living with fire 2010

LIVING WITH FIREA Homeowner’s Guide July 2010

Sierra CountyPlumas County

Published by: In conjunction with:

• Living With Fire Wednesday, July 28, 2010

HUMAN BEHAVIOR IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS FIRE BEHAVIOR IN SAVING YOUR HOME BEFORE THE FIRE DURING THE FIRE AFTER THE FIRE

Prior to the fire, this homeowner changed the roof material from wood shakes to fire-resistant tiles and reduced the amount of flammable vegetation surrounding the home. These pre-fire activities helped this house survive the fire.

BEFORE THE FIRE DURING THE FIRE AFTER THE FIRE

Home SurvivabilityWhy do some houses survive a wildfire, while others are destroyed? Research findings prove thathouse survival during a wildfire is not random, miraculous or “dumb luck.” Rather it is how thehouse is built, the characteristics of the surrounding vegetation, and routine maintenance that oftendetermine which homes burn and survive.

Pre-fire actions completed before a wildfire, by the resident, often determine the survivability ofstructures. The “winners” will be those people who implement and maintain pre-fire activities.The homeowner has the largest role in determining whether or not a structure burns in a wildfire.Photo courtesy Jack Cohen, USFS

Living in a High Wildfire Hazard AreaThe potential for loss of human life and property due towildfire in Plumas and Sierra counties is growing. In re-sponse, local, state, federal, private, and nonprofit organiza-tions have banded together to create Living With Fire, awildfire threat reduction program for homeowners.

The Living With Fire program is not about fire prevention.Its purpose is to teach people how to live more safely withthe threat of wildfire. For many areas in our two counties,it is not a question of “if ” wildfire will occur, but “when.”

. . . helping Plumas and Sierra County residents live more safely with the threat of wildfire

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 Living With Fire • Page 19

PC FSC PLANS PC FSC Has developed a number of plans to assist homeowner and communities better understand the risks, mitigation

measures and if necessary preparations for evacuations.

Community Wildfire Protection Plan PC FSC has a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) which was developed to outline the risks and hazards associated with a wildland fire threat to Plumas County communities and to identify potential mitigation measures. The Plumas County Communities Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan is intended to provide documentation of implementing actions designed to reduce wildfire risk to homes and communities through education and outreach programs, the development of partnerships, and implementation of preventative activities such as hazardous fuel reduction, defensible space, land use, or building codes. A CWPP is necessary for FSC’s to obtain funding assistance from the Departments of Agriculture, Interior, State of California, and other grantors. Important Information provided in the Plan includes:

�� Fire frequency and history �� Wildfire Threats to communities & homes �� Wildland fire behavior factors, influences, and elements affecting

property and resource damage. �� Maps of Fire History, communities at risk, land ownership, fire

protection districts and others �� Mitigation strategies are prioritized by zone, with the highest priority

being the structure ignition zone and working outward. o� Mitigation strategies areas of focus:

A. Information, Education, and Planning B. Reducing Structure Ignitability C. Enhancing Suppression Capabilities and Public Safety D. Hazardous Fuel Reduction Mitigation strategies

http://www.plumasfiresafe.org/fire_plan.htm

Plumas County Fuels Assessment & Strategy The Fuels Assessment and Strategy was developed to provide citizens, communities, land managers, and decision makers, a better understanding of the fuel hazard across Plumas County, especially within the community wildland-urban interface. Projected fire behavior is displayed for the County with fuel treatment recommendations. It helps to develop a priority-based strategy for addressing the risk." http://www.plumasfiresafe.org/assessment.htm

PC FSC Board MembersBrian West,Mike CallaghanJay SkuttAndy AndersonJim Hamblin

Frank StewartDale MeeseAllan SetzerMike De LaseauxScott Abrams

Will you be ready for Wildland Fire?Have you done all you can to protect your home before wildfire strikes? Do you know what to do iffire is approaching? Do you know what to do when evacuating and where to go? Do you know whatto do if wildfire strikes your community? IF NOT, THIS BROCHURE MAY BE OF HELP TO YOU.

http://www.plumasfiresafe.org/evac.htm

WILDLAND FIRE PREPARATION & EVACUATION PLANPLUMAS COUNTY

Greenhorn 1990 Portola 1988

What is the Plumas County Fire Safe Council (PC FSC) PC FSC was organized in 1998, became a non-profit corporation in 2002, and has since worked very hard to provide community support for wildfire mitigation countywide.

PC FSC Mission Statement: “To reduce the loss of natural and manmade resources caused by wildfire through Firewisecommunity programs and pre-fire activities.”

is a natural part of our environment. Forest andrangelands were burning long before Sierra County was settled in the 1800ʼs. Whether you are a full time resident orvacation homeowner, you need to think about the very realpossibility of a major wildfire threatening your community.

This is where defensible space comes in, California State Law (PRC 4291) requires you to havedefensible space. The best thing you can do is to make sure your home can stand alone. Thehomeowner is the most important person when it comes to preparing for a wildfire. You need tounderstand your local fire threat and learn what to do about it.

The Sierra County Fire Safe and Watershed Council is a non-profit corporation made up of con-cerned citizens who recognize the need to raise public awareness of wildfire related issues. Con-tact the Council to schedule a free Defensible Space Consultation at 530-249-0444.


Forest Survival following the Stream Fire – Prior to the fire, surface,ladder, and canopy fuels were thinned and removed, creating a fire re-silient stand which survived the fire. (Photo by Jerry Hurley)

Forest Death following the Stream Fire – Like too much of our forests,this is an example of post-fire effects on untreated stands following thecatastrophic stand-replacing wildfire. (Photo by Jerry Hurley)

Protecting Your Community From Destruction by Wildfire So all the homes in your community are prepared for a wildfire.

• What about the areas between the homes and around the community? • The Forest: Trees, Wildlife Habitat, View, Aesthetics, and Reasons you chose to live there?

Experience & Science shows that not only homes, but that forests can survive a wildfire. What is Needed? Reducing fuel loading in the community zone will minimize fire damage on areas which include vacant lots, common areas, green belts, and undeveloped lands surrounding communities. Fuel treatment in this zone will not only protect more homes, but the beauty, trees, and wildlife which surround homes. Key to reducing catastrophic stand replacing wildfire in the community zone is Hazardous Fuel Reduction (HFR). This requires creating horizontal and vertical separation of plants and trees, while removing excess fuel. Similar to the 30-100 foot reduced fuel zone (see pages 12-14). PC FSC has worked in 15 communities to reduce hazardous fuels, on 2,500 acres, in and around those communities since 2003. Does it work? “The Angora Fire demonstrated that some houses had burned due to a lack of defensible space and/or continuous fuelbeds, such as pine needles, that lay adjacent to burnable parts of the homes. Conversely, many homes were protected or had spot fires extinguished by firefighters who were able to take “close-in” suppression actions because defensible space and other fuels treatments provided safety zones in which they could safely work” The Emergency California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission Report, May 2008 Key Report Findings. Angora Fire preliminary fire effects assessment Ongoing study. Report Version 2: July 19, 2007 Hugh Safford, Regional Ecologist, Pacific SW Region Angora fuels treatments 1996-2005:

•� Fuels treatments significantly reduced tree canopy continuity and surface fuels in the area adjacent to the Tahoe Paradise subdivision,

•� Fuels treatments significantly decreased tree mortality (77% in untreated areas, versus about 21% in treated areas) •� Fuels treatments significantly lowered flame lengths and reduced the effects of fire to the tree canopy (32 feet in the untreated

area, compared to about 7.5 feet in treated area) •� Fuels treatments in the Angora Creek area significantly changed fire behavior, reduced fire effects to the ecosystem, and acted

to slow and ameliorate the intensity of the fire as it approached homes in the Tahoe Paradise subdivision View the entire report at: http://www.foresthealth.org/pdf/Safford_AngoraFireEffects_v2_7-19-07.pdf Fire Behavior and Effects Relating to Suppression, Fuel Treatments, and Protected Areas on the Antelope Complex, Wheeler Fire- August 2007

• Treated areas had significantly reduced fire behavior and tree and soil impacts compared to untreated areas. • Treated areas were utilized during suppression along several flanks of the fire for both direct attack with dozers and handcrews, as well as for indirect attack with burn operations.

View the entire report at: http://www.qlg.org/pub/miscdoc/antelopefireanalysis.pdf Cone Fire Tests Fuel Reduction Treatment Effectiveness In 2002, a wildfire burned through a study area, in the Blacks Mountain Experimental Forest, where varying fuel treatment methods were employed. Results indicate that there was much less mortality in the treated stands than the untreated stands. For more information go to: www.fs.fed.us/psw/programs/ecology_of_western_forests/projects/cone_fire_new/

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 Living With Fire •

Wildfire will threaten your house in three ways…

CONTACT BY FLAMES

This type of threat occurs when vegetation and other fuels burning near the house produce flames that come in contact with the home and ignite it. Often, it happens when fire burns through a uniform layer of vegetation right up to the house. Direct contact by flames is probably what most homeowners visualize when they think of a house burning during wildfire.

RADIATED HEAT Radiated heat melted the vinyl siding on this house. Flames never came in contact with it. Radiated heat is produced by invisible electromagnetic waves that travel out in all directions from a flame. When a house receives enough radiated heat for sufficient time, it will ignite. Sometimes radiated heat can burst windows and allow burning embers to enter the house.

FLYING EMBERS More houses burn due to flying embers than any other reason. If fire conditions are right, ember can be lofted high into the air and transported more than a mile. Burning embers can also be carried by wind and fire whirls. If these burning embers land in easily ignitable materials, a new fire can start.

“It is not where your home is located that necessarily determines the ignition risk. It’s how ignitable the house is as determined by the Home Ignition Zone” Jack Cohen, USFS Fire Researcher

What can homeowners & communities do to reduce wildfire threat?The Living With Wildfire threat reduction recommendations are presented according to four zones….

Community Zone This zone is outside and between the Defensible Space Zones. Efforts are to minimize fire damage on undeveloped areas which include vacant lots, common areas, green belts, and undeveloped lands.

Built Zone This zone provides recommendations for home construction.

Access Zone This zone provides suggestions that help emergency responders locate your home in a timely manner.

Defensible Space Zone This zone pertains to the vegetation surrounding your home, both ornamental and landscape plants and native plants.

"It is not where your home is located that necessarily determines the ignition risk. It's how ignitable the house is as determinedby the Home Ignition Zone"Jack Cohen, USFS Fire Researcher


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For more information visit:www.plumasfiresafe.org/equin.htm

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FIRESAFETYfor HorseOwners

Tips for minimizing thethreat to you and

your horse during a wildfire.

Special Thanks & Acknowledgement Living With Fire: A Guide for the Homeowner, was writtenby Ed Smith, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension,with assistance from Sonya Sistare, Living With Fire pro-gram assistant. Graphic design provided by Lucy Walker, Office of Market-ing and Communications, University of Nevada, Reno. Il-lustration services provided by Kirah Van Sickle and Ani-mania, LLC. Funding for that project was provided by a National FirePlan grant from the USDA Forest Service/Nevada Divisionof Forestry. For more information about Living With Fire, contact EdSmith, (775)782-9960 or [email protected]; or SonyaSistare, (775)784-4848 or [email protected].

Copyright © 2005 3rd edition - July, 2005

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This zone provides suggestions that help emergency responders locate your home in a timely manner and to provide emergency equipment and personnel SAFE access to structures, while allowing residents to concurrently evacuate SAFELY.

Access Zone

Turnarounds: Homes located at the end of long driveways or dead end roads should have turnaround areas suitable for large fire equipment. Turnarounds can be a cul-de-sac with at least a 45-foot radius or a location suitable for a three-point turn.

Street Signs: Street signs should be posted at each intersection leading to your home. Sign characters should be at least 3 inches high, reflective, and non-combustible.

Address: The home address should be visible from the street, made of reflective, non-combustible material with characters at least 3 inches high

Turnouts: Homes located along long narrow dead end streets and driveways over 800 feet should have turnouts every 400 feet that will allow two-way traffic.

Driveway Clearance: Remove vegetation from both sides of the driveway, extending at least 10 feet and at least a 15-foot vertical clearance above driveway.

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Want to Burn Your Yard Debris?

