The Jacksonville City Council has identified emergency preparedness for wildfires as a key focus this year. The Council is working on several steps including revision of the Emergency Operations Plan, a review of the Britt Evacuation Plan, instituting a set of emergency protocols which include potential evacuation routes, warning systems and fuel reduction. Our partners include the Fire & Police departments, other municipalities, Firewise, CERT, BLM, the Forest Service, and many others. A key aspect of preparedness is citizen education. The following article in one of a series of monthly pieces aiming to inform residents of steps they can take to mitigate risk. The Council deeply appreciates the Jacksonville Review’s generosity in sharing this information.

Most homes are lost during wildfires not due to advancing walls of flame, but because of flying embers. Embers are burning pieces of vegetation or construction materials that can be lofted high into the air, carried by wind, or transported by fire whirls for hundreds of feet to more than a mile from the actual fire.

Seven Ways Residents Can Reduce Wildfire Risk for their Homes and Property*

  1. Clear—Clear off pine needles, dead leaves and anything that can burn from your gutters, roof, decks, porches, patios and along fence lines. Falling embers will have nothing to burn.
  2. Store Away—Store away furniture, cushions, mats and other decorations from decks, porches, and patios. These items can catch embers and ignite your home.
  3. Screen and Seal—Wind-borne embers can enter homes through vents and other openings and ignite a fire inside the home. Walk around your home to see what openings can be screened off or temporarily sealed.
  4. Rake—Rake out any landscaping mulch to at least five feet away from your home as embers landing in mulch that touch your house, deck or fence can easily ignite.
  5. Trim—Trim back any shrubs or tree branches that come closer than 5 feet to the house as well as any overhanging branches.
  6. Remove—Walk around your house and remove anything within 30 feet that could burn, including woodpiles, spare lumber, vehicles, and boats—anything that can act as a large fuel source.
  7. Close—If ordered to evacuate, close all doors, windows, and pet doors. Embers may enter these openings and ignite a fire inside the home.

*These tips are from the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). You may find more tips and safety recommendations on its websites, including www.firewise.org.

Andrea Thompson is a Jacksonville City Councilor.