Green Horizons

Wildfire moves quickly, but there are defensive strategies available to landowners for lessening its impact.

Missouri’s farmers and ranchers are very much aware these days of the extremely dry weather patterns that are affecting almost every corner of the state. However, folks new to the rural scene might not be so in tune with Mother Nature. While a forest or grass fire in Missouri might not compare to the massive forest and range fires out West, try telling that to someone who has just lost a home or cabin to wildfire.

The term wildland/urban interface describes any area where potentially dangerous wildland fuels - such as forests, old fields and grasslands - are found next to homes and other outbuildings. There are a number of preventive measures that homeowners can take to reduce hazards and potential damage to their property.

Defensible Space
Defensible space is an area around a structure where fuels and vegetation are treated, cleared or reduced to slow the spread of a wildfire toward a building. It also reduces the chance of a structure fire moving from the building to the forest. The three zones of defensible space are:

Zone 1: Defensible Space. THE MOST IMPORTANT SPACE is the first 30 feet from the structure. If the building is on a hill, increase the distance by 10 feet for each additional 10% of slope. It is the area of maximum modification and should be designed as a barrier to fire. Defensible space provides room for firefighters to do their job.

The open space immediately surrounding structures allows firefighters to do their jobs.

Maintain a grass lawn. Use stone, concrete or brick for patios and decks. Ornamental shrubs should be no taller than 18" and be fire-resistant. Check with your local nursery before you buy plants as to their growth habits and flammability. Eliminate all conifers (especially red cedar) in this zone. As most wildfires in Missouri stay on the ground, prune tree limbs 6'-10' from the ground. Trim limbs within 15' of the roof. Stack firewood outside this zone. Lastly, remove dead trees, branches and leaves from the area.

Zone 2: The Mid-Zone. This is an area, 30'-70' from structures, of fuel reduction and for landscaping with fire-resistant, trees and shrubs. (Any plant will burn under the right conditions, but fire-resistant plants are less flammable.) It’s also a good place for planting orchards and gardens. As with Zone 1, increase this distance by 10' for each additional 10% of slope.

Spacing between shrubs should be at least twice as wide as their height. Prune lower tree limbs 6-10 feet from the ground. Clear vegetation within 10' of woodpiles and LP (propane) tanks.

Zone 3: The Outermost Zone. Zone 3 is an area of traditional forest management. It extends from the outside edge of Zone 2 for several hundred feet or to your property boundary.

Thin trees so there is at least 10' of space between crowns. Prune tree limbs to 10' from the ground. Do not let dead wood accumulate on the ground and remove groups of dead trees.

Location
While the view from a hilltop may be breathtaking, a home built too close to a steep slope is more prone to being caught in the path of flames racing up the hillside. Narrow passages between hills are also poor locations. As fire moves uphill, pre-heating and spot fires occur ahead of the main fire. Choose a location at least 30' back from a steep slope.

Firescaping
The goal is to develop and design a landscape with plants that offer fire protection and still enhance the property. There is no such thing as a fireproof plant. Any plant will burn under the right conditions. But, fire-resistant plants are less flammable. These plants have little or no seasonal accumulation of dead leaves. Their wood and leaves are non-resinous. They also tend to be drought tolerant. Examples are oak, hickory, maple, ash, dogwood, redbud and sumac.

Flammable plants have needle-like or other fine leaves. They tend to have resinous, oily or waxy foliage or wood. Their bark can be loose or papery. Most conifers, such as junipers, pines and cedars fit this bill.

Building Materials
While attractive, wood shingles are a big no-no. Use noncombustible roofing materials such as Class C asphalt shingles. Consider a fire-resistant sub-roof. Exterior surfaces should be masonry, stone or block: not vinyl. Your local fire department can also provide other useful building tips.

Access
If possible, identify two exits from your property. Design road widths, grades, curves, turnarounds and bridges for large emergency vehicles. Make sure your road name is clearly posted. Post names and address of occupants at driveway entrance. Lastly, prune overhanging branches above roads.

For more information, contact your local Missouri Department of Conservation office or visit these web sites:

Online Resources:

• Firewise: www.firewise.org
• National Interagency Fire Center: www.nifc.gov
• FEMA Fire Facts: www.fema.gov/library/wildlanf.htm
• USDA Forest Service: www.fs.fed.us/fire