Residents in Plumas County are urged to do their debris

burning during winter or early spring, but be careful as we transition from spring to early summer. Escaped debris burns are the number one cause of human caused fires on the Plumas National Forest. Escaped debris burns are often the result of a pile left unattended or burning when windy. Debris burning can be a very effective means of reducing fire hazards around your home and land if handled properly and safely. However, remember that the person doing the burning is financially responsible for suppression costs and damages if the debris burn escapes. Also remember that burning out of hours could result in an emergency fire dispatch to your home, in which you may be cited and charged for the personnel and equipment time. Burning Permits are required beginning May 1st through June 30th. A burn ban is in effect from July 1st through October yearly regardless of the weather. Please follow these fire-safe guidelines while burning:

� Green or wet vegetation should be dried 3-6 weeks before burning to reduce your smoke impact on the community. Fire Prevention specialists recommend covering your burn piles with plastic or similar material in the fall before the rain to allow for easy ignition of the piles during very wet weather. � Keep pile size at 4 feet in diameter or less. If burn piles

are larger than 4’ x 4’ , a special permit is needed and the piles must be inspected by a District Fire Prevention Officer.

� Make sure area within 10 feet of outer edge of pile is free and clear of any vegetation on the ground. Construct your control lines down to mineral soil. � An adult must be in attendance with a shovel until the

fire is dead out. � A water supply is required at the burning site. � Don’t burn when windy. � Have in possession a valid burning permit. � Make sure your fire is out! Check the burn area before

leaving it, even after you think it is dead out.

•Burn only on days approved by the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District. Call any of the following numbers to find out if it is a permissive burn day:

Escaped debris burns are the number one cause of human-caused fireson the Plumas National Forest.

Plumas:Portola: 832-4528 Quincy: 283-3602Greenville: 284-6520 Chester: 258-2588

Sierra:Eastern Sierra County: 994-3561 Western Sierra County: 289-3662

Note: For air quality reasons, burning is banned completely at any time throughoutthe year in the downtown Quincy and East Quincy portions of the American Valley.

To obtain a burning permit or have your questions answered regarding residentialburning, please contact or visit a local Forest Service or Cal Fire Office:

Mt. Hough Ranger District Office- 39696 State Highway 70, Quincy, Ca. -283-0555Greenville Work Center- 122 Hot Springs Road Greenville, Ca. - 284-7126Beckwourth Ranger District Office- Mohawk Road, Blairsden, Ca. - 836-2575Almanor Ranger District Office- Highway 36, Chester, Ca. – 258-2141Sierraville Ranger District Office- 317 S. Lincoln St., Sierraville, Ca. – 994-3401Cal Fire – Westwood Fire Station – 3rd and Greenwood, Westwood, Ca. – 256-3203Cal Fire – Truckee Fire Station – 10277 Truckee-Tahoe Airport Rd., Ca. – 582-5730Sierra Fire Protection Distict – 100 S. Garson Rd., Verdi, Nev. – (775) 345-0358

The Plumas National Forest issues burn permits under an agreement with Cal-Fire. Your Burn Permit will further explain the latest regulations and recommendations.


Lean, Clean, and Green Area: For a distance of at least 30 feet from the home. �� “Lean” -only a small amount of flammable

vegetation present, �� “Clean” - no accumulation of dead

vegetation or flammable debris within the area

�� . “Green” plants located within this area are kept healthy, green, and irrigated during fire season.

For most homeowners, this area often has irrigation, contains ornamental plants, and is routinely maintained.

Reduced Fuel Area: The Wildland Fuel Reduction Area usually lies beyond the residential landscape area Within this area: �� Remove all dead

vegetation (dead shrubs, dried grass, fallen branches, pine needles, etc.).

�� Thin out thick shrubs and trees to create a separation between them.

�� Remove “ladder fuels” by removing low tree branches, removing or pruning shrubs under trees.

Noncombustible Area: Create a “Noncombustible Area” at least 3 feet wide around the base of your home. This area needs to have a very low potential for ignition from flying embers. Use irrigated plants, rock mulches, or hard surfaces. Keep it free of woodpiles, dead plants, dried leaves, needles, flammable shrubs and debris.

This zone consists of two areas around the structure: 1.�Lean, Clean, Green Areas for 0-30’ 2.�Reduced Fuel Zone from 30-100’

See Six Steps to creating defensible space for more information

Defensible Space Zone

SPI believes in wise use of OUR forests.Fire safety is our concern; please make it yours also.Healthy, productive forests are safe forests.

FORESTS ARE AMERICA’S #1 RENEWABLE RESOURCE

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WHAT IS DEFENSIBLE SPACE?Defensible space is the area between a house and anoncoming wildfire where the vegetation has beenmodified to reduce the wildfire threat and to providean opportunity for firefighters to effectively defendthe house. Sometimes, a defensible space is simply ahomeowner’s properly maintained backyard.

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEENVEGETATION AND WILDFIRE THREAT?Many people do not view the plants growing on theirproperty as a threat. But in terms of wildfire, the veg-etation adjacent to their homes can have consider-able influence upon the survivability of their houses.All vegetation, including plants native to the area andornamental plants, is potential wildfire fuel. If vegeta-tion is properly modified and maintained, a wildfirecan be slowed, the length of flames shortened, andthe amount of heat reduced, all of which assist fight-ers in defending the home against an oncomingwildfire.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS SUPPOSED TOPROTECT MY HOUSE, SO WHY BOTHERWITH DEFENSIBLE SPACE?Some individuals incorrectly assume that a fire en-gine will be parked in their driveway and firefighterswill be actively defending their homes if a wildfire ap-proaches. During a major wildfire, it is unlikely therewill be enough firefighting resources available to de-fend every home. In these instances, firefighters willlikely select homes they can most safely and effec-tively protect. Even with adequate resources, somewildfires may be so intense that there may be littlefirefighters can do to prevent a house from burning.The key is to reduce fire intensity as wildfire nears thehouse. This can be accomplished by reducing theamount of flammable vegetation surrounding ahome. Consequently, the most important person inprotecting a house from wildfire is not a firefighter,but the property owner. And it is the action taken bythe owner before the wildfire occurs (such as properlandscaping) that is most critical.

DOES DEFENSIBLE SPACE REQUIRE A LOT OF BAREGROUND IN MY LANDSCAPE?No. Unfortunately, many people have this misconcep-tion. While bare ground is certainly effective in reduc-ing the wildfire threat, it is unnecessary and unac-ceptable due to appearance, soil erosion, and otherreasons. Many homes have attractive, well-vegetatedlandscapes that also serve as effective defensiblespace.

DOES CREATING A DEFENSIBLE SPACE REQUIREANY SPECIAL SKILLS OR EQUIPMENT?No. For the most part, creating a defensible space em-ploys routine gardening and landscape maintenancepractices, such as pruning, mowing, weeding, plantremoval, appropriate plant selection, and irrigation.Equipment needed includes common tools such as achain saw, a pruning saw, pruning shears, loppers, aweed-eater, a shovel, and a rake. A chipper, compostbin, or large rented trash dumpster may be useful indisposing of unwanted plant material.

HOW BIG IS AN EFFECTIVE DEFENSIBLE SPACE?Defensible space size is not the same for every home,but varies by slope and type of wildland vegetationgrowing near the house. See “Step One” on page 12.

DOES DEFENSIBLE SPACE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?Yes. Investigations of homes threatened by wildfireindicate that those with an effective defensible spaceare much more likely to survive a wildfire. Further-more, homes with both an effective defensible spaceand a nonflammable roof (composition shingles, tile,metal, etc.) are many times more likely to survive awildfire. Defensible space also allows firefighters toeffectively and safely defend your home.

DOES HAVING A DEFENSIBLE SPACE GUARANTEEMY HOUSE WILL SURVIVE A WILDFIRE?No. Under extreme conditions, almost any house canburn. However, having a defensible space will signifi-cantly improve the odds of your home surviving awildfire.

WHY DOESN’T EVERYONE LIVING IN A HIGH FIREHAZARD AREA CREATE A DEFENSIBLE SPACE?The specific reasons for not creating a defensiblespace are varied. Presented on page 11 are responsesto common excuses for not creating defensiblespace.

Nuisance or Problem?The amount of heat which can

cause a 2nd degree burn in 5 secondswould need to last for 30 minutes to ig-nite wood siding on a house.

However, the tiny match-like em-bers which land on skin and cause aminor annoyance are responsible for mosthomes burning.

Trees and Power LinesPlanting Tip— Plant the"Right Tree in the Right Place."Planting trees under power lines can pose electricalshock hazards and fire safety risks.

To stay safe, keep the lights on and reduce the risk offire, plant:• Medium and large trees 50 feet to the side oftransmission lines, poles and towers.

• Mediumand large trees30 feet to thesideofdistributionlines and poles.

For more information visit pge.com/trees or for Cali-fornia tree selections visitwww.selectree.calpoly.edu.

To request a "Guide to Planting Small Trees NearDistribution Lines” call 1-800-743-5000, or [email protected]. Specify: NorthernCA, Central CA or Bay Area/Inland.

DistributionLine

Small TreesLarge and Medium Trees

TransmissionLine

No Trees

30 ft.

50 ft.

Power Line Tree Planting Guidelines

Plant the "Right Tree in the Right Place."

Photo Courtesy USFS

Donʼt let wildfire ʻbrand ̓your house a loser; do what you can now to protect your invest-ment from the destructive effects of wildfireand its deadly firebrands.


Eaves: Heat traps for hot air and gases. “Box in” to allow heat to escape.

Siding: In fire-prone areas use non-combustible siding, such as stucco, brick or cement board.

Windows: Install windows that are double-pane with at least one pane of tempered glass. Gutters: Keep free of

needles, leaves, and debris.

Firewood: Not stored next to the house. Keep at least 30’ from house.

Roof: Class A/fire-resistant. Keep free of needles, leaves and branches.

Decks: Enclose underside with ¼” wire mesh or non-flammable material. Keep free of combustible materials.

Chimneys: Screened with ½ inch wire mesh or approved spark arrestor.

Foundation & Attic Vents: Unscreened vents allow embers into the structure.

This zone focuses on the areas most vulnerable to either direct flame contact or embers. Most homes are ignited from blowing embers.

Built Zone

Embers created from torching trees and burning structures causemost homes to ignite.Most houses are burned by embers:

• landing on shake roofs• igniting uncleared vegetation next to the house• igniting firewood next to the house• igniting vegetation under decks• blowing into unscreened attic/crawl space vents• igniting combustible materials on decks

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Defensible space within a continuous tree canopy: If keeping a larger stand of trees with continuous tree canopy: • prune lower branches of trees to a height of six to 15 feet from the top of the vegetation occurring below (or lower 1/3 of branches for small trees). Properties with greater fire potential (steep slopes) will require pruning heights in the upper end of this range. • remove all ground fuels greater than four inches in height. Single specimens of trees or other vegetation may be kept if they are well-space, well-pruned and create and overall condition that avoids the spread of fire to other vegetation or to structures.

Manage vegetation to prevent “ladder fuel’ occurrence.

Step Five Create a Lean, Clean, and Green Area extending at least 30 feet from the house: There are two goals for the Lean, Clean, and Green Area. The first goal is to eliminate easily ignitable fuels, or “kindling,” near the house. This will help prevent embers from starting a fire in your yard. The second goal is to keep fire intensity low if it does ignite near the house. By proper management of the fuels near the house, a fire would not be able to generate enough heat to ignite the home. For most homeowners, the Lean, Clean, and Green Area is also the residential landscape. This area often has irrigation, is planted with ornamental vegetation, and is regularly maintained.

Remove flammable vegetation and dispose of properly.

Step Six Maintain the Defensible Space Zone: Maintaining a defensible space is an ongoing activity. Plants grow back and flammable vegetation needs to be routinely removed and disposed of properly. Before each fire season, reevaluate your property using the previous five steps and implement the necessary defensible space recommendations.

