Download - Adults - Wildfires - Prevention

E-Learning Module for Adults

Wildfires

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

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Part 1: Prevention

In part 1 of the Wildfire module , you will learn:

• What is a wildfire?

•The areas at risks

•The signs of a wildfire

•The impact of wildfires

•How to prevent wildfires


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Part 1: Prevention

WHAT IS A WILDFIRE (causes and characteristics)


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Part 1: PreventionWildfires - What are they?

Do you know what is a wildfire?

Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

A wildfire is “Any uncontrolled vegetation fire which requires a decision or action regarding suppression.” – European Glossary for Wildfires and Forest Fires (2012)

http://www.fire.uni-freiburg.de/literature/EUFOFINET-Fire-Glossary.pdf


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Do you know what is a wildfire?


Watch the video on the following page to learn more about wildfires and the science behind them.


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Part 1: Prevention Wildfires - What are they?

Do you know what causes a wildfire?

The fire is the result of the chemical reaction of combustion. For combustion to take place, 3 things are required: Oxygen, Heat and Fuel.

This combination is know as the Fire Triangle.

Oxygen


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Causes of wildfiresIn hot and dry climates, wildfires are a natural occurrence. However, the frequency of wildfires is significantly increased by the actions of humans. According to the Environmental department of Andalusia (Spain), more than 95% of wildfires in the region are caused by humans, either intentionally or due to negligence. This means that just 5% of wildfires are caused by natural means. Similar statistics exist for other countries in Europe



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Causes of wildfiresIn hot and dry climates, wildfires are a natural occurrence. However, the frequency of wildfires is significantly increased by the actions of humans. According to the Environmental department of Andalusia (Spain), more than 95% of wildfires in the region are caused by humans, either intentionally or due to negligence. This means that just 5% of wildfires are caused by natural means. Similar statistics exist for other countries in Europe

Can you name the different causes of wildfires?



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Causes of wildfires

1. Natural causes:Lightning and volcanoes.



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Causes of wildfires

1. Natural causes:Lightning and volcanoes.

2. Negligent acts:Lighting fires in areas at risk without the intention of starting a wildfire. Sometimes fires may be started for cooking etc. and may then not be fully extinguished, leading to a wildfire later. Other negligent acts that may start wildfires include throwing cigarettes from vehicles, leaving glass bottles on the ground and lighting fireworks.



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Causes of wildfiresIntentional acts:There are a wide number of reasons why people intentionally start a wildfire: disputes regarding land and hunting grounds, vandalism and arson, economic interests (for example to clear land to enable construction etc.).



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Causes of wildfires

Other potential causes:Sparks from overhead electrical power lines, sparks from trains braking, aircraft crashes, car crashes etc.

Intentional acts:There are a wide number of reasons why people intentionally start a wildfire: disputes regarding land and hunting grounds, vandalism and arson, economic interests (for example to clear land to enable construction etc.).



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Causes of wildfires

When looking at current causes, it is also important to acknowledge that climate change will have an impact on the number and size of wildfires that we will see in future in the UK and across Europe.

Watch the short video on the next page to learn more about wildfires and climate change


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Part 1: Prevention

WHAT DO I NEED TO BE AWARE OF?: THE AREAS AT RISK OF WILDFIRES


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Part 1: Prevention The areas at risk

Risk factors have a great influence on the probability of a wildfire starting and spreading within any given area.

By analysing the environment, we can determine how a wildfire may spread, develop and change within a given area. Some environments

are more prone to wildfires than others.

Factors to identify areas at risk

Can you name the risk factors for wildfires?


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Wildfire Risk Factors

Risk factors can be divided in two main categories:



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Risk factors can be divided in two main categories:• Structural factors



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Risk factors can be divided in two main categories:• Structural factors• Atmospheric factors



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1. Structural factorsStructural factors are not responsible for the ignition of a wildfire but they will influence the behaviour of a fire and the speed at which it will spread. Examples of structural factors include (among others):


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1. Structural factorsStructural factors are not responsible for the ignition of a wildfire but they will influence the behaviour of a fire and the speed at which it will spread. Examples of structural factors include (among others): •Fuel characteristics: In a wildfire, vegetation acts as fuel for the fire. Some plants will burn more easily or faster than others.


