The desire to get away from the pressures of heavily populated areas has resulted in an increase in subdivisions and developments in forested areas. But if you live in a forested setting, your home could be at a greater risk of fire. To prevent structural loss, homeowners should carry out regular maintenance around their home by the proper placement and removal of combustible materials and also choosing construction materials which will not increase the risk of fire.

General cleanup around a home should include keeping gutters and roofs clear of branches, twigs and leaves, clearing back and thinning out trees and brush, as well as removing and disposing of logs, needles, twigs, and shrubs that encourage fire to spread on the ground. Firewood and debris piles should be kept at least 10 meters (30 ft.) away from structures and never placed on a down slope adjacent to a structure. The need for pruning trees is very important as it can prevent ground fires from spreading into tree canopies and creating a serious forest fire. A homeowner can help prevent the spread of fire into higher trees by removing branches within 2.5 meters (8 ft.) of the ground as well as removing low growing brush from under taller trees.

Another serious factor that homeowners in forested areas need to consider is the type of construction material used for the roof and siding. The number one cause of structural loss due to wild land fires is the use of untreated roof shakes and siding material. Using materials such as metal, clay or concrete tile, asphalt shingles or treated wooden shakes, stucco, brick or concrete will help protect your home. In the event of a wildfire, the use of these materials will help prevent sparks and hot ambers from falling onto your roof or lodging into the siding and potentially causing the roof to catch fire.

For more information on how to protect your home and property from wildfires contact the British Columbia Ministry of Forests or your local Fire Departments for a brochure.