Lean, Clean, and Green Area Tips • Remove most or all flammable wildland plants, including sagebrush, bitterbrush, rabbitbrush, cheatgrass, and manzanita. If you wish to retain a few of these as specimen plants, make sure they are free of dead wood and leaves, pruned to reduce the amount of fuel, and separated from adjacent brush fields. • Select less flammable plants for the home landscape. Some rules of thumb in selecting landscape plants for the Lean, Clean, and Green Area are... • Shorter plants, less than 2 feet tall, are better choices than taller plants. • Green, herbaceous plants, such as grass and non-woody flowers, are better choices than shrubs and trees.

3x x

Tree Pruning recommendations based on height of fuel below

Living With FireA Special Supplement created by the staff of

Feather Publishing Co., Inc.,and the Plumas County Fire Safe Council

Jerry Hurley, Steve Fowler, Ron Heinbockel, Steven Ross, Heather Munn, Jason Moghddas, Pete Duncan,

Cindy Noble, Mike Freschi, Dale Knutsen, Chuck BowmanFire Safe Council contributors

Plumas County Fire Safe Council: www.plumasfiresafe.comSierra County Fire Safe and Watershed Council: www.scfswc.com

Michael C. Taborski, PublisherSherri McConnell, Advertising Manager

Tom Forney, Production Manager

Feather Publishing:P.O. Box B, 287 Lawrence St., Quincy, CA 95971

(530) 283-0800 • FAX (530) 283-3952 email: [email protected]

Step FiveCreate a Lean, Clean, and GreenArea extending at least 30 feetfrom the house:There are two goals for the Lean, Clean,and Green Area. The first goal is to eliminateeasily ignitable fuels, or “kindling,” near thehouse. This will help prevent embers fromstarting a fire in your yard. The second goal is to keepfire intensity low if it does ignite near thehouse. By proper management of the fuelsnear the house, a fire would not be able togenerate enough heatto ignite the home.For most homeowners, the Lean, Clean, andGreen Area is also the residential landscape.This area often has irrigation, is plantedwith ornamental vegetation, and is regularlymaintained.

Step SixMaintain the Defensible SpaceZone: Maintaining a defensible space is an ongoingactivity. Plants grow back and flammable vege-tation needs to be routinely removed and dis-posed of properly. Before each fire season,reevaluate your property using the previousfive steps and implement the necessary defensi-ble space recommendations.

Lean, Clean, and Green Area Tips• Remove most or all flammable wildlandplants, including sagebrush, bitterbrush, rab-bitbrush, cheatgrass, and manzanita. If youwish to retain a few of these as specimenplants, make sure they are free of dead woodand leaves, pruned to reduce the amount offuel, and separated from adjacent brush fields.• Select less flammable plants for the homelandscape. Some rules of thumb in selectinglandscape plants for the Lean, Clean, andGreen Area are...• Shorter plants, less than 2 feet tall, are betterchoices than taller plants.• Green, herbaceous plants, such as grass andnon-woody flowers, are better choices thanshrubs and trees.• Deciduous shrubs and trees are better choicesthan evergreen types.Avoid planting juniper, mugo pine and arborvi-tae.• Emphasize the use of hard surfaces andmulches. Hard surfaces include materials suchas concrete, asphalt, and brick. Mulches in-clude rock and wood types. Wood mulchesshould not be used within 3 feet of the house.• Clear all flammable vegetation from within 10feet of the propane tank.• Remove tree limbs that are within 10 feet ofthe chimney, touching the house or deck, with-in 6 feet of the roof, or encroaching on powerlines.• Create a noncombustible area at least 3 feetwide around the base of the house.Emphasize the use of irrigated herbaceousplants, such as lawn, ground covers, and flow-ers. Also use rock mulches and hard surfaces.

Tree Pruning recommendationsbased on height of fuel below


This zone is beyond the “Defensible Space Zone”. Reducing fuel loading in this zone will minimize fire damage on areas which include vacant lots, common areas, green belts, and undeveloped lands surrounding communities. Fuel treatment in this zone will not only protect more homes, but the beauty, trees and wildlife which surround your homes

PC FSC has helped 17 communities seek funds to treat 2,500 acres in and around their community

Fuel Treatment in the Community Zone should replicate that in the “Reduced Fuel Zone” (30-70’) of Defensible Space.

Forests and Communities can survive the intrusion of a wildfire.

� Forests, like homes, can and do survive the intrusion of a wildfire.

� Wildfires don’t have to be catastrophic stand replacing events.

� Critical to managing fire behavior and its effects, is managing the fuels

Managing Fuel Requires:

Reducing the volume

Creating Horizontal

Separation

Creating Vertical

Separation

Community Zone

Reduced Fuel Zone

Lean, Clean & Green Zone

If we are going to affect fire on a landscape level, we need to reduce fuels on a landscape level.

Following the 2003 Southern California Wildfires, where 742,000 acres were burned, 3,361 structures destroyed and 26 lives were lost, a Governorʼs BlueRibbon Commission recommended that the State increase the requirementfor Defensible Space from 30 to 100 feet.


Separation: Shrub spacing should be twice the height. Sagebrush, other Shrubs, Pinyon and Juniper: On flat to gently sloping terrain, individual shrubs or small clumps of shrubs within the Defensible Space Zone should be separated from one another by at least twice the height of the average shrub. For homes located on steeper slopes, the separation distance should be greater. For example, if the typical shrub height is 2 feet, then there should be a separation between shrub branches of at least 4 feet. Remove shrubs or prune to reduce their height and/or diameter. In most instances, removing big sagebrush is the preferred approach. It is a very flammable plant, is easily removed, does not resprout, and

is typically abundant. Grasses should not exceed four inches in height unless special circumstances exist. Recommended Min Horizontal Distance

Pine and White Fir: On flat to gently sloping terrain, pine and white fir should be thinned to provide an average separation between canopies

of at least 10 feet on flat to gently sloping landFor homes located on steeper slopes, the separation distance should be greater, see table. When selecting trees for removal, consider cutting unhealthydamaged, or weak trees.

Step Four Create a separation between tree branches and lower growing plants: If trees are present within the Defensible SpaZone, there should be a separation between the lower growing vegetation and the lowest tree branches. Vegetation that can carry a fire burning in low growing plants to taller plants is called “ladder fuel.” The recommended separation for ladder fuels is three times the height of the lower vegetation layer. Prune the lower tree branches, shorten the height of shrubs, or remove lower plants. Do not, however, remove more than one-third of the total tree branches. When there is no understory vegetation present, remove lower tree branches to a height of at least 2 feet above ground. During a fire, this will help prevent burning needles and twigs that are lying on the ground from igniting the tree.

10 feett

x 2x

of at least 10 feet on flat to gently sloping land.For homes located on steeper slopes, the separa-tion distance should be greater, see table. Whenselecting trees for removal, consider cutting un-healthy, damaged, or weak trees.

Step FourCreate a separation betweentree branches and lower growingplants:If trees are present within the Defensible Space

Zone, there should be a separation between thelower growing vegetation and the lowest treebranches. Vegetation that can carry a fire burn-ing in low growing plants to taller plants is called“ladder fuel.” The recommended separation forladder fuels is three times the height of the lowervegetation layer. Prune the lower tree branches,shorten the height of shrubs, or remove lowerplants. Do not, however, remove more than one-third of the total tree branches. When there is nounderstory vegetation present, remove lower treebranches to a height of at least 2 feet aboveground. During a fire, this will help preventburning needles and twigs that are lying on theground from igniting the tree.

Homeowners have the most control and often decided, consciously or unconsciously

and long before the wildfire comes, whether or not their home will survive.

Reducing Fuels in the Defensible Space & Community Zones Saves Homes.

According to the Report, Structural survival on the 1990 Santa Barbara “Paint” fire: A retrospective study of urban-wildland interface fire hazard mitigation factors, 1996.

� The Painted Cave fire, in Santa Barbara County, threatened 800 and destroyed 479 homes. Those homes with nonflammable roofs and a clearance of 30 feet or more, had an 86% survival rate, and increased to 99% if someone was present to put out spot fires. According to the USFS Report, An Assessment of Fuel Treatment Effects on Fire Behavior, Suppression Effectiveness, and Structure Ignition on the Angora Fire, 2007. Where fuel treatments were implemented before the fire:

� Many firefighters reported increased ability to take “close-in” suppression actions because of the adjacent treatments which provided “black” safety zones after the fire had passed. Many houses were protected from fire or had spot fires extinguished in areas that would have been unsafe. � Many firefighters reported that the treated urban lots significantly increased suppression effectiveness because

of the relatively low intensity surface fire that enabled direct attack of spot fires, preventing adjacent houses from burning.


Defensible space increases the safety of fire suppression personnel.

Firewise Communities/USA

What is Firewise Citizen involvement is the cornerstone of Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program. As a resident whose home is located in a region susceptible to wildfires, this program can help your community become

Firewise.

The national Firewise Communities program is a multi-agency effort designed to reach beyond the fire service by involving homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, and others in the effort to protect people, property, and natural resources from the impacts

of wildland fire - before a fire starts.

Why Firewise The Firewise Program depends on community involvement. Neighbors working together to make their individual surroundings and their community safer from wildfires. For example following defensible space guidelines by clearing your Home

Ignition Zone. (Refer to Six Steps to Creating Defensible Space outlined on Page 12.)

Reasons for Firewise Communities Recognition are:

•� Increased property owner

understanding of fire issues and

involvement in the solutions

•� Improved community cooperation

on wildfire safety matters

•� Impartial assessment of community

hazards and risks

•� A general reduction in the wildfire

hazard level in the community

•� A clear indication to insurers that

the community understands and is

acting to reduce hazards and risks

•� Community qualification for grant

funding

Becoming A Firewise Community The Firewise Communities Program includes assisting residential communities to become recognized Firewise Communities/USA. To become recognized, communities must undertake five actions: 1.� Complete a community assessment,

assisted by professionals from your

local fire department, CAL FIRE,

and your County FSC, and create an

assessment and action plan.

2.� Form a Firewise Board or

Committee.

3.� Hold an annual Firewise Day event

to raise awareness and carry out

portions of the action plan.

4.� Annually invest a minimum of $2

per capita in mitigation projects.

5.� Submit an application to the

Firewise Communities Program

through CAL FIRE

Firewise Communities/USA Activity in Plumas County Currently three communities in Plumas County are applying for Firewise Communities/USA recognition; Lake Almanor West, Gold Mountain, and The Graeagle Fire Protection District. For additional information on how your community can become one, contact your County Fire Safe Council, CAL FIRE or Firewise Communities/USA. Go to www.firewise.org , or www.plumasfiresafe.org for additional information.

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Submitted by Dale Knutsen andChuck Bowman

In 2006, 24 firefighters werekilled while fighting wildfires.

This includes five firefight-ers of a U.S. Forest Service en-gine crew who were killed inSouthern California while trying to protect structures.

Defensible space aroundhomes is proven to save lives by

providing firefighters a moresecure area in which to workwhile protecting structures.

During a wildfire, fire-fighters will often not attemptto protect structures with inadequate defensible space,for both safety reasons and thelikelihood that their efforts will

be unsuccessful. Fuels reduction projects

along roadsides also contributeto public safety by keepingevacuation routes open and al-lowing fire suppression equip-ment to enter into the commu-nity.


The term “defensible space” refers to the area between a house and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been managed to reduce the wildfire threat and allow firefighters to safely defend the house. In the event that firefighters are not available, defensible space also improves the likelihood of a home surviving without assistance.

Step One Determine the two zones of effective defensible space: California Law (PRC 4291) requires 100 feet of defensible space and is broken into two zones: 1. Lean, Clean and Green Area:

An area 30 feet immediately surrounding your home where all flammable vegetation and any dead or dying plants should be removed. You may keep single trees or other vegetation that are trimmed of all dead foliage and are well pruned and maintained.

2. Reduced Fuel Area: An area from 30 feet to 100 feet from your home, or to your property line (whichever is less). You should remove all dead vegetation and decrease flammable brush and small trees so fire cannot spread through vegetation or act as a fire ladder introducing fire to tree crowns .

Defensible space distance is measured from the base of the house, extending outward.