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1. Structural factorsStructural factors are not responsible for the ignition of a wildfire but they will influence the behaviour of a fire and the speed at which it will spread. Examples of structural factors include (among others): •Fuel characteristics: In a wildfire, vegetation acts as fuel for the fire. Some plants will burn more easily or faster than others. •Topography of the terrain: For example, a fire spreads faster when on a slope rather than a flat terrain. Also if the slope looks to the south, it will receive a lot of direct sunlight as opposed to a slope looking to the north which will be in the shade. In the areas more exposed to the sun, the fuel is lighter and drier, making the fire more active.


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1. Structural factorsStructural factors are not responsible for the ignition of a wildfire but they will influence the behaviour of a fire and the speed at which it will spread. Examples of structural factors include (among others): •Fuel characteristics: In a wildfire, vegetation acts as fuel for the fire. Some plants will burn more easily or faster than others. •Topography of the terrain: For example, a fire spreads faster when on a slope rather than a flat terrain. Also if the slope looks to the south, it will receive a lot of direct sunlight as opposed to a slope looking to the north which will be in the shade. In the areas more exposed to the sun, the fuel is lighter and drier, making the fire more active.•The accumulation of fuels (vegetation) on hills and mountains when they are not maintained properly.


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1. Structural factorsStructural factors are not responsible for the ignition of a wildfire but they will influence the behaviour of a fire and the speed at which it will spread. Examples of structural factors include (among others): •Fuel characteristics: In a wildfire, vegetation acts as fuel for the fire. Some plants will burn more easily or faster than others. •Topography of the terrain: For example, a fire spreads faster when on a slope rather than a flat terrain. Also if the slope looks to the south, it will receive a lot of direct sunlight as opposed to a slope looking to the north which will be in the shade. In the areas more exposed to the sun, the fuel is lighter and drier, making the fire more active.•The accumulation of fuels (vegetation) on hills and mountains when they are not maintained properly.•The lack of infrastructures to support the suppression of wildfires such as firebreaks, water points, etc.


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2. Atmospheric factorsAtmospheric factors can influence fire behaviour and spread. Weather is perhaps the most important and the most changeable factor and the most likely factor to cause an unpredictable change in a wildfire.


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2. Atmospheric factorsAtmospheric factors can influence fire behaviour and spread. Weather is perhaps the most important and the most changeable factor and the most likely factor to cause an unpredictable change in a wildfire. •Temperature of the atmosphere: Radiation, sun exposure of the fuel, time of the day


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2. Atmospheric factorsAtmospheric factors can influence fire behaviour and spread. Weather is perhaps the most important and the most changeable factor and the most likely factor to cause an unpredictable change in a wildfire. •Temperature of the atmosphere: Radiation, sun exposure of the fuel, time of the day•Wind: It transports heat, provides oxygen and humidity to fuel, drives the fire in a particular direction, and may cause unpredictable movement of the fire when the wind suddenly changes direction.


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2. Atmospheric factorsAtmospheric factors can influence fire behaviour and spread. Weather is perhaps the most important and the most changeable factor and the most likely factor to cause an unpredictable change in a wildfire. •Temperature of the atmosphere: Radiation, sun exposure of the fuel, time of the day•Wind: It transports heat, provides oxygen and humidity to fuel, drives the fire in a particular direction, and may cause unpredictable movement of the fire when the wind suddenly changes direction.•Atmospheric humidity and precipitations: Increases moisture content within a fuel which reduces the risk of ignition of a fire. In the reverse situation, drier weather conditions can remove moisture from fuels, making vegetation drier and increasing the risk of a fire igniting. Fires burning in drier fuel are also more difficult to control as the fire often spreads more rapidly than in fuel with higher moisture content.


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High risk season for wildfire

The Andalusian example:In Andalusia (a Region in southern Spain), the year has been divided between high, medium and low risk for wildfires.



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The Andalusian example:In Andalusia (a Region in southern Spain), the year has been divided between high, medium and low risk for wildfires.• High risk season: from 1 July to 30 September.



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The Andalusian example:In Andalusia (a Region in southern Spain), the year has been divided between high, medium and low risk for wildfires.• High risk season: from 1 July to 30 September.• Medium risk season: from 1 May to 30 July and from 1 October to 31 October.



