Wildfire Preparation

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Some burnt materials, and a house that was saved by following the safety guidelines.

In Wyoming, our lack of summertime rain makes for very dry conditions. When the grass and weeds get dry enough, it takes very little to ignite a wildfire. It could be a cigarette that is thrown out the window, chains from trailers dragging and sparking, an unmanned fire from a camp fire, or a bolt of lightning. Any one of the these scenarios can set a wildfire, and when it’s dry, it is hard to get the fire under control.

There are a few things that can be done to help save properties from a wildfire.

Within 30 Feet -

- Clear combustible materials like pine needles, branches, and dead leaves.

- Cut down any tree limbs that are at least 15 feet from the ground. This will help prevent the spread to your property line.

- Keep any kind of vegetation off your building.

- Place flammable lawn furniture in storage when not in use.

- Use gravel instead of wood chips. Try to avoid using flammable décor.

Within 30-100 Feet -

- Cover pathways or driveways with gravel or rock. They are good materials for a “fuel break”. You want fuel breaks on your property, as they will help stop the spread of the fire.

- Cut branches that are 8 feet or closer to the ground

- Get rid of combustible vegetation

Within 100-200 Feet -

- This is where if you can store firewood or scrap wood.

- Still clear combustible vegetation

- When planting trees, keep them far apart so the branches don’t touch.

If you run into a situation that you have a fire or smoke damage from a wildfire, call SERVPRO of Casper. We will provide a free walk-through assessment on your house.