Mick Rule

Ivan and Susan, Fire Mitigation

Understanding Wildfire Mitigation Mitigating the threat of wildfires is, basically, removing flammable material which can be used as fuel by a fire. The how and why of accomplishing this, however, is slightly more technical. It is important to understand how a fire burns, and what type of fire poses a threat to your home. A ground fire is the least dangerous to your home and property. This fire burns grasses and small shrubs, and though dangerous, can usually be controlled. A crown fire on the other hand, is a fire that has reached the tree canopy. These are the most deadly and most damaging type of wildfire. Crown fire flames during the Hayman Fire reached heights of 300 feet. There is no stopping a crown fire. The way a ground fire becomes a crown fire is by using what is known as ladder fuels to reach the tree tops. Ladder fuels, such as scrub oak under the native pine trees, can quickly cause a fire to crown. A major part of fire mitigation is associated with identifying and removing ladder fuels. Wildfires can spread very quickly from burning embers, or brands, being blown ahead of the main fire. For this reason cleaning of gutters, removing flammable objects such as firewood, and certain types of plant material such as juniper from near your home is important. A properly mitigated property is also far more likely to be flagged as defensible by the local agencies in charge in the event of a big fire threatening large areas and many homes. Properly done around a residence or on open property, wildfire mitigation will be attractive to the eye and enable firefighters to defend you property and home. It is possible to have a fire safe, attractive, green landscape. This is just a quick introduction to wildfire mitigation. Please give us a call if you have any questions. For more information on Wildfire Mitigation in Douglas County, please see the County website.

Wildfire Mitigation project for Douglas County Open Space on Spruce Mountain



Roxborough Park HOA Fire Mitigation project