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The Andalusian example:In Andalusia (a Region in southern Spain), the year has been divided between high, medium and low risk for wildfires.• High risk season: from 1 July to 30 September.• Medium risk season: from 1 May to 30 July and from 1 October to 31 October.• Low risk season: from 1 January to 30 April and from 1 November to 31 December.



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Important: Wildfires can start at any time of year, if conditions are right. Even if it is not the high risk season there can still be a wildfire!

Do you know when is the high risk season for wildfires in your

area/country?


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Example: The autumn and the first part of the winter of 2015 was particularly dry in Spain: the North of Spain experienced more than 100 wildfires in December of that year. In the region of Cantabria alone, more than 2.000 hectares of land was burned. The situation was made worse by strong winds that were blowing in this part of Spain at the time. Although 99% of fires were caused intentionally, they would not have spread so easily without the dry and windy weather conditions.

Important: Wildfires can start at any time of year, if conditions are right. Even if it is not the high risk season there can still be a wildfire!

Do you know when is the high risk season for wildfires in your

area/country?


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High risk season for wildfire in the UK

Important: Wildfires can start at any time of year in the UK, if conditions are right. Some wildfires have burned while there has been snow on the ground!

Image courtesy of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service


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Example: Broadly speaking, the UK has two periods each year when wildfire risk is at its highest. However, weather conditions mean that the precise time when risk is highest tends to vary:




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Example: Broadly speaking, the UK has two periods each year when wildfire risk is at its highest. However, weather conditions mean that the precise time when risk is highest tends to vary: • Spring – After the winter thaw, before vegetation has started to grow again

(approx. February to April)




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Example: Broadly speaking, the UK has two periods each year when wildfire risk is at its highest. However, weather conditions mean that the precise time when risk is highest tends to vary: • Spring – After the winter thaw, before vegetation has started to grow again

(approx. February to April) • Summer – When temperatures are higher and rainfall is low (approx. June to

September)




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Is there a risk of wildfires in your area? If you don’t know, ask your local fire and rescue service.In some countries, like Spain, the law states that if you live in an area listed as “at risk of wildfires” you must fulfil a number of obligations to prevent and prepare for wildfire.

Do I live in an area at risk?

Example of an area listed as “at risk in Spain.Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía


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While the UK does not have similar laws to those in Spain, there may be things you can do to reduce the risk of igniting a wildfire or reduce the risk of a wildfire spreading. Read the rest of this module to find out what you can do and ask your local fire and rescue service for advice.




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While the UK does not have similar laws to those in Spain, there may be things you can do to reduce the risk of igniting a wildfire or reduce the risk of a wildfire spreading. Read the rest of this module to find out what you can do and ask your local fire and rescue service for advice. The UK does, however, have regulations that restrict and control the burning of vegetation. Part of the purpose of these regulations is to prevent wildfires. If you burn vegetation, you should be aware and follow the relevant burning regulations:




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While the UK does not have similar laws to those in Spain, there may be things you can do to reduce the risk of igniting a wildfire or reduce the risk of a wildfire spreading. Read the rest of this module to find out what you can do and ask your local fire and rescue service for advice. The UK does, however, have regulations that restrict and control the burning of vegetation. Part of the purpose of these regulations is to prevent wildfires. If you burn vegetation, you should be aware and follow the relevant burning regulations:• England and Wales –

Heather and Grass Burning Regulations• Scotland – Muirburn Code



https://www.gov.uk/guidance/heather-and-grass-burning-apply-for-a-licence

http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2011/08/09125203/0

http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2011/08/09125203/0


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Part 1: Prevention

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A WILDFIRE?


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Part 1: PreventionThe signs of a wildfire

There are a few signs that may indicate a wildfire. Make sure you know what these are and stay aware if you see them.

The first sign is a big column of smoke.

Signs of a wildfire



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Part 1: PreventionThe signs of a wildfire

Other common signs of wildfires are burning smells and restless/ fleeing animals.

Signs of a wildfire

Source: Yellowstone National Park Service – U:S: Department of the Interior


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Part 1: Prevention

WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF WILDFIRES?


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Part 1: PreventionWildfires - Impact

The impacts and consequences of wildfires go beyond their impact on wildlife and nature. Wildfires affect the human and economic development of local areas and regions, potentially generating poverty, destroying infrastructure (roads, supply of electricity, water, gas ...), decreasing agricultural production, adversely affecting health and education, etc.

