Wynward Pointe Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Transcription

1 Protecting Your Community From A Wildfire Disaster September 20, 2007 Wynward Pointe Community Wildfire Protection Plan

2 Prepared By: Mickey Walley Brad Farmer Mike Bozzo South Carolina Forestry Commission The following report is a collaborative effort among various entities, including federal, state, and local government. The representatives listed below comprise the core decision-making team responsible for this report and mutually agree on the plan s contents: Larry Schreccengost Wynward Pointe Homeowner s Association Mickey Walley SC Forestry Commission Rodney Burdette Oconee County Emergency Manager Mark Lee Keowee Fire Chief 2

3 PLAN CONTENTS I. Objectives II. Community Collaboration III. Community Background and Existing Situation IV. Community Wildfire Risk Assessment V. Wildfire Hazards VI. Prioritized Risk Mitigation Recommendations VII. Action Plan VIII. Evaluation and Sustainability IX. Appendices A. Building Materials and Design B. Landscaping C. Fuel Mitigation Zone D. Wildfire Hazard and Risk Assessment Score Sheet E. 10 Standard Firefighting Orders F. Community Wildfire Protection Planning 3

4 I. OBJECTIVES: Using National Fire Prevention funds, the South Carolina Forestry Commission has committed personnel to assess the dangers from wildland fire to communities within our state. Wynward Pointe community lies in what has been designated as a fire prone area. Wildland fire experts from the SC Forestry Commission in co-operation with your local Fire Service have completed an assessment of Wynward Pointe, with regards to the threat that wildland fire poses to this community. This is a report showing the results of that study. The objective of the following report is to set clear priorities for the implementation of wildfire mitigation in Wynward Pointe. This includes prioritized recommendations as to the appropriate types and methods of fuel reduction and structure ignitability reduction that will protect this community and its essential infrastructure. It also includes a plan for wildfire suppression, identifies existing resources, describes how to maximize resources, outlines additional resources needed, and presents options for creating sustainability. Specifically, the plan includes community-centered actions that will: Educate citizens on wildfire, its risks, and ways to protect lives and properties. Support fire rescue and suppression entities. Focus on collaborative decision-making and citizen participation. Develop and implement effective mitigation strategies. Develop and implement effective community covenants and codes. NOTE: EVEN HOMES AND BUSINESSES LOCATED IN LOW RISK AREAS CAN BE LOST TO WILDLAND FIRE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. PROPERTY OWNERS IN LOW RISK COMMUNITIES SHOULD READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS REPORT. This report gives some of the most important specifics of the assessment. Of most importance, we outline methods of mitigating the wildland fire risk to this community. The SC Forestry Commission along with the FireWise Council is available to property owners to assist in performing the recommended mitigation practices outlined in this report. Please contact the SC Forestry Commission at for further assistance. 4

5 II. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION A task force convened in January of 2005 to assess risks and develop the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The group, titled the Wynward Pointe Community FireWise Council, is comprised of representatives from local government, local fire authorities, and the state agency responsible for forest management. Wynward Pointe Homeowner s Association SC Forestry Commission SC Division of Emergency Management In addition to the above, the Wynward Pointe Community FireWise Council consulted with a couple of interested parties to acquire additional input as the plan was developed: Keowee Key Firewise Council Keowee Key Fire Department Meetings were held to encourage input from all homeowners living in Wynward Pointe. From these meetings, the homeowners were introduced to the Firewise principles and informed of the goals needed to become a Firewise Community. The goals will be accomplished by implementing the following strategies: Firewise Council Risk Assessment Fuel Reduction Emergency Management Education and Outreach Created to provide a leadership role in the implementation of the Wynward Pointe Community Wildfire Protection Plan. This role will ensure representation on and coordination among the Firewise committees, develop and refine goals for fire protection, and oversee the implementation of the plan as a sustainable effort. A continuing evaluation of wildfire hazard risks and prioritize mitigation actions. Identify strategies for coordinating fuels mitigation treatments or projects. Forge relationships among local government and fire districts to develop/refine an evacuation plan. Develop strategies for increasing citizen awareness, participation and create an educational opportunity to reach new and non-participating homeowners. 5

6 Wynward Pointe Development Oconee County III. COMMUNITY BACKGROUND AND EXISTING SITUATION Location: Lake Keowee is located south of Salem S.C. and North of Seneca S.C. on S.C. Hwy. 130 and 183. Wynward Pointe is one community that sits on the shores of Lake Keowee. Terrain: The community is built on mostly rolling hills with moderate to steep slopes adjacent to Lake Keowee. Gullies and drains also add difficulty to fire suppression efforts. Natural Forest Cover: Mixed pine and hardwood form the overstory. The understory is primarily made of small pine and hardwoods with a thick layer of vegetative debris on the forest floor. There are large areas of unmanaged fuel located within these neighborhoods. 6