Step Two Remove dead vegetation: Within the recommended Defensible Space Zone, remove: • dead and dying trees or recently fallen trees • dead native and ornamental shrubs • dead branches • dried grass, weeds, and flowers • dead leaves, needles, and twigs that are still attached to plants, draped on live plants, on the roof or in rain gutters or on the ground • Remove surface litter to 3 inches or less. Surface litter consists of fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, small branches etc. • Logs and stumps should be removed unless they are embedded in the soil, remove nearby vegetation if an embedded log is left. • Standing trees (snags) may be kept for wildlife providing they don’t exceed one per acre or if it were to fall, would not reach buildings/structures or land on roadways or driveways.

Step Three Create a separation between trees and shrubs: Within the Defensible Space Zone, native treesand shrubs, suc11111s to create more space between them. This will reduce fire intensity,rate of fire spread and can create an acceptable working environment for firefighters.

Dense trees pose a high fire threat Horizontal Clearance for shrubs and trees is based on slope, vegetation size and type and other fuel characteristics.

Flat to gently sloping 0-20%

Moderately Steep 21-40%

Very Steep +40%

Shrubs 2 times the height of shrub

4 times the height of shrub


Trees 10 feet 20 Feet 30 Feet

Six Steps to Creating an Effective Defensible Space

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If you donʼt have DefensibleSpace, please ask yourself.

• Should firefighters be placed at increased risk to save your home?

• If you havenʼt taken proven actions to help protect your home why shouldfirefighters protect it?

• Should taxpayers pay for fire agencies to protect your home?

• Will your insurance cover your losses?

Step TwoRemove dead vegetation: Within the recommended DefensibleSpace Zone, remove:• dead and dying trees or recently fallen trees• dead native and ornamental shrubs• dead branches• dried grass, weeds, and flowers• dead leaves, needles, and twigs that are stillattached to plants, draped on live plants, on the roof or in rain gutters or on theground• Remove surface litter to 3 inches or less.Surface litter consists of fallen leaves, nee-dles, twigs, bark, cones, small branches etc. • Logs and stumps should be removed unlessthey are embedded in the soil, remove nearbyvegetation if an embedded log is left. • Standing trees (snags) may be kept forwildlife providing they don’t exceed one peracre or if it were to fall, would not reachbuildings/structures or land on roadways ordriveways.


The Role WildFires on the Plumas National Forest: Back Then….Today ….and in the Future By Jason Moghaddas, Fire Ecologist, Mt Hough Ranger District Back Then…..

Bear Creek Guard Station above Meadow Valley in 1915 (left) and 2006- note the open stands of large trees and brush behind

the station which have now filled in with young trees (Photos courtesy of Cristina Weinberg)

It was an early July summer day — you could feel the dryness in the air — clouds had been forming overhead all day and in theafternoon, large anvil shaped thunderheads could be seen over the peaks near Antelope Valley. At about 4 pm, there were severallightning strikes — one strike hit a tall snag — you could see it smoldering near the top. Within a few hours, embers had dropped ontothe ground around the snag, igniting the pine needles around it. Later on that evening, nightly downslope winds picked up, helpingpush the fire downhill through the night. By the morning, the fire had grown to about 20 acres and as the south facing slopes were ex-posed to the mid-morning sun, fire activity picked up. There was a slight breeze that day and it helped push the fire to the northeast- asthe fire burned it ignited snags, down wood, and pine needles, leaving them behind to burn as it moved on. Occasionally groups oftrees up to several acres torched out, killing most or all of the trees in that area. The fire burned towards a large ponderosa pine treewith a big fire scar at its base — that cat face caught fire, wounding the tree — the year was 1712... the fire burned for several moreweeks until it was put out by fall rains.

Researchers at the Fire Science Lab at UC Berkeley in collaboration with Plumas National Forest fire crews and scientists havecollected and studied several of these fire-scarred trees in the Antelope Lake, Frenchmen Lake, East Quincy, and Portola Valley areas.Across this broad area, they have found a consistent pattern — fires have burned regularly on this forest for hundreds of years. Datafrom as far back as the late 1600ʼs shows that fires burned an average of every 8 to 22 years. This means that every hundred years,most lower elevation areas of the forest burned about 4 to 10 times. These fires were started by both lighting and local Maidu, whohave lived here for centuries. Having fires burn so often in one place kept surface fuel loads down, thinned out young trees, burned upsnags and dead wood, and helped maintain diverse forests of large, fire resistant trees intermixed with areas of young trees. Firecleared the ground, leaving a clean seedbed for new trees to grow. While some areas may have burned under high severity, killing alltrees, overall the forest had lower fuel loads and fire growth was limited by the existence of several other recently burned areas on thelandscape.

By Jason Moghaddas, California Registered Professional Forester


What are the first things thefirefighter looks at to deter-mine if a home should be de-fended from an approachingwildfire, can we defend it, orwill it probably survive with-out protection? Decidingwhich homes can be savedand which can’t is often avery rapid process.

“Access, access, access…if Ican’t see it, we can’t protectit,” said an experienced firefighter from NorthernCalifornia.

If safe ingress and egress isavailable into the structure,then – if time allows – aquick walk-around is con-ducted to determine if it isdefensible. The walk-aroundtakes several items into consideration including the building construction –roof type, siding, what willburn when fire embers land,

surrounding buildings, com-bustible debris, hazards; and,especially defensible space —is there any and will it pro-vide clearance so the fire-fighters can work safely?

The majority of homes areburned because they havewood roofs and lack defensi-ble space. Most burn as a re-sult of burning embers orfirebrands which attack thehouse both before and afterthe fire front has passed.

When considering a structure’ssusceptibility to a wildfire, fire-fighters look at the roof to seeif it is made of combustiblematerials, such as untreatedwood shakes or if it is non-combustible, such as metal,composition, or tile. They lookfor unscreened vents, largewindows, and firewood stackednext to the house, that can beeasy entry paths for heat and

flying embers.

Firefighters also consider thetopography, water sources,current and expected fire be-havior, available firefightingresources and, of course, thesafety of their crews.

Topographical features suchas steep slopes or drainagesand dangerous fuel types arepart of the equation. Decksbuilt out over slopes presentan easy place for firebrandsto become trapped and causeignition. Firefighters lookfor decks and other exten-sions from the main struc-tures that have been enclosedwith fire-resistant materials.

Structure triage will quicklylead to a decision to defendor abandon a structure.

Every structure will fall intoone of these three categories:

Needs little or no atten-tion: Construction and de-fensible space sufficientenough to allow the structureto survive on its own or witha little assistance. Needs protection but issavable: Constructed andmaintained fire-safe with de-fensible space and where thefirefighters are reasonablysafe.Undefendable: The fire willdestroy the structure no mat-ter what is done and mayplace firefighters at greatrisk.

Now is the time to contactyour local fire authority andrequest a “pre-fire inspec-tion.” Better now then whenthe fire is knocking at yourdoor this summer.

Excerpts from Wildfire Maga-zine at wildfiremag.com

Structure triage in a wildfire situation:

“I don’t have the time or money”: If youlive in a high fire hazard area, creating de-fensible space needs to be a high priorityuse of your spare time. Many defensiblespace activities require little or no moneyto implement. For bigger, more expensivecommunity tasks, consider forming a LocalCommunity Fire Safe Council for assis-tance in acquiring grant funds.

“It’s wrong to cut trees”: In many areas,pines, cedars and firs occur in unnaturallydense stands. Thinning of these thickstands of trees not only reduces the firethreat, but often promotes forest health.

“It won’t look good”: There is a miscon-ception that defensible space has to be uglyand barren to be effective. Through properplanning, a homeowner can have both an attractive landscape and an effective defensible space.

“It’s not my responsibility”: The mannerin which a house is built, characteristics ofthe adjacent vegetation, and maintenanceoften determine survivability during wild-fire. The homeowner, not the firefighter, isusually responsible for these factors.

“I don’t have an easy way to dispose ofthe unwanted vegetation”: Check to seeif there is a free community cleanup day inyour area, ask your fire department if theyhave a fuels reduction chipping program,or join several other neighbors and rent achipper and trailer for a weekend.

“It’s not going to happen to me”: If youlive near areas of dense brush and trees(extensive surface and ladder fuels), it isonly a matter of time before these areasburn.

“It’s against the law to remove vegetation”:If there are regulations that prohibit theremoval of vegetation necessary to createdefensible space, contact your local fire official and ask for help in resolving theconflict.

“I’ve got insurance”: While insurancecan rebuild a house, it cannot recreate ahome. Photo albums, heirlooms, and othermemorabilia are often irreplaceable.

“I don’t know what to do”: For more information about creating defensiblespace, go to www.livingwithfire.info or contact your local firefighting agency orUniversity of California Cooperative Extension office.

Courtesy of Ed Smith, University of NevadaCooperative Education

Defensible Space -- What's your excuse?


Today….

It was a warm summer day —— July 5th, 2007,to be exact. Residents of Indian Valley were headinghome from work. Overhead, there were large thunderclouds — that afternoon, a few quick lighting strikeswere seen, and then very quickly — smoke. The firehad started in the Hungry Creek drainage east of Antelope Lake — within 1/2 hour, it had grown to several acres in size and showed no sign of slowingdown. Throughout the night, fire fighters battled theblaze as it torched out trees and moved quickly acrossthe landscape. Over the next few days, winds, high fuelloads, and dense forests helped push the fire fromHungry Creek across Dry Flat and towards AntelopeLake and the Janesville Grade. The fire torched outlarge areas of trees and made long runs through treecrowns up drainages and steep slopes. Behind theflaming front, patches of once dense forest severalhundred to several thousand acres in size stood smoldering — needles were completely blown off trees,leaving blackened sticks in an eerie ghost forest. Somebig trees died, including some that burned in thosefires back in the 1600ʼs.

And in the future…Scientists agree that prolonged periods of

drought will be more common in the future. Asdrought becomes more common, there is the potentialfor fire season to become longer and for fires to become more severe. While there is continued dis-agreement on how to manage this problem, we knowthat fire will continue shape the forests of the Sierra Nevada, though it may be in ways that society doesnʼtreally want to happen. Restoring the forests through ause of treatments, including mechanical thinning,large scale prescribed fire, and wildland fire use areessential parts of helping mitigate the negative effectsthat prolonged drought will have on wildfires in the future ...

Dense forest in watershed completely burned with high severity northeast ofAntelope Lake. This area burned in the Antelope-Border Fire (Photo by Jerry Hurley).

A Mount Hough fire fighter lights a burn in a stand near Green Flat which hasbeen mechanically thinned to reduce hazardous fire conditions (Photo by Jason Moghaddas).

Fire is natural in the SierraThe Sierra Nevada is a fire-dependent ecosystem.A Mediterranean climate of wet winters and hot,dry summers creates the perfect conditions forwildfire. Most of the plants, animals and forestsevolved with fire for thousands of years, and haveadapted and depend on fire to survive.


What are the first things thefirefighter looks at to deter-mine if a home should be de-fended from an approachingwildfire, can we defend it, orwill it probably survive with-out protection? Decidingwhich homes can be savedand which can’t is often avery rapid process.

“Access, access, access…if Ican’t see it, we can’t protectit,” said an experienced firefighter from NorthernCalifornia.

If safe ingress and egress isavailable into the structure,then – if time allows – aquick walk-around is con-ducted to determine if it isdefensible. The walk-aroundtakes several items into consideration including the building construction –roof type, siding, what willburn when fire embers land,

surrounding buildings, com-bustible debris, hazards; and,especially defensible space —is there any and will it pro-vide clearance so the fire-fighters can work safely?

The majority of homes areburned because they havewood roofs and lack defensi-ble space. Most burn as a re-sult of burning embers orfirebrands which attack thehouse both before and afterthe fire front has passed.

When considering a structure’ssusceptibility to a wildfire, fire-fighters look at the roof to seeif it is made of combustiblematerials, such as untreatedwood shakes or if it is non-combustible, such as metal,composition, or tile. They lookfor unscreened vents, largewindows, and firewood stackednext to the house, that can beeasy entry paths for heat and

flying embers.

Firefighters also consider thetopography, water sources,current and expected fire be-havior, available firefightingresources and, of course, thesafety of their crews.

Topographical features suchas steep slopes or drainagesand dangerous fuel types arepart of the equation. Decksbuilt out over slopes presentan easy place for firebrandsto become trapped and causeignition. Firefighters lookfor decks and other exten-sions from the main struc-tures that have been enclosedwith fire-resistant materials.