The consequences of a wildfire will depend on the area affected and the size/importance of the fire.


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Source: Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency

Part 1: Prevention Wildfires - Impact

Impact on the soil:Wildfires decrease the acidity in the ground (increasing the the PH), which creates difficulties for the germination and development of some species of plants. During wildfires, the temperature of the surface of the ground can get very high. This can dry and destroy the organic material within the soil, which may reduce the ability for the soil to support plant and crop growth


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Impact on the soil:Wildfires decrease the acidity in the ground (increasing the the PH), which creates difficulties for the germination and development of some species of plants. During wildfires, the temperature of the surface of the ground can get very high. This can dry and destroy the organic material within the soil, which may reduce the ability for the soil to support plant and crop growthAfter a wildfire, a waterproof layer can form on the surface of the ground which stops of water from penetrating. This can result in water pooling and flowing across the surface of the soil which can then lead to the washing away of the surface layer of the soil (a process called soil erosion).


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Impact on water:

Water can become contaminated with ash. This can kill or harm aquatic plants and animals. Water sources used for drinking water may also need to be treated to make the water drinkable – this can be very costly.



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Impact on the atmosphere:

Wildfires release gases like carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, etc. into the atmosphere. These gases contribute to the greenhouse effect which is responsible for global warming and climate change.



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Impact on the atmosphere:

Wildfires release gases like carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, etc. into the atmosphere. These gases contribute to the greenhouse effect which is responsible for global warming and climate change.

The smoke generated by wildfires can also affect the health of local people (sometimes causing breathing difficulties) and can disrupt road, rail and air travel



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Impact on the vegetation:

Wildfires can kill vegetation. They can also eliminate species that are not resistant to fire.

There is some evidence, however, that wildfires/fires can be beneficial to some types of vegetation, particularly those classified as fire dependent



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FIRE DEPENDENT SPECIESFire dependent species are plant species that need fire in order to help them germinate and reproduce or they need fire to regulate competition from other species. Without fires, these species would become extinct.




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FIRE DEPENDENT SPECIESFire dependent species are plant species that need fire in order to help them germinate and reproduce or they need fire to regulate competition from other species. Without fires, these species would become extinct.

EXAMPLE: Certain types of pine tree are fire-dependent.

Fire dependent species may colonise large areas and form a fire dependent ecosystem. The ecosystem requires fire in order to survive.




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FIRE ADAPTED SPECIESThere are also fire-adapted species of plants and animals. These species are not dependent upon fire (i.e. they can survive without it) but they have developed the ability to recover, react and/or evolve after wildfires.




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FIRE ADAPTED SPECIESThere are also fire-adapted species of plants and animals. These species are not dependent upon fire (i.e. they can survive without it) but they have developed the ability to recover, react and/or evolve after wildfires.

So, fire is not always a bad thing for vegetation! The overall impact of wildfires on vegetation depends upon a number of factors, including but not limited to: location, type of vegetation, fire duration, fire intensity and severity.




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Impact on the fauna:

Wildfires can kill animals, burn and remove animal habitat and reduce the amount of food and water available to animals. The video on the next page provides more details of how animals can be effected by wildfires.



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Socio-economic impact:



•Loss of goods in the fire: vehicles, houses, sheepfold, fences, beehives, etc.


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•Loss of goods in the fire: vehicles, houses, sheepfold, fences, beehives, etc.•Loss in production agriculture and forestry: wood, firewood, cork, grass for pasture, heather for habitat etc.


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•Loss of goods in the fire: vehicles, houses, sheepfold, fences, beehives, etc.•Loss in production agriculture and forestry: wood, firewood, cork, grass for pasture, heather for habitat etc.•Damage to infrastructure: roads, farms, etc.