7 Forest Fuels: Moderate to high levels of fire fuels consisting primarily of dead hardwood leaves, with annual weeds and grasses on the forest floor. Dead pine brush and logs from storm and insect damage compound the problem. Fire History: Over the past 5 years, there have been 15 wildfires in a 5-mile radius of Wynward Pointe. These fires were caused by debris burning and equipment use. SPB Spots: The Southern Pine Beetle kills trees in groups. These Groups range in size from less than a 1/10th of an acre to several acres. This will create a large amount of debris on the forest floor that normally would not be available to burn. This increased fuel load causes fires to burn more intensely and for longer periods of time. 7

8 Infrastructure: Excellent paved road system, but only one route of ingress and egress for the development. The streets are wide enough to accommodate emergency apparatus. Limited turnarounds are present with less than sufficient turning radius for fire apparatus. Electrical service and heating gas is in-ground. Sewage is handled through septic tank. Yard irrigation is in-ground if present. Keowee Fire Department is located within the area, to provide quick response to fire emergencies. The main water source is from the Salem public water system and fire hydrants are located throughout the development. Lake Keowee is an excellent resource that can be used for drafting to fill fire apparatus and to serve as a fill point for helicopter buckets to make drops on wildfires in the vicinity. 8

9 Development: Wynward Pointe was established in 1999 and the development covers 120 acres. There are 117 lots total and 75 of the lots have homes built on them with 42 being undeveloped. Structure density :These are planned neighborhoods and have many undeveloped lots. Some sections are more populated than others. For single story homes with 18 roof peaks, there should be a minimum horizontal separation of between homes. Two-story homes should be separated by of horizontal distance. Construction: Multi-story homes designed to blend with the natural environment. Wood, brick, and vinyl sided homes are found in Wynward Pointe with predominately asphalt shingle roofs. Many homes, due to the steep slope, have elevated decks which are not fully enclosed. Structure ignitability will vary with each home, for more information see Appendix B. Landscaping: Varies throughout these neighborhoods, from very open to crowded designs. Pine straw is often used as mulch or ground cover. 9

10 IV. COMMUNITY WILDFIRE RISK ASSESSMENT Hazard Rating A wildland fire risk assessment was conducted in Wynward Pointe in 2004 by the SC Forestry Commission. Wynward Pointe received a score of 118, placing it in the very high hazard range. Wildfire Risk: Risk describes the probability of a wildfire starting. In South Carolina, over 95% of all wildfires are caused by people and their activities. Wildfire risk is related to weather conditions, and risk increases when people s outdoor activities coincide with periods of low humidity, high wind, or drought. Risk of wildfires originating within the community is somewhat reduced due to the socioeconomic makeup of the population of the development. The most significant sources of ignition within the community could be: 1) Vehicle-related ignitions along the main road. This includes careless smoking, hot exhaust systems and brakes, and sparks from dragging metal. Any of these is capable of starting a fire in the fine fuels along the roads. 2) Structure fires spreading to adjacent woodland fuels. 3) Careless disposal of coals and ashes from fireplaces and barbecue grills. 4) Careless outdoor burning by contractors and homeowners. 10

11 Executive Summary As already introduced, a wildland fire risk assessment conducted in 2004 by the SC Forestry Commission returned a score of 118, placing Wynward Pointe in the very high hazard range. The risk assessment instrument used to evaluate wildfire hazards to the Wynward Pointe community was the South Carolina Wildfire Hazard Risk Assessment Checklist developed by the SC Forestry Commission. The instrument takes into consideration accessibility, vegetation (based on fuel models), topography, roofing assembly, building construction, availability of fire protection resources, placement of gas and electric utilities, and additional rating factors. The following factors contributed to the wildfire hazard score for Wynward Pointe: One entrance/exit Narrow roads without drivable shoulders, with dead ends and small cul-desacs Long, narrow, and winding driveways Thick, highly flammable vegetation on three sides of the development Minimal defensible space around some structures Homes with wooden siding and roofs with heavy accumulations of vegetative debris No pressurized or non-pressurized water systems available Large, adjacent areas of forest or wildlands The equivalent National Fire Protection Association s hazard rating (using the NFPA 1144 Wildfire Hazard and Risk Assessment Scoresheet) scores Wynward Pointe at 118, in the high risk range. Risk Assessment Wynward Pointe Community Subdivision Type Boundary and intermix interface Fire History of Community and/or Adjacent Lands Relative Frequency and Location Common Causes Factors Influencing Fire Probability 9 fires in a 10-year period on or adjacent to the property. Undetermined. Heavy accumulation of hazardous vegetation adjacent to the structures, flammable debris on the roofs and in the gutters, large adjacent areas of forest or wildland with accumulated wildland fuels and no prescribed burning program for fuel management, high accumulation of fuels, 11