Structure triage will quicklylead to a decision to defendor abandon a structure.

Every structure will fall intoone of these three categories:

Needs little or no atten-tion: Construction and de-fensible space sufficientenough to allow the structureto survive on its own or witha little assistance. Needs protection but issavable: Constructed andmaintained fire-safe with de-fensible space and where thefirefighters are reasonablysafe.Undefendable: The fire willdestroy the structure no mat-ter what is done and mayplace firefighters at greatrisk.

Now is the time to contactyour local fire authority andrequest a “pre-fire inspec-tion.” Better now then whenthe fire is knocking at yourdoor this summer.

Excerpts from Wildfire Maga-zine at wildfiremag.com

Structure triage in a wildfire situation:

“I don’t have the time or money”: If youlive in a high fire hazard area, creating de-fensible space needs to be a high priorityuse of your spare time. Many defensiblespace activities require little or no moneyto implement. For bigger, more expensivecommunity tasks, consider forming a LocalCommunity Fire Safe Council for assis-tance in acquiring grant funds.

“It’s wrong to cut trees”: In many areas,pines, cedars and firs occur in unnaturallydense stands. Thinning of these thickstands of trees not only reduces the firethreat, but often promotes forest health.

“It won’t look good”: There is a miscon-ception that defensible space has to be uglyand barren to be effective. Through properplanning, a homeowner can have both an attractive landscape and an effective defensible space.

“It’s not my responsibility”: The mannerin which a house is built, characteristics ofthe adjacent vegetation, and maintenanceoften determine survivability during wild-fire. The homeowner, not the firefighter, isusually responsible for these factors.

“I don’t have an easy way to dispose ofthe unwanted vegetation”: Check to seeif there is a free community cleanup day inyour area, ask your fire department if theyhave a fuels reduction chipping program,or join several other neighbors and rent achipper and trailer for a weekend.

“It’s not going to happen to me”: If youlive near areas of dense brush and trees(extensive surface and ladder fuels), it isonly a matter of time before these areasburn.

“It’s against the law to remove vegetation”:If there are regulations that prohibit theremoval of vegetation necessary to createdefensible space, contact your local fire official and ask for help in resolving theconflict.

“I’ve got insurance”: While insurancecan rebuild a house, it cannot recreate ahome. Photo albums, heirlooms, and othermemorabilia are often irreplaceable.

“I don’t know what to do”: For more information about creating defensiblespace, go to www.livingwithfire.info or contact your local firefighting agency orUniversity of California Cooperative Extension office.

Courtesy of Ed Smith, University of NevadaCooperative Education

Defensible Space -- What's your excuse?

Page 10 • Living With Fire Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Today….

It was a warm summer day —— July 5th, 2007,to be exact. Residents of Indian Valley were headinghome from work. Overhead, there were large thunderclouds — that afternoon, a few quick lighting strikeswere seen, and then very quickly — smoke. The firehad started in the Hungry Creek drainage east of Antelope Lake — within 1/2 hour, it had grown to several acres in size and showed no sign of slowingdown. Throughout the night, fire fighters battled theblaze as it torched out trees and moved quickly acrossthe landscape. Over the next few days, winds, high fuelloads, and dense forests helped push the fire fromHungry Creek across Dry Flat and towards AntelopeLake and the Janesville Grade. The fire torched outlarge areas of trees and made long runs through treecrowns up drainages and steep slopes. Behind theflaming front, patches of once dense forest severalhundred to several thousand acres in size stood smoldering — needles were completely blown off trees,leaving blackened sticks in an eerie ghost forest. Somebig trees died, including some that burned in thosefires back in the 1600ʼs.

And in the future…Scientists agree that prolonged periods of

drought will be more common in the future. Asdrought becomes more common, there is the potentialfor fire season to become longer and for fires to become more severe. While there is continued dis-agreement on how to manage this problem, we knowthat fire will continue shape the forests of the Sierra Nevada, though it may be in ways that society doesnʼtreally want to happen. Restoring the forests through ause of treatments, including mechanical thinning,large scale prescribed fire, and wildland fire use areessential parts of helping mitigate the negative effectsthat prolonged drought will have on wildfires in the future ...

Dense forest in watershed completely burned with high severity northeast ofAntelope Lake. This area burned in the Antelope-Border Fire (Photo by Jerry Hurley).

A Mount Hough fire fighter lights a burn in a stand near Green Flat which hasbeen mechanically thinned to reduce hazardous fire conditions (Photo by Jason Moghaddas).

Fire is natural in the SierraThe Sierra Nevada is a fire-dependent ecosystem.A Mediterranean climate of wet winters and hot,dry summers creates the perfect conditions forwildfire. Most of the plants, animals and forestsevolved with fire for thousands of years, and haveadapted and depend on fire to survive.


The term “defensible space” refers to the area between a house and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been managed to reduce the wildfire threat and allow firefighters to safely defend the house. In the event that firefighters are not available, defensible space also improves the likelihood of a home surviving without assistance.

Step One Determine the two zones of effective defensible space: California Law (PRC 4291) requires 100 feet of defensible space and is broken into two zones: 1. Lean, Clean and Green Area:

An area 30 feet immediately surrounding your home where all flammable vegetation and any dead or dying plants should be removed. You may keep single trees or other vegetation that are trimmed of all dead foliage and are well pruned and maintained.

2. Reduced Fuel Area: An area from 30 feet to 100 feet from your home, or to your property line (whichever is less). You should remove all dead vegetation and decrease flammable brush and small trees so fire cannot spread through vegetation or act as a fire ladder introducing fire to tree crowns .

Defensible space distance is measured from the base of the house, extending outward.

Step Two Remove dead vegetation: Within the recommended Defensible Space Zone, remove: • dead and dying trees or recently fallen trees • dead native and ornamental shrubs • dead branches • dried grass, weeds, and flowers • dead leaves, needles, and twigs that are still attached to plants, draped on live plants, on the roof or in rain gutters or on the ground • Remove surface litter to 3 inches or less. Surface litter consists of fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, small branches etc. • Logs and stumps should be removed unless they are embedded in the soil, remove nearby vegetation if an embedded log is left. • Standing trees (snags) may be kept for wildlife providing they don’t exceed one per acre or if it were to fall, would not reach buildings/structures or land on roadways or driveways.

Step Three Create a separation between trees and shrubs: Within the Defensible Space Zone, native treesand shrubs, suc11111s to create more space between them. This will reduce fire intensity,rate of fire spread and can create an acceptable working environment for firefighters.

Dense trees pose a high fire threat Horizontal Clearance for shrubs and trees is based on slope, vegetation size and type and other fuel characteristics.

Flat to gently sloping 0-20%

Moderately Steep 21-40%

Very Steep +40%

Shrubs 2 times the height of shrub



Trees 10 feet 20 Feet 30 Feet

Six Steps to Creating an Effective Defensible Space

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If you donʼt have DefensibleSpace, please ask yourself.

• Should firefighters be placed at increased risk to save your home?

• If you havenʼt taken proven actions to help protect your home why shouldfirefighters protect it?

• Should taxpayers pay for fire agencies to protect your home?

• Will your insurance cover your losses?

Step TwoRemove dead vegetation: Within the recommended DefensibleSpace Zone, remove:• dead and dying trees or recently fallen trees• dead native and ornamental shrubs• dead branches• dried grass, weeds, and flowers• dead leaves, needles, and twigs that are stillattached to plants, draped on live plants, on the roof or in rain gutters or on theground• Remove surface litter to 3 inches or less.Surface litter consists of fallen leaves, nee-dles, twigs, bark, cones, small branches etc. • Logs and stumps should be removed unlessthey are embedded in the soil, remove nearbyvegetation if an embedded log is left. • Standing trees (snags) may be kept forwildlife providing they don’t exceed one peracre or if it were to fall, would not reachbuildings/structures or land on roadways ordriveways.


The Role WildFires on the Plumas National Forest: Back Then….Today ….and in the Future By Jason Moghaddas, Fire Ecologist, Mt Hough Ranger District Back Then…..

Bear Creek Guard Station above Meadow Valley in 1915 (left) and 2006- note the open stands of large trees and brush behind

the station which have now filled in with young trees (Photos courtesy of Cristina Weinberg)

It was an early July summer day — you could feel the dryness in the air — clouds had been forming overhead all day and in theafternoon, large anvil shaped thunderheads could be seen over the peaks near Antelope Valley. At about 4 pm, there were severallightning strikes — one strike hit a tall snag — you could see it smoldering near the top. Within a few hours, embers had dropped ontothe ground around the snag, igniting the pine needles around it. Later on that evening, nightly downslope winds picked up, helpingpush the fire downhill through the night. By the morning, the fire had grown to about 20 acres and as the south facing slopes were ex-posed to the mid-morning sun, fire activity picked up. There was a slight breeze that day and it helped push the fire to the northeast- asthe fire burned it ignited snags, down wood, and pine needles, leaving them behind to burn as it moved on. Occasionally groups oftrees up to several acres torched out, killing most or all of the trees in that area. The fire burned towards a large ponderosa pine treewith a big fire scar at its base — that cat face caught fire, wounding the tree — the year was 1712... the fire burned for several moreweeks until it was put out by fall rains.

Researchers at the Fire Science Lab at UC Berkeley in collaboration with Plumas National Forest fire crews and scientists havecollected and studied several of these fire-scarred trees in the Antelope Lake, Frenchmen Lake, East Quincy, and Portola Valley areas.Across this broad area, they have found a consistent pattern — fires have burned regularly on this forest for hundreds of years. Datafrom as far back as the late 1600ʼs shows that fires burned an average of every 8 to 22 years. This means that every hundred years,most lower elevation areas of the forest burned about 4 to 10 times. These fires were started by both lighting and local Maidu, whohave lived here for centuries. Having fires burn so often in one place kept surface fuel loads down, thinned out young trees, burned upsnags and dead wood, and helped maintain diverse forests of large, fire resistant trees intermixed with areas of young trees. Firecleared the ground, leaving a clean seedbed for new trees to grow. While some areas may have burned under high severity, killing alltrees, overall the forest had lower fuel loads and fire growth was limited by the existence of several other recently burned areas on thelandscape.

By Jason Moghaddas, California Registered Professional Forester


Separation: Shrub spacing should be twice the height. Sagebrush, other Shrubs, Pinyon and Juniper: On flat to gently sloping terrain, individual shrubs or small clumps of shrubs within the Defensible Space Zone should be separated from one another by at least twice the height of the average shrub. For homes located on steeper slopes, the separation distance should be greater. For example, if the typical shrub height is 2 feet, then there should be a separation between shrub branches of at least 4 feet. Remove shrubs or prune to reduce their height and/or diameter. In most instances, removing big sagebrush is the preferred approach. It is a very flammable plant, is easily removed, does not resprout, and

is typically abundant. Grasses should not exceed four inches in height unless special circumstances exist. Recommended Min Horizontal Distance

Pine and White Fir: On flat to gently sloping terrain, pine and white fir should be thinned to provide an average separation between canopies

of at least 10 feet on flat to gently sloping landFor homes located on steeper slopes, the separation distance should be greater, see table. When selecting trees for removal, consider cutting unhealthydamaged, or weak trees.

Step Four Create a separation between tree branches and lower growing plants: If trees are present within the Defensible SpaZone, there should be a separation between the lower growing vegetation and the lowest tree branches. Vegetation that can carry a fire burning in low growing plants to taller plants is called “ladder fuel.” The recommended separation for ladder fuels is three times the height of the lower vegetation layer. Prune the lower tree branches, shorten the height of shrubs, or remove lower plants. Do not, however, remove more than one-third of the total tree branches. When there is no understory vegetation present, remove lower tree branches to a height of at least 2 feet above ground. During a fire, this will help prevent burning needles and twigs that are lying on the ground from igniting the tree.

10 feett

x 2x

of at least 10 feet on flat to gently sloping land.For homes located on steeper slopes, the separa-tion distance should be greater, see table. Whenselecting trees for removal, consider cutting un-healthy, damaged, or weak trees.