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•Loss of goods in the fire: vehicles, houses, sheepfold, fences, beehives, etc.•Loss in production agriculture and forestry: wood, firewood, cork, grass for pasture, heather for habitat etc.•Damage to infrastructure: roads, farms, etc.•Damage to tourist infrastructure and tourism sector losses


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Impact of wildfires close or within urban areas


Wildfires that burn close or within urban areas are extremely dangerous because:


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Wildfires that burn close or within urban areas are extremely dangerous because: • Smoke limits people’s ability to see;


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Wildfires that burn close or within urban areas are extremely dangerous because: • Smoke limits people’s ability to see;• Burning embers from the fire may start secondary fires away from the main fire which may then spread


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Wildfires that burn close or within urban areas are extremely dangerous because: • Smoke limits people’s ability to see;• Burning embers from the fire may start secondary fires away from the main fire which may then spread• Wildfires can spread through vegetation, gardens (hedges, plants, etc.) flammable materials and even enter and burn houses and buildings;


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Wildfires that burn close or within urban areas are extremely dangerous because: • Smoke limits people’s ability to see;• Burning embers from the fire may start secondary fires away from the main fire which may then spread• Wildfires can spread through vegetation, gardens (hedges, plants, etc.) flammable materials and even enter and burn houses and buildings;• Local people may need to be evacuated and that generates other risks (road traffic collisions, danger of entrapment from the fire, people near to emergency service responders etc.)


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In 2005, 179,800 hectares of forests were destroyed in Spain. This large area burned was mainly due to one fire that burned within the province of Guadalajara. It had tragic consequences for those involved in suppression - 11 workers died in the area of Ribas de Saelices (Guadalajara) where 12,732 hectares of forest were destroyed due to a fire started by a barbecue. The fire burned from 16th to 21st July 2005. This was one of the most destructive wildfires ever in Spain.(Source: el mundo of 01 July 2012 http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2012/07/01/espana/1341161107.html) Guadalajara wildfire (2005) – view from

the air

Example of a wildfire disaster: 2005, Guadalajara (Spain)

http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2012/07/01/espana/1341161107.html


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Black Saturday resulted from some of the worst fire conditions ever recorded in the State of Victoria, Australia. Record-high temperatures and strong winds after a season of intense drought set the bush alight across the state, causing widespread devastation. 173 people were killed and more than 2,000 homes destroyed. Click here to see images of before and after the recovery.(Source: Austrialian Geographic – 03 November 2011 http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2011/11/the-worst-bushfires-in-australias-history/)

Source: Victorian 2009 Bushfires - Steels Creek - Daniel Cleaveley)

Example of wildfire disaster:Black Saturday – Bushfires in Victoria (Austrialia) - 7-8 Feb

2009

http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2011/02/gallery-black-saturday-bushfires-the-aftermath

http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2011/02/gallery-black-saturday-bushfires-the-aftermath

http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2011/11/the-worst-bushfires-in-australias-history/

http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2011/11/the-worst-bushfires-in-australias-history/


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Example of wildfire disaster:Yellowstone National Park (USA) - 1988

Facts about the 1988 Yellowstone National Park wildfires:

Source: Yellowstone National Park Service – U:S: Department of the

interior


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Facts about the 1988 Yellowstone National Park wildfires:•9 fires were caused by humans; 42 were caused by lightning. The season had been unusually dry.


interior


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Facts about the 1988 Yellowstone National Park wildfires:•9 fires were caused by humans; 42 were caused by lightning. The season had been unusually dry.•Fires began outside of the park and burned into the park.


interior


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Facts about the 1988 Yellowstone National Park wildfires:•9 fires were caused by humans; 42 were caused by lightning. The season had been unusually dry.•Fires began outside of the park and burned into the park. •In Yellowstone National Park itself, the fires affected—but did not “devastate”—793,880 acres or 36 percent of the total park area.


interior


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Facts about the 1988 Yellowstone National Park wildfires:•9 fires were caused by humans; 42 were caused by lightning. The season had been unusually dry.•Fires began outside of the park and burned into the park. •In Yellowstone National Park itself, the fires affected—but did not “devastate”—793,880 acres or 36 percent of the total park area. •About 300 large mammals perished as a direct result of the fires: 246 elk, 9 bison, 4 mule deer, 2 moose.


interior


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Example of wildfires disasters:Yellowstone National Park (USA) - 1988

More facts about the 1988 Yellowstone wildfires:• The 1988 fires comprised the largest fire-fighting

effort in the United States up to that time: —$120 million was spent fighting the fires. 25,000 people were involved in helping to fight the fires.


interior


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Example of wildfires disasters:Yellowstone National Park (USA) - 1988

More facts about the 1988 Yellowstone wildfires:• The 1988 fires comprised the largest fire-fighting

effort in the United States up to that time: —$120 million was spent fighting the fires. 25,000 people were involved in helping to fight the fires.