12 Areas of Future Concern Access significant history of fires due to lightning, arson, and debris burning, and a large muck fire in recent history. Wynward Pointe Community is the primary area of concern, but adjacent lands will continue to pose a threat unless a fuels management program is implemented. Hazard Rating 1. Ingress and Egress One road in/out 7 2. Road Width Road width is 20 ft. and < 24 ft Road Accessibility 4. Secondary Road Terminus Hard surface road without drivable shoulders Majority of dead-end roads > 300 ft. long 5. Cul-de-sac Turnarounds Outside radius < 50 ft Street Signs Vegetation 7. Vegetation Types Present w/non-combustible materials High fire hazard Pine hardwood mix timber type with dense understory consisting of young saplings and large woody debris as a result of SPB infestations. 8. Defensible Space Less than 50 ft Hazard Rating 20 Building Construction 9. Roof Material 10. Soffits/Siding Fire Protection 11. Helicopter Dip Spots > 75% of homes have Class A asphalt or fiberglass shingles, slate or clay tiles, cement, concrete or metal roofing, or terracotta tiles < 50% of homes have noncombustible or fire resistant siding or soffits Under 2 minute turnaround (< 1 mi.) Hazard Rating 0 10 Hazard Rating 0 12

13 12. Structural Fire Protection One mile from nearest fire station Water Supply Pressurized hydrants present Other Water Sources Dry-hydrant in Wynward Pointe Utilities Electric service below ground Septic Tank Present and clearly marked 10 Additional Rating Factors 17. Large adjacent areas of forest or wildland with accumulated wildland fuels and no prescribed burning program for fuel management 18. Drainages and gullies which can impede cross country access to wildfires in and around the subdivision 19. Undeveloped lots have moderate to large accumulations of wildland fuels, making it difficult to stop the spread of the fire through the subdivision 20. History of wildfire occurrence is due to lightning, arson, debris burning, etc. Hazard Rating TOTAL HAZARD RATING = Very High Hazard

14 Wildfire Hazard: Hazard is a description of existing conditions, especially fuels, which indicate ease of ignition and the degree of control difficulty expected if those fuels burn. FUELS Fine fuels are usually the first to ignite and contribute to the early spread of a wildfire; the primary fine fuels surrounding Lake Keowee communities are dead pine needles, weeds, and grasses. A high accumulation of these fuels are present throughout the area. Intermediate fuels consist of dead branch and brush wood, living brush and shrubs. Moderate concentrations of these fuels are present including some highly flammable species such as Red Cedar, pine saplings and Wax Myrtle. Heavy fuels like dead logs and stumps do not ignite readily. However, once ablaze they will burn for a long period of time and contribute significantly to the intensity and duration of a wildfire. The smoldering effects of these heavy fuels can prolong mop-up on a wildfire and cause smoke problems for residents 14

15 SLOPE 1) The slope in the area surrounding Lake Keowee is mostly rolling hills with moderately steep slopes and gullies. 2) Steep slopes can make wildfire control difficult and fire behavior erratic. During the day, a fire will run upslope, pre-heating the fuel above it and gaining intensity. Burning material and sparks caught in updrafts may ignite new fires far in advance of the main fire. 3) On steep slopes, large fire fighting equipment may encounter access problems. This is an important consideration in both firefighting and firefighter safety. Access 4) Cul-de-sacs are important to large fire fighting equipment. They provide a means of ingress and egress to a fire scene and should be of adequate size to accommodate this large equipment. 15

16 VI. PRIORITIZED RISK MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS There is no practical way to reduce fine fuel accumulations in the undeveloped portions of the community. Homeowners should be encouraged to clear fine fuels immediately adjacent to their homes. In the event of a wildfire, this will prevent direct flame contact with wooden components of the structure. Maintaining a minimum of 30 feet of defensible space around the home helps break the fuel chain between the wooded areas and the homes is the key to home protection from wildland fire. The average defensible space in Wynward Pointe Development is feet per home. Dead logs should be removed from within 25 of structures. Homeowners should be encouraged to use any suitable deadwood as fireplace fuel, stacking it well away from any structure. Logs not used for fuel should be naturally scattered in adjacent woodland