Protect Your Home from Wildfire
Beginning in the late 1970's and early 1980's, residential home ownership experienced a rapid expansion in
the Pacific Northwest.
This expansion spread beyond the confines of the urban environment to surrounding foothills and canyon
lands.  This expansion was partly by necessity but largely due to a desire for solitude away from the hectic
pace of urban living.
This outward growth has resulted in suburbs often located with little consideration for fire risk or protection.  
As a result, hundreds of homes have burned and millions of dollars of property losses have occurred due to
wildfire.  This suburban growth cannot be expected to decrease.  Fire protection agencies nationwide are
waging a battle to make homeowners aware of their risks.  The following are some safety factors to consider
if you own a home or are thinking of buying a home in the suburbs.  For a complete booklet, contact your local
fire department.
Wide streets and level ground provides quick
access for all types of fire equipment. Long, narrow
driveways with encroaching vegetation limit safe
fire truck access.
Homes on steep, brushy slopes with
heavy vegetation are difficult to defend
against fast spreading wildfires.
Level ground with adequate clearing slows the
spread of wildfire
Ground clearing and pruning of ladder
fuels and/or large green belt areas help
restrict fire spread to structures.
These are just a few of the basics.  For more information, contact you local fire department and ask for
"Wildfire and the Suburban Home.  You can also go to this website, it's very informative:
http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/prev_ed/prevention/index.html
Kootenai County  Fire Prevention Co-op            
            
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