• Firefighters saved human life and property, but they could do little to control or stop the fires because weather and drought caused extreme fire behaviour and made the fires behave in unusual ways.

(Source: Yellowstone National Park Service – U:S: Department of the interior, “Fire Supplement – The Yellowstone Fires of 1988” http://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/upload/firesupplement.pdf)


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http://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/upload/firesupplement.pdf


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Part 1: Prevention

HOW TO PREVENT WILDFIRES


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Part 1: PreventionPrevention of wildfires

General recommendations

• Do not start fires when you are in the countryside, forests, or mountains:

DO NOT


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• Do not start fires when you are in the countryside, forests, or mountains:• This include not starting a barbeque or a campfire during the high risk

season for wildfires Even a small spark or flame can start a disaster!

DO NOT


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• Do not start fires when you are in the countryside, forests, or mountains:• This include not starting a barbeque or a campfire during the high risk

season for wildfires Even a small spark or flame can start a disaster! • Even outside of the high risk season, do not start a fire if the weather is

warm, dry and/or windy – these conditions are favourable for spreading wildfires.

DO NOT


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• Do not throw cigarettes or burning objects onto the ground

DO NOT


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• Do not throw cigarettes or burning objects onto the ground• Do not throw cigarettes or other burning objects out of vehicles.

DO NOT


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• Do not throw cigarettes or burning objects onto the ground• Do not throw cigarettes or other burning objects out of vehicles. • Do not throw paper, plastic, glass or any kind of residue or combustible

material onto the ground – these can start or help spread a fire.

DO NOT


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• Do not throw cigarettes or burning objects onto the ground• Do not throw cigarettes or other burning objects out of vehicles. • Do not throw paper, plastic, glass or any kind of residue or combustible

material onto the ground – these can start or help spread a fire. • Be aware that exhaust pipes and catalytic converters on vehicles can get

very hot and if put in contact with dry vegetation may start a fire. When you park your vehicle, make sure there is no vegetation in contact with the exhaust or catalytic converter.

DO NOT


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• Extinguish your cigarette completely and dispose of it in a rubbish bin.

DO


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• Extinguish your cigarette completely and dispose of it in a rubbish bin.• Put all of your rubbish into a bin for disposal. If there are no bins, take your

rubbish with you.

DO


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rubbish with you. • Always check the weather conditions before setting up a barbeque, camp

fire or fireworks. If it is warm, dry or windy then consider if there may be a risk that a fire or fireworks might start a wildfire.

DO


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rubbish with you. • Always check the weather conditions before setting up a barbeque, camp

fire or fireworks. If it is warm, dry or windy then consider if there may be a risk that a fire or fireworks might start a wildfire.

• If you do start a camp fire, barbeque or fireworks then make sure you have water and other means (such as sand) to extinguish the fire completely.

DO


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Part 1: Prevention Prevention of wildfires

Prevention steps for those living in areas at risk

A zone where an urban area meets a rural area. The rural-urban interface (RUI) brings people and property close to vegetation, which can create wildfire risks and where wildfire prevention should be considered. Isolated houses in woodland, scattered housing, housing estates, rural populations, as well as the edges of large cities are all examples of RUI areas where protection and prevention against wildfires should be considered.

Example of a forest – urban interface.Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía

What is a rural-urban interface?


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Prevention steps for those living in areas at risk

Learn more about preventing wildfires in the RUI by watching the video on the next page about the Forest Fire Prevention Guide

Example of a forest – urban interface.Image courtesy of Junta de Andalucía


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Housing estates, in or near rural areas, may be threatened by wildfires. Making them more resistant and safe is a responsibility for all residents.


General prevention measures to protect housing estates



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Housing estates, in or near rural areas, may be threatened by wildfires. Making them more resistant and safe is a responsibility for all residents. If you live in an area which is near or adjacent to vegetation you should, where possible, try to remove combustible vegetation from the area immediately surrounding your home to provide protection from possible wildfires.





