As the summer rolls on and temperatures rise, so does the risk of wildfire. With the recent bouts of smoke we have been seeing in Golden, the reminders of wildfire danger are becoming harder to ignore. Just two years ago, the Dogtooth wildfire near Parson resulted in evacuation alerts and orders for several properties. A fire that close to home was a reminder that our community is not untouchable when it comes to wildfire.
While wildfire behaviour can be unpredictable, there are proven ways homeowners can reduce the risk of their property being damaged. Through simple changes to landscaping, maintenance, and preparation, residents can help create a safer space around their homes.
Here are 10 ways to make your home FireSmart, based on information provided by FireSmart Canada.
1. Create a non-combustible zone around your home
The first 1.5 metres around your house is the most important area to protect. Remove combustible materials like dry leaves, wood piles, bark mulch, and flammable plants near your home’s foundation. Consider using gravel, stone, or other non-combustible materials instead.
2. Keep your roof and gutters clean
Your roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a wildfire. Remove pine needles, leaves, and other debris from your roof and gutters regularly, as embers can ignite these materials and spread fire to your home.
3. Move firewood away from your house
Firewood piles, construction materials, and other combustible items should be stored away from your home, deck, and other structures. These materials can provide fuel for a fire and allow flames to move closer to your property.
4. Choose FireSmart landscaping
When planting around your home, choose plants that are low-growing, well-maintained, and less likely to ignite. Avoid dense clusters of vegetation and remove dead branches, dry grass, and accumulated plant debris.
5. Trim trees and manage vegetation
In the area 10 to 30 metres from your home, reduce wildfire intensity by spacing trees apart, removing lower branches, and clearing excess vegetation. Creating breaks between trees can help slow the movement of fire.
6. Keep decks and outdoor spaces clear
Leaves, needles, and debris can collect underneath decks and in corners around your home. Regularly clean these areas and avoid storing combustible items like patio furniture, cardboard, or propane tanks next to your house.
7. Inspect your home’s exterior
Small openings can allow embers to enter your home. Check areas such as vents, soffits, windows, and doors, and consider upgrades that improve resistance to ember exposure when renovating.
8. Be mindful of fences and other attachments
Wooden fences can act as a pathway for fire toward your home. Where possible, avoid connecting combustible fences directly to your house and consider using non-combustible materials near the structure.
9. Maintain a FireSmart extended zone
The goal is not to remove all vegetation, but to reduce the amount of fuel available to a wildfire. Regularly remove fallen branches, dry grass, and excess vegetation around your property.
10. Make a wildfire plan
Being FireSmart is not just about protecting your property. Make sure your household knows what to do during an evacuation, where emergency supplies are stored, and how you will stay informed if conditions change.
This list may seem exhaustive, but becoming FireSmart is not an all-or-nothing approach. Even making a few of these changes can make a significant difference in reducing the risk to your home during a wildfire.
For those looking to learn more, FireSmart Canada offers resources, checklists, and detailed guides to help homeowners assess their properties and take steps toward becoming more wildfire-resilient. More information can be found at firesmartcanada.ca, where you can learn more about the Home Ignition Zone and the actions you can take to better protect your home and our Golden community.
