection of any endangered species habitats through the use of a buffer zone. Green waste is disposed of onsite in the most effective manner possible in order to reduce the risk of wildfires breaking out in wildlands. Private property owners can dispose of fuel materials through a fire mitigation service in much the same way. Homes that are within 400 feet of wildlands are classified as being on a wildland-urban interface. These properties are at significantly higher risk of wildfires. Although homeowners are not required to take steps to ensure fire mitigation, it is highly recommended. Front Range Arborists At Front Range Arborists we are committed to helping residents of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas create effective defensible space zones around homes. We offer a comprehensive consultation to all our potential customers, allowing us to assess your specific needs. Our fire mitigation service is designed to remove hazardous fuels that create a pathway for fire to spread to your property. Professional arborists will take steps to significantly reduce the risk of heat exposure posing a threat to vulnerable structures. The location of your property is also a factor that is taken into consideration during your onsite consultation. If you are concerned about the potential risks of wildfires, call Front Range Arborists today for a professional consultation. Our team is here to support you and help reduce the risk of wildfires destroying your property and putting the lives of you and your family in peril. Find out more about how Front Range Arborists can help provide services to residential, commercial, and municipal institutions with all of our Tree Services: Tree Pruning Stump and Tree Removal Shrub Pruning Fire Mitigation Fertilization Winter Watering Pest Control Tree Preservation