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Housing estates, in or near rural areas, may be threatened by wildfires. Making them more resistant and safe is a responsibility for all residents. If you live in an area which is near or adjacent to vegetation you should, where possible, try to remove combustible vegetation from the area immediately surrounding your home to provide protection from possible wildfires. In Spain, it is recommended that there is a vegetation free strip around housing estates of at least 15 metres wide. Even a smaller strip would, however, provide some protection to your home.





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If you live in higher risk areas you should also:• Maintain the roadsides of private roads - keep a strip

at least 1 metre wide free of vegetation



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at least 1 metre wide free of vegetation• Clear away gardening and forestry residues as soon

as possible – if they are left then they may dry out and become a potential fuel for a wildfire.



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• Keep trees pruned and free of dead branches with cups separated from ground vegetation as well as from housing. Image courtesy of Junta de

Andalucía


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• Keep trees pruned and free of dead branches with cups separated from ground vegetation as well as from housing.

• Make sure that trees and other vegetation does not grow close to or touch overhead electrical power lines. Be careful, seek specialist help if you have vegetation touching or near to power lines.



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Specific prevention measures for houses and gardensOther measures you can take to help protect your home from wildfires

include:• Using fire-resistant species in the garden, especially in hedges. Do not use flammable hedges and fences at the edge of your home/land.



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include:• Using fire-resistant species in the garden, especially in hedges. Do not use flammable hedges and fences at the edge of your home/land. • Make a fire resistant plot, limiting or eliminating flammable vegetation in the garden.



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include:• Using fire-resistant species in the garden, especially in hedges. Do not use flammable hedges and fences at the edge of your home/land. • Make a fire resistant plot, limiting or eliminating flammable vegetation in the garden.• Keep your roof, decking & guttering in good condition and free of debris. (5)



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include:• Using fire-resistant species in the garden, especially in hedges. Do not use flammable hedges and fences at the edge of your home/land. • Make a fire resistant plot, limiting or eliminating flammable vegetation in the garden.• Keep your roof, decking & guttering in good condition and free of debris. (5)• Remove vegetation (tree branches, etc.) that grows above the house. Special attention should be paid to chimneys (you could cover them with a spark arrestor cap to provide additional protection). (6)



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include:• Using fire-resistant species in the garden, especially in hedges. Do not use flammable hedges and fences at the edge of your home/land. • Make a fire resistant plot, limiting or eliminating flammable vegetation in the garden.• Keep your roof, decking & guttering in good condition and free of debris. (5)• Remove vegetation (tree branches, etc.) that grows above the house. Special attention should be paid to chimneys (you could cover them with a spark arrestor cap to provide additional protection). (6)• Do not pile materials, products and flammable objects on your property. Regularly clean the area around the house, especially close to walls, doors and windows.



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include:• Using fire-resistant species in the garden, especially in hedges. Do not use flammable hedges and fences at the edge of your home/land. • Make a fire resistant plot, limiting or eliminating flammable vegetation in the garden.• Keep your roof, decking & guttering in good condition and free of debris. (5)• Remove vegetation (tree branches, etc.) that grows above the house. Special attention should be paid to chimneys (you could cover them with a spark arrestor cap to provide additional protection). (6)• Do not pile materials, products and flammable objects on your property. Regularly clean the area around the house, especially close to walls, doors and windows.• Remove vegetation around other potential hazards on your property such as fuel tanks. (7)



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Protection of isolated housesIsolated dwellings in forested areas are more vulnerable to wildfires. The following preventive measures can make them less vulnerable:



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Protection of isolated housesIsolated dwellings in forested areas are more vulnerable to wildfires. The following preventive measures can make them less vulnerable:• Promoting common preventive actions among those living in the area (e.g. creating and maintaining firebreaks around clusters of homes and buildings).



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Protection of isolated housesIsolated dwellings in forested areas are more vulnerable to wildfires. The following preventive measures can make them less vulnerable:• Promoting common preventive actions among those living in the area (e.g. creating and maintaining firebreaks around clusters of homes and buildings). • Creating a safety zone around the house, with less vegetation and free of dry grass, weeds or other flammable materials.



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Part 1: Prevention

We hope you enjoyed this module! The content of this module was developed thanks to the support of the Junta de Andalucía and the e-PPR Partners, unless specified otherwise.


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This educational resource has been produced by the partners of the e-PPR Project (e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters) with the support of the Erasmus+ programme.

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