Step FourCreate a separation betweentree branches and lower growingplants:If trees are present within the Defensible Space

Zone, there should be a separation between thelower growing vegetation and the lowest treebranches. Vegetation that can carry a fire burn-ing in low growing plants to taller plants is called“ladder fuel.” The recommended separation forladder fuels is three times the height of the lowervegetation layer. Prune the lower tree branches,shorten the height of shrubs, or remove lowerplants. Do not, however, remove more than one-third of the total tree branches. When there is nounderstory vegetation present, remove lower treebranches to a height of at least 2 feet aboveground. During a fire, this will help preventburning needles and twigs that are lying on theground from igniting the tree.

Homeowners have the most control and often decided, consciously or unconsciously

and long before the wildfire comes, whether or not their home will survive.

Reducing Fuels in the Defensible Space & Community Zones Saves Homes.

According to the Report, Structural survival on the 1990 Santa Barbara “Paint” fire: A retrospective study of urban-wildland interface fire hazard mitigation factors, 1996.

� The Painted Cave fire, in Santa Barbara County, threatened 800 and destroyed 479 homes. Those homes with nonflammable roofs and a clearance of 30 feet or more, had an 86% survival rate, and increased to 99% if someone was present to put out spot fires. According to the USFS Report, An Assessment of Fuel Treatment Effects on Fire Behavior, Suppression Effectiveness, and Structure Ignition on the Angora Fire, 2007. Where fuel treatments were implemented before the fire:

� Many firefighters reported increased ability to take “close-in” suppression actions because of the adjacent treatments which provided “black” safety zones after the fire had passed. Many houses were protected from fire or had spot fires extinguished in areas that would have been unsafe. � Many firefighters reported that the treated urban lots significantly increased suppression effectiveness because

of the relatively low intensity surface fire that enabled direct attack of spot fires, preventing adjacent houses from burning.


Defensible space increases the safety of fire suppression personnel.

Firewise Communities/USA

What is Firewise Citizen involvement is the cornerstone of Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program. As a resident whose home is located in a region susceptible to wildfires, this program can help your community become

Firewise.

The national Firewise Communities program is a multi-agency effort designed to reach beyond the fire service by involving homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, and others in the effort to protect people, property, and natural resources from the impacts

of wildland fire - before a fire starts.

Why Firewise The Firewise Program depends on community involvement. Neighbors working together to make their individual surroundings and their community safer from wildfires. For example following defensible space guidelines by clearing your Home

Ignition Zone. (Refer to Six Steps to Creating Defensible Space outlined on Page 12.)

Reasons for Firewise Communities Recognition are:

•� Increased property owner

understanding of fire issues and

involvement in the solutions

•� Improved community cooperation

on wildfire safety matters

•� Impartial assessment of community

hazards and risks

•� A general reduction in the wildfire

hazard level in the community

•� A clear indication to insurers that

the community understands and is

acting to reduce hazards and risks

•� Community qualification for grant

funding

Becoming A Firewise Community The Firewise Communities Program includes assisting residential communities to become recognized Firewise Communities/USA. To become recognized, communities must undertake five actions: 1.� Complete a community assessment,

assisted by professionals from your

local fire department, CAL FIRE,

and your County FSC, and create an

assessment and action plan.

2.� Form a Firewise Board or

Committee.

3.� Hold an annual Firewise Day event

to raise awareness and carry out

portions of the action plan.

4.� Annually invest a minimum of $2

per capita in mitigation projects.

5.� Submit an application to the

Firewise Communities Program

through CAL FIRE

Firewise Communities/USA Activity in Plumas County Currently three communities in Plumas County are applying for Firewise Communities/USA recognition; Lake Almanor West, Gold Mountain, and The Graeagle Fire Protection District. For additional information on how your community can become one, contact your County Fire Safe Council, CAL FIRE or Firewise Communities/USA. Go to www.firewise.org , or www.plumasfiresafe.org for additional information.

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Submitted by Dale Knutsen andChuck Bowman

In 2006, 24 firefighters werekilled while fighting wildfires.

This includes five firefight-ers of a U.S. Forest Service en-gine crew who were killed inSouthern California while trying to protect structures.

Defensible space aroundhomes is proven to save lives by

providing firefighters a moresecure area in which to workwhile protecting structures.

During a wildfire, fire-fighters will often not attemptto protect structures with inadequate defensible space,for both safety reasons and thelikelihood that their efforts will

be unsuccessful. Fuels reduction projects

along roadsides also contributeto public safety by keepingevacuation routes open and al-lowing fire suppression equip-ment to enter into the commu-nity.


Defensible space within a continuous tree canopy: If keeping a larger stand of trees with continuous tree canopy: • prune lower branches of trees to a height of six to 15 feet from the top of the vegetation occurring below (or lower 1/3 of branches for small trees). Properties with greater fire potential (steep slopes) will require pruning heights in the upper end of this range. • remove all ground fuels greater than four inches in height. Single specimens of trees or other vegetation may be kept if they are well-space, well-pruned and create and overall condition that avoids the spread of fire to other vegetation or to structures.

Manage vegetation to prevent “ladder fuel’ occurrence.

Step Five Create a Lean, Clean, and Green Area extending at least 30 feet from the house: There are two goals for the Lean, Clean, and Green Area. The first goal is to eliminate easily ignitable fuels, or “kindling,” near the house. This will help prevent embers from starting a fire in your yard. The second goal is to keep fire intensity low if it does ignite near the house. By proper management of the fuels near the house, a fire would not be able to generate enough heat to ignite the home. For most homeowners, the Lean, Clean, and Green Area is also the residential landscape. This area often has irrigation, is planted with ornamental vegetation, and is regularly maintained.

Remove flammable vegetation and dispose of properly.

Step Six Maintain the Defensible Space Zone: Maintaining a defensible space is an ongoing activity. Plants grow back and flammable vegetation needs to be routinely removed and disposed of properly. Before each fire season, reevaluate your property using the previous five steps and implement the necessary defensible space recommendations.

Lean, Clean, and Green Area Tips • Remove most or all flammable wildland plants, including sagebrush, bitterbrush, rabbitbrush, cheatgrass, and manzanita. If you wish to retain a few of these as specimen plants, make sure they are free of dead wood and leaves, pruned to reduce the amount of fuel, and separated from adjacent brush fields. • Select less flammable plants for the home landscape. Some rules of thumb in selecting landscape plants for the Lean, Clean, and Green Area are... • Shorter plants, less than 2 feet tall, are better choices than taller plants. • Green, herbaceous plants, such as grass and non-woody flowers, are better choices than shrubs and trees.

3x x

Tree Pruning recommendations based on height of fuel below

Living With FireA Special Supplement created by the staff of

Feather Publishing Co., Inc.,and the Plumas County Fire Safe Council

Jerry Hurley, Steve Fowler, Ron Heinbockel, Steven Ross, Heather Munn, Jason Moghddas, Pete Duncan,

Cindy Noble, Mike Freschi, Dale Knutsen, Chuck BowmanFire Safe Council contributors

Plumas County Fire Safe Council: www.plumasfiresafe.comSierra County Fire Safe and Watershed Council: www.scfswc.com

Michael C. Taborski, PublisherSherri McConnell, Advertising Manager

Tom Forney, Production Manager

Feather Publishing:P.O. Box B, 287 Lawrence St., Quincy, CA 95971

(530) 283-0800 • FAX (530) 283-3952 email: [email protected]

Step FiveCreate a Lean, Clean, and GreenArea extending at least 30 feetfrom the house:There are two goals for the Lean, Clean,and Green Area. The first goal is to eliminateeasily ignitable fuels, or “kindling,” near thehouse. This will help prevent embers fromstarting a fire in your yard. The second goal is to keepfire intensity low if it does ignite near thehouse. By proper management of the fuelsnear the house, a fire would not be able togenerate enough heatto ignite the home.For most homeowners, the Lean, Clean, andGreen Area is also the residential landscape.This area often has irrigation, is plantedwith ornamental vegetation, and is regularlymaintained.

Step SixMaintain the Defensible SpaceZone: Maintaining a defensible space is an ongoingactivity. Plants grow back and flammable vege-tation needs to be routinely removed and dis-posed of properly. Before each fire season,reevaluate your property using the previousfive steps and implement the necessary defensi-ble space recommendations.

Lean, Clean, and Green Area Tips• Remove most or all flammable wildlandplants, including sagebrush, bitterbrush, rab-bitbrush, cheatgrass, and manzanita. If youwish to retain a few of these as specimenplants, make sure they are free of dead woodand leaves, pruned to reduce the amount offuel, and separated from adjacent brush fields.• Select less flammable plants for the homelandscape. Some rules of thumb in selectinglandscape plants for the Lean, Clean, andGreen Area are...• Shorter plants, less than 2 feet tall, are betterchoices than taller plants.• Green, herbaceous plants, such as grass andnon-woody flowers, are better choices thanshrubs and trees.• Deciduous shrubs and trees are better choicesthan evergreen types.Avoid planting juniper, mugo pine and arborvi-tae.• Emphasize the use of hard surfaces andmulches. Hard surfaces include materials suchas concrete, asphalt, and brick. Mulches in-clude rock and wood types. Wood mulchesshould not be used within 3 feet of the house.• Clear all flammable vegetation from within 10feet of the propane tank.• Remove tree limbs that are within 10 feet ofthe chimney, touching the house or deck, with-in 6 feet of the roof, or encroaching on powerlines.• Create a noncombustible area at least 3 feetwide around the base of the house.Emphasize the use of irrigated herbaceousplants, such as lawn, ground covers, and flow-ers. Also use rock mulches and hard surfaces.

Tree Pruning recommendationsbased on height of fuel below


This zone is beyond the “Defensible Space Zone”. Reducing fuel loading in this zone will minimize fire damage on areas which include vacant lots, common areas, green belts, and undeveloped lands surrounding communities. Fuel treatment in this zone will not only protect more homes, but the beauty, trees and wildlife which surround your homes

PC FSC has helped 17 communities seek funds to treat 2,500 acres in and around their community

Fuel Treatment in the Community Zone should replicate that in the “Reduced Fuel Zone” (30-70’) of Defensible Space.

Forests and Communities can survive the intrusion of a wildfire.

� Forests, like homes, can and do survive the intrusion of a wildfire.

� Wildfires don’t have to be catastrophic stand replacing events.

� Critical to managing fire behavior and its effects, is managing the fuels Managing Fuel Requires:

Reducing the volume

Creating Horizontal

Separation

Creating Vertical

Separation

Community Zone

Reduced Fuel Zone

Lean, Clean & Green Zone

If we are going to affect fire on a landscape level, we need to reduce fuels on a landscape level.

Following the 2003 Southern California Wildfires, where 742,000 acres were burned, 3,361 structures destroyed and 26 lives were lost, a Governorʼs BlueRibbon Commission recommended that the State increase the requirementfor Defensible Space from 30 to 100 feet.


WHAT IS DEFENSIBLE SPACE?Defensible space is the area between a house and anoncoming wildfire where the vegetation has beenmodified to reduce the wildfire threat and to providean opportunity for firefighters to effectively defendthe house. Sometimes, a defensible space is simply ahomeowner’s properly maintained backyard.

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEENVEGETATION AND WILDFIRE THREAT?Many people do not view the plants growing on theirproperty as a threat. But in terms of wildfire, the veg-etation adjacent to their homes can have consider-able influence upon the survivability of their houses.All vegetation, including plants native to the area andornamental plants, is potential wildfire fuel. If vegeta-tion is properly modified and maintained, a wildfirecan be slowed, the length of flames shortened, andthe amount of heat reduced, all of which assist fight-ers in defending the home against an oncomingwildfire.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS SUPPOSED TOPROTECT MY HOUSE, SO WHY BOTHERWITH DEFENSIBLE SPACE?Some individuals incorrectly assume that a fire en-gine will be parked in their driveway and firefighterswill be actively defending their homes if a wildfire ap-proaches. During a major wildfire, it is unlikely therewill be enough firefighting resources available to de-fend every home. In these instances, firefighters willlikely select homes they can most safely and effec-tively protect. Even with adequate resources, somewildfires may be so intense that there may be littlefirefighters can do to prevent a house from burning.The key is to reduce fire intensity as wildfire nears thehouse. This can be accomplished by reducing theamount of flammable vegetation surrounding ahome. Consequently, the most important person inprotecting a house from wildfire is not a firefighter,but the property owner. And it is the action taken bythe owner before the wildfire occurs (such as properlandscaping) that is most critical.

