VEGETATION FIRES

In San Diego County the threat of vegetation fires for people living near bush or scrub areas is almost assured. Preparing for vegetation fires and protecting structures in bush/scrub covered areas has special challenges.

Here are a few things you need to know.

Recent changes to building codes in the San Diego area require you design and landscape your home with vegetation fire safety in mind. A distance of at least 100 feet around your home needs a comprehensive landscape approach. Select materials and plants that resist fire rather than fuel it. See these links for more information specific to the San Diego Area.

Use fire resistant or non-combustible materials on the exterior of the dwelling. Or, treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking or trim with UL approved fire-retardant chemicals.
Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees.

Before:

• Maintain a 100 foot defensible space around your home to act as a firebreak.
• Clear a 25 foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue.
• Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish.
• Regularly clean roof and gutters.
• Landscape in zones around your house.
• Rake leaves dead limbs and twigs. Clear flammable vegetation from around and under structures.
• Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
• Ask the Power Company to clear branches from power lines.
• Stack firewood at least 50 feet away and uphill from your home.
• Follow local burning regulations (refer to your local fire department or authority).
• Store flammable materials in approved safety cans.
• Inspect chimneys twice a year. Clean them at least once a year.
• Install Smoke Alarms on each level of your home; in your bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Own a ladder that will reach the roof.
• Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
• Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, handsaw or chain saw, bucket and shovel.
• Ensure that you have a garden hose that is connected to the tap, and that the hose(s) will reach all structures on your property.

If Time Permits:

• Close windows, vents, doors, blinds, and noncombustible window coverings.
• Remove lightweight curtains.
• Shut off gas at the meter or LPG tank.
• Turn off pilot lights.
• Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding glass doors.
• Turn on a light in each room to increase visibility of your home in heavy smoke.
• Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
• Place combustible patio furniture inside.
• Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
• Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near aboveground fuel tanks.
• Wet the roof.
• Wet or remove shrubs near the home.
• Gather fire tools (e.g. rake, hoe, heavy sacking, shovel etc.).

When Fire Threatens:

• Listen to your radio for reports and evacuation information.
• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of evacuation.
• Close doors and windows.
• Leave the key in the ignition.
• Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked.
• Confine pets to one room. Plan for their care if you must evacuate.
• Arrange for temporary housing outside the threatened area.
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Tell someone when you are leaving and where you are going.
• If you evacuate your home place a note on the door indicating when you left and where you are going.
• Wear protective clothing -- sturdy shoes, cotton or woollen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, hat, gloves and a handkerchief to protect your face.
• Take your disaster supplies kit.
• Lock your home.
• Choose a route away from fire hazards.
• Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.
  
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