By Bill Trimarco
Hopefully, our local wildfire season is slowing down. The recent rains have certainly lowered the risk but, after the many late fall and winter wildfires that Colorado has seen over the last few years, that doesn’t mean that the wildfire season is over.
Spring and early summer are usually times when we are prone to wildfire. What your property looks like in the fall is what it will look like after the winter snows have left. Those dead grasses and leaves in the fall can easily resurface as prime kindling in the spring.
Spring and fall are good times to get ready. The following tips can be used any time of year, though.
Any wildland landscape can experience wildfire. In addition to the threat to lives and structures from the direct flame and from radiant heat, embers can travel more than 2 miles and can start spot fires and ignite structures.
A few simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of wildfire damage and destruction:
Move firewood piles at least 30 feet away from structures. (Even in the winter.)
Ornamental junipers and spruce are highly flammable. Keep them 10 feet or more away from structures.
Rake up leaves and needles within 10 feet of the structure.
Clean the leaves and pine needles off of the roof. Clean the eavestroughs.
Make sure all attic and soffit vents have 1/8-inch metal screening.
Chimneys need spark arrestors. (They keep birds out of your woodstove, too).
Repair any holes or gaps in the siding.
Crawl space vents need 1/8-inch metal screening.
Remove all combustibles on, under or near wooden decks.
Install metal screening under the deck to keep duff and critters out.
Maintain decks and stairs. Dried-out wood is more flammable than oil stained or painted wood.
Use noncombustible fencing within 5 feet of the house.
Remove any combustible plants within 5 feet of the house.
Within 30 feet of the house, mow grasses to a 4-inch height or less.
More information and assistance is available at wildfireadapted.org
Bill Trimarco is Pagosa agent for Wildfire Adaptive Partnership.