DOES DEFENSIBLE SPACE REQUIRE A LOT OF BAREGROUND IN MY LANDSCAPE?No. Unfortunately, many people have this misconcep-tion. While bare ground is certainly effective in reduc-ing the wildfire threat, it is unnecessary and unac-ceptable due to appearance, soil erosion, and otherreasons. Many homes have attractive, well-vegetatedlandscapes that also serve as effective defensiblespace.

DOES CREATING A DEFENSIBLE SPACE REQUIREANY SPECIAL SKILLS OR EQUIPMENT?No. For the most part, creating a defensible space em-ploys routine gardening and landscape maintenancepractices, such as pruning, mowing, weeding, plantremoval, appropriate plant selection, and irrigation.Equipment needed includes common tools such as achain saw, a pruning saw, pruning shears, loppers, aweed-eater, a shovel, and a rake. A chipper, compostbin, or large rented trash dumpster may be useful indisposing of unwanted plant material.

HOW BIG IS AN EFFECTIVE DEFENSIBLE SPACE?Defensible space size is not the same for every home,but varies by slope and type of wildland vegetationgrowing near the house. See “Step One” on page 12.

DOES DEFENSIBLE SPACE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?Yes. Investigations of homes threatened by wildfireindicate that those with an effective defensible spaceare much more likely to survive a wildfire. Further-more, homes with both an effective defensible spaceand a nonflammable roof (composition shingles, tile,metal, etc.) are many times more likely to survive awildfire. Defensible space also allows firefighters toeffectively and safely defend your home.

DOES HAVING A DEFENSIBLE SPACE GUARANTEEMY HOUSE WILL SURVIVE A WILDFIRE?No. Under extreme conditions, almost any house canburn. However, having a defensible space will signifi-cantly improve the odds of your home surviving awildfire.

WHY DOESN’T EVERYONE LIVING IN A HIGH FIREHAZARD AREA CREATE A DEFENSIBLE SPACE?The specific reasons for not creating a defensiblespace are varied. Presented on page 11 are responsesto common excuses for not creating defensiblespace.

Nuisance or Problem?The amount of heat which can

cause a 2nd degree burn in 5 secondswould need to last for 30 minutes to ig-nite wood siding on a house.

However, the tiny match-like em-bers which land on skin and cause aminor annoyance are responsible for mosthomes burning.

Trees and Power LinesPlanting Tip— Plant the"Right Tree in the Right Place."Planting trees under power lines can pose electricalshock hazards and fire safety risks.

To stay safe, keep the lights on and reduce the risk offire, plant:• Medium and large trees 50 feet to the side oftransmission lines, poles and towers.

• Mediumand large trees30 feet to thesideofdistributionlines and poles.

For more information visit pge.com/trees or for Cali-fornia tree selections visitwww.selectree.calpoly.edu.

To request a "Guide to Planting Small Trees NearDistribution Lines” call 1-800-743-5000, or [email protected]. Specify: NorthernCA, Central CA or Bay Area/Inland.

DistributionLine

Small TreesLarge and Medium Trees

TransmissionLine

No Trees

30 ft.

50 ft.

Power Line Tree Planting Guidelines

Plant the "Right Tree in the Right Place."

Photo Courtesy USFS

Donʼt let wildfire ʻbrand ̓your house a loser; do what you can now to protect your invest-ment from the destructive effects of wildfireand its deadly firebrands.


Eaves: Heat traps for hot air and gases. “Box in” to allow heat to escape.

Siding: In fire-prone areas use non-combustible siding, such as stucco, brick or cement board.

Windows: Install windows that are double-pane with at least one pane of tempered glass. Gutters: Keep free of

needles, leaves, and debris.

Firewood: Not stored next to the house. Keep at least 30’ from house.

Roof: Class A/fire-resistant. Keep free of needles, leaves and branches.

Decks: Enclose underside with ¼” wire mesh or non-flammable material. Keep free of combustible materials.

Chimneys: Screened with ½ inch wire mesh or approved spark arrestor.

Foundation & Attic Vents: Unscreened vents allow embers into the structure.

This zone focuses on the areas most vulnerable to either direct flame contact or embers. Most homes are ignited from blowing embers.

Built Zone

Embers created from torching trees and burning structures causemost homes to ignite.Most houses are burned by embers:

• landing on shake roofs• igniting uncleared vegetation next to the house• igniting firewood next to the house• igniting vegetation under decks• blowing into unscreened attic/crawl space vents• igniting combustible materials on decks

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In 2004, PC FSC was recognized by theUS Forest Service Chief with the RuralCommunity Assistance National LeadershipAward for, “Outstanding accomplishmentsthrough their exceptional leadership, vision,and perseverance in working collaborative-ly to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfirein Plumas County.”


Want to Burn Your Yard Debris?

Residents in Plumas County are urged to do their debris

burning during winter or early spring, but be careful as we transition from spring to early summer. Escaped debris burns are the number one cause of human caused fires on the Plumas National Forest. Escaped debris burns are often the result of a pile left unattended or burning when windy. Debris burning can be a very effective means of reducing fire hazards around your home and land if handled properly and safely. However, remember that the person doing the burning is financially responsible for suppression costs and damages if the debris burn escapes. Also remember that burning out of hours could result in an emergency fire dispatch to your home, in which you may be cited and charged for the personnel and equipment time. Burning Permits are required beginning May 1st through June 30th. A burn ban is in effect from July 1st through October yearly regardless of the weather. Please follow these fire-safe guidelines while burning:

� Green or wet vegetation should be dried 3-6 weeks before burning to reduce your smoke impact on the community. Fire Prevention specialists recommend covering your burn piles with plastic or similar material in the fall before the rain to allow for easy ignition of the piles during very wet weather. � Keep pile size at 4 feet in diameter or less. If burn piles

are larger than 4’ x 4’ , a special permit is needed and the piles must be inspected by a District Fire Prevention Officer.

� Make sure area within 10 feet of outer edge of pile is free and clear of any vegetation on the ground. Construct your control lines down to mineral soil. � An adult must be in attendance with a shovel until the

fire is dead out. � A water supply is required at the burning site. � Don’t burn when windy. � Have in possession a valid burning permit. � Make sure your fire is out! Check the burn area before

leaving it, even after you think it is dead out.

•Burn only on days approved by the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District. Call any of the following numbers to find out if it is a permissive burn day:

Escaped debris burns are the number one cause of human-caused fireson the Plumas National Forest.

Plumas:Portola: 832-4528 Quincy: 283-3602Greenville: 284-6520 Chester: 258-2588

Sierra:Eastern Sierra County: 994-3561 Western Sierra County: 289-3662

Note: For air quality reasons, burning is banned completely at any time throughoutthe year in the downtown Quincy and East Quincy portions of the American Valley.

To obtain a burning permit or have your questions answered regarding residentialburning, please contact or visit a local Forest Service or Cal Fire Office:

Mt. Hough Ranger District Office- 39696 State Highway 70, Quincy, Ca. -283-0555Greenville Work Center- 122 Hot Springs Road Greenville, Ca. - 284-7126Beckwourth Ranger District Office- Mohawk Road, Blairsden, Ca. - 836-2575Almanor Ranger District Office- Highway 36, Chester, Ca. – 258-2141Sierraville Ranger District Office- 317 S. Lincoln St., Sierraville, Ca. – 994-3401Cal Fire – Westwood Fire Station – 3rd and Greenwood, Westwood, Ca. – 256-3203Cal Fire – Truckee Fire Station – 10277 Truckee-Tahoe Airport Rd., Ca. – 582-5730Sierra Fire Protection Distict – 100 S. Garson Rd., Verdi, Nev. – (775) 345-0358

The Plumas National Forest issues burn permits under an agreement with Cal-Fire. Your Burn Permit will further explain the latest regulations and recommendations.


Lean, Clean, and Green Area: For a distance of at least 30 feet from the home. �� “Lean” -only a small amount of flammable

vegetation present, �� “Clean” - no accumulation of dead

vegetation or flammable debris within the area

�� . “Green” plants located within this area are kept healthy, green, and irrigated during fire season.

For most homeowners, this area often has irrigation, contains ornamental plants, and is routinely maintained.

Reduced Fuel Area: The Wildland Fuel Reduction Area usually lies beyond the residential landscape area Within this area: �� Remove all dead

vegetation (dead shrubs, dried grass, fallen branches, pine needles, etc.).

�� Thin out thick shrubs and trees to create a separation between them.

�� Remove “ladder fuels” by removing low tree branches, removing or pruning shrubs under trees.

Noncombustible Area: Create a “Noncombustible Area” at least 3 feet wide around the base of your home. This area needs to have a very low potential for ignition from flying embers. Use irrigated plants, rock mulches, or hard surfaces. Keep it free of woodpiles, dead plants, dried leaves, needles, flammable shrubs and debris.

This zone consists of two areas around the structure: 1.�Lean, Clean, Green Areas for 0-30’ 2.�Reduced Fuel Zone from 30-100’

See Six Steps to creating defensible space for more information

Defensible Space Zone

SPI believes in wise use of OUR forests.Fire safety is our concern; please make it yours also.Healthy, productive forests are safe forests.

FORESTS ARE AMERICA’S #1 RENEWABLE RESOURCE

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• Tree Removal• Septic Systems• Utilities• Log Hauling

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For more information visit:www.plumasfiresafe.org/equin.htm

or Contact: High Mountain Riders

FIRESAFETYfor HorseOwners

Tips for minimizing thethreat to you and

your horse during a wildfire.

Special Thanks & Acknowledgement Living With Fire: A Guide for the Homeowner, was writtenby Ed Smith, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension,with assistance from Sonya Sistare, Living With Fire pro-gram assistant. Graphic design provided by Lucy Walker, Office of Market-ing and Communications, University of Nevada, Reno. Il-lustration services provided by Kirah Van Sickle and Ani-mania, LLC. Funding for that project was provided by a National FirePlan grant from the USDA Forest Service/Nevada Divisionof Forestry. For more information about Living With Fire, contact EdSmith, (775)782-9960 or [email protected]; or SonyaSistare, (775)784-4848 or [email protected].

Copyright © 2005 3rd edition - July, 2005

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Office: 530-283-2194 • Cell: 530-394-8233


This zone provides suggestions that help emergency responders locate your home in a timely manner and to provide emergency equipment and personnel SAFE access to structures, while allowing residents to concurrently evacuate SAFELY.

Access Zone

Turnarounds: Homes located at the end of long driveways or dead end roads should have turnaround areas suitable for large fire equipment. Turnarounds can be a cul-de-sac with at least a 45-foot radius or a location suitable for a three-point turn.

Street Signs: Street signs should be posted at each intersection leading to your home. Sign characters should be at least 3 inches high, reflective, and non-combustible.

Address: The home address should be visible from the street, made of reflective, non-combustible material with characters at least 3 inches high

Turnouts: Homes located along long narrow dead end streets and driveways over 800 feet should have turnouts every 400 feet that will allow two-way traffic.

Driveway Clearance: Remove vegetation from both sides of the driveway, extending at least 10 feet and at least a 15-foot vertical clearance above driveway.

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683 Main St., Chester • www.propaneforyou.com

258-4209


Forest Survival following the Stream Fire – Prior to the fire, surface,ladder, and canopy fuels were thinned and removed, creating a fire re-silient stand which survived the fire. (Photo by Jerry Hurley)

Forest Death following the Stream Fire – Like too much of our forests,this is an example of post-fire effects on untreated stands following thecatastrophic stand-replacing wildfire. (Photo by Jerry Hurley)

Protecting Your Community From Destruction by Wildfire So all the homes in your community are prepared for a wildfire.

• What about the areas between the homes and around the community? • The Forest: Trees, Wildlife Habitat, View, Aesthetics, and Reasons you chose to live there?

Experience & Science shows that not only homes, but that forests can survive a wildfire. What is Needed? Reducing fuel loading in the community zone will minimize fire damage on areas which include vacant lots, common areas, green belts, and undeveloped lands surrounding communities. Fuel treatment in this zone will not only protect more homes, but the beauty, trees, and wildlife which surround homes. Key to reducing catastrophic stand replacing wildfire in the community zone is Hazardous Fuel Reduction (HFR). This requires creating horizontal and vertical separation of plants and trees, while removing excess fuel. Similar to the 30-100 foot reduced fuel zone (see pages 12-14). PC FSC has worked in 15 communities to reduce hazardous fuels, on 2,500 acres, in and around those communities since 2003. Does it work? “The Angora Fire demonstrated that some houses had burned due to a lack of defensible space and/or continuous fuelbeds, such as pine needles, that lay adjacent to burnable parts of the homes. Conversely, many homes were protected or had spot fires extinguished by firefighters who were able to take “close-in” suppression actions because defensible space and other fuels treatments provided safety zones in which they could safely work” The Emergency California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission Report, May 2008 Key Report Findings. Angora Fire preliminary fire effects assessment Ongoing study. Report Version 2: July 19, 2007 Hugh Safford, Regional Ecologist, Pacific SW Region Angora fuels treatments 1996-2005:

•� Fuels treatments significantly reduced tree canopy continuity and surface fuels in the area adjacent to the Tahoe Paradise subdivision,

•� Fuels treatments significantly decreased tree mortality (77% in untreated areas, versus about 21% in treated areas) •� Fuels treatments significantly lowered flame lengths and reduced the effects of fire to the tree canopy (32 feet in the untreated

area, compared to about 7.5 feet in treated area) •� Fuels treatments in the Angora Creek area significantly changed fire behavior, reduced fire effects to the ecosystem, and acted

to slow and ameliorate the intensity of the fire as it approached homes in the Tahoe Paradise subdivision View the entire report at: http://www.foresthealth.org/pdf/Safford_AngoraFireEffects_v2_7-19-07.pdf Fire Behavior and Effects Relating to Suppression, Fuel Treatments, and Protected Areas on the Antelope Complex, Wheeler Fire- August 2007

• Treated areas had significantly reduced fire behavior and tree and soil impacts compared to untreated areas. • Treated areas were utilized during suppression along several flanks of the fire for both direct attack with dozers and handcrews, as well as for indirect attack with burn operations.

View the entire report at: http://www.qlg.org/pub/miscdoc/antelopefireanalysis.pdf Cone Fire Tests Fuel Reduction Treatment Effectiveness In 2002, a wildfire burned through a study area, in the Blacks Mountain Experimental Forest, where varying fuel treatment methods were employed. Results indicate that there was much less mortality in the treated stands than the untreated stands. For more information go to: www.fs.fed.us/psw/programs/ecology_of_western_forests/projects/cone_fire_new/


Wildfire will threaten your house in three ways…

CONTACT BY FLAMES

This type of threat occurs when vegetation and other fuels burning near the house produce flames that come in contact with the home and ignite it. Often, it happens when fire burns through a uniform layer of vegetation right up to the house. Direct contact by flames is probably what most homeowners visualize when they think of a house burning during wildfire.

RADIATED HEAT Radiated heat melted the vinyl siding on this house. Flames never came in contact with it. Radiated heat is produced by invisible electromagnetic waves that travel out in all directions from a flame. When a house receives enough radiated heat for sufficient time, it will ignite. Sometimes radiated heat can burst windows and allow burning embers to enter the house.

FLYING EMBERS More houses burn due to flying embers than any other reason. If fire conditions are right, ember can be lofted high into the air and transported more than a mile. Burning embers can also be carried by wind and fire whirls. If these burning embers land in easily ignitable materials, a new fire can start.

“It is not where your home is located that necessarily determines the ignition risk. It’s how ignitable the house is as determined by the Home Ignition Zone” Jack Cohen, USFS Fire Researcher

What can homeowners & communities do to reduce wildfire threat?The Living With Wildfire threat reduction recommendations are presented according to four zones….

Community Zone This zone is outside and between the Defensible Space Zones. Efforts are to minimize fire damage on undeveloped areas which include vacant lots, common areas, green belts, and undeveloped lands.

Built Zone This zone provides recommendations for home construction.

Access Zone This zone provides suggestions that help emergency responders locate your home in a timely manner.

Defensible Space Zone This zone pertains to the vegetation surrounding your home, both ornamental and landscape plants and native plants.

"It is not where your home is located that necessarily determines the ignition risk. It's how ignitable the house is as determinedby the Home Ignition Zone"Jack Cohen, USFS Fire Researcher


HUMAN BEHAVIOR IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS FIRE BEHAVIOR IN SAVING YOUR HOME BEFORE THE FIRE DURING THE FIRE AFTER THE FIRE

Prior to the fire, this homeowner changed the roof material from wood shakes to fire-resistant tiles and reduced the amount of flammable vegetation surrounding the home. These pre-fire activities helped this house survive the fire.

BEFORE THE FIRE DURING THE FIRE AFTER THE FIRE

Home SurvivabilityWhy do some houses survive a wildfire, while others are destroyed? Research findings prove thathouse survival during a wildfire is not random, miraculous or “dumb luck.” Rather it is how thehouse is built, the characteristics of the surrounding vegetation, and routine maintenance that oftendetermine which homes burn and survive.

Pre-fire actions completed before a wildfire, by the resident, often determine the survivability ofstructures. The “winners” will be those people who implement and maintain pre-fire activities.The homeowner has the largest role in determining whether or not a structure burns in a wildfire.Photo courtesy Jack Cohen, USFS

Living in a High Wildfire Hazard AreaThe potential for loss of human life and property due towildfire in Plumas and Sierra counties is growing. In re-sponse, local, state, federal, private, and nonprofit organiza-tions have banded together to create Living With Fire, awildfire threat reduction program for homeowners.

The Living With Fire program is not about fire prevention.Its purpose is to teach people how to live more safely withthe threat of wildfire. For many areas in our two counties,it is not a question of “if ” wildfire will occur, but “when.”

. . . helping Plumas and Sierra County residents live more safely with the threat of wildfire


PC FSC PLANS PC FSC Has developed a number of plans to assist homeowner and communities better understand the risks, mitigation

measures and if necessary preparations for evacuations.

Community Wildfire Protection Plan PC FSC has a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) which was developed to outline the risks and hazards associated with a wildland fire threat to Plumas County communities and to identify potential mitigation measures. The Plumas County Communities Wildland Fire Mitigation Plan is intended to provide documentation of implementing actions designed to reduce wildfire risk to homes and communities through education and outreach programs, the development of partnerships, and implementation of preventative activities such as hazardous fuel reduction, defensible space, land use, or building codes. A CWPP is necessary for FSC’s to obtain funding assistance from the Departments of Agriculture, Interior, State of California, and other grantors. Important Information provided in the Plan includes:

�� Fire frequency and history �� Wildfire Threats to communities & homes �� Wildland fire behavior factors, influences, and elements affecting

property and resource damage. �� Maps of Fire History, communities at risk, land ownership, fire

protection districts and others �� Mitigation strategies are prioritized by zone, with the highest priority

being the structure ignition zone and working outward. o� Mitigation strategies areas of focus:

A. Information, Education, and Planning B. Reducing Structure Ignitability C. Enhancing Suppression Capabilities and Public Safety D. Hazardous Fuel Reduction Mitigation strategies

http://www.plumasfiresafe.org/fire_plan.htm

Plumas County Fuels Assessment & Strategy The Fuels Assessment and Strategy was developed to provide citizens, communities, land managers, and decision makers, a better understanding of the fuel hazard across Plumas County, especially within the community wildland-urban interface. Projected fire behavior is displayed for the County with fuel treatment recommendations. It helps to develop a priority-based strategy for addressing the risk." http://www.plumasfiresafe.org/assessment.htm

PC FSC Board MembersBrian West,Mike CallaghanJay SkuttAndy AndersonJim Hamblin

Frank StewartDale MeeseAllan SetzerMike De LaseauxScott Abrams

Will you be ready for Wildland Fire?Have you done all you can to protect your home before wildfire strikes? Do you know what to do iffire is approaching? Do you know what to do when evacuating and where to go? Do you know whatto do if wildfire strikes your community? IF NOT, THIS BROCHURE MAY BE OF HELP TO YOU.

http://www.plumasfiresafe.org/evac.htm

WILDLAND FIRE PREPARATION & EVACUATION PLANPLUMAS COUNTY

Greenhorn 1990 Portola 1988

What is the Plumas County Fire Safe Council (PC FSC) PC FSC was organized in 1998, became a non-profit corporation in 2002, and has since worked very hard to provide community support for wildfire mitigation countywide.

PC FSC Mission Statement: “To reduce the loss of natural and manmade resources caused by wildfire through Firewisecommunity programs and pre-fire activities.”

is a natural part of our environment. Forest andrangelands were burning long before Sierra County was settled in the 1800ʼs. Whether you are a full time resident orvacation homeowner, you need to think about the very realpossibility of a major wildfire threatening your community.

This is where defensible space comes in, California State Law (PRC 4291) requires you to havedefensible space. The best thing you can do is to make sure your home can stand alone. Thehomeowner is the most important person when it comes to preparing for a wildfire. You need tounderstand your local fire threat and learn what to do about it.

The Sierra County Fire Safe and Watershed Council is a non-profit corporation made up of con-cerned citizens who recognize the need to raise public awareness of wildfire related issues. Con-tact the Council to schedule a free Defensible Space Consultation at 530-249-0444.

• Living With Fire Wednesday, June 28, 2010

If Wildfire Approaches...

Humans and animals were evacuatedon the Rolland Fire off Hwy. 395 on thePlumas National Forest.

Photos courtesy ofPlumas National ForestWhat should I wear

and have with me?• Wear only cotton or wool clothes• Proper attire includes long pants,

long-sleeved shirt or jacket, andboots

• Carry gloves, a handkerchief tocover your face, water to drink,and goggles

• Keep a flashlight and portable radiowith you at all times

• Tune in to a local radio station andlisten for Instruction

What about family membersand pets?• If possible, evacuate all family

members not essential to preparingthe house for wildfire

• Make sure to designate a safemeeting place and contact person

• Relay your plans to the contactperson

• Evacuate pets• Contact the local Humane Society

for pet assistance if needed

How should I prepare my car?• Place vehicles in the garage, point-

ing out with keys in the ignition• Roll up the windows• Close the garage door, but leave it

unlocked• If applicable, disconnect the electric

garage door opener so that the doorcan be opened manually

What should I take?• Important documents (bank, IRS,

trust, investment insurance policy,birth certificates, medical records)

• Credit and ATM cards• Medications• Prescription glasses• Driver’s license• Passport• Computer backup files• Inventory of home contents (

consider videotaping)• Photograph the exterior of the

house and landscape• Address book• Cell phone and charger• Personal toiletries• Change of clothing• Family photo albums and videos• Family heirlooms• Place essential items in the car

How should I leave my home?• Close all interior doors• Leave a light on in each room• Remove lightweight, non fire-

resistant curtains and othercombustible materials from aroundwindows

• Close fire-resistant drapes, shutters,and Venetian blinds

• Turn off all pilot lights• Move overstuffed furniture, such as

couches and easy chairs, to thecenter of the room

What about the outsideof my home?• Place combustible patio furniture in

the house or garage• Shut off propane at the tank or at

the meter• Close all exterior vents if possible• Prop a ladder against the house to

provide firefighters with access tothe roof

• Make sure that all garden hoses areconnected to faucets and attachnozzles

• Remove stacks of firewood fromporches, decks, and next to thehouse

• Close all exterior doors andwindows

• Turn on outside lights• If available and if there’s time,

cover windows, attic openings, andvents with plywood that is at leastone-half inch thick

• Wet down wood-shake or shingleroofs before leaving

• Fill trash cans and buckets withwater and place where firefighterscan find then

• If you have an emergency watersource (pool, pond, etc.) and/orportable pump, clearly mark itsavailability so it can be seen fromthe street.

Funding for this project provided by:US Forest Service –

Plumas & Lassen National ForestsSierra Nevada ConservancyPlumas County Board of SupervisorsSierra County Board of SupervisorsGraeagle Fire Protection District

For more information visitwww.plumasfiresafe.org or

www.scfswc.com

living with fire 2010

Documents

wildfire risk

withthe threat of wildfire

history wildfire threats

communities homes wildland

mitigation plan

pc fsc plans pc fsc

potential mitigation

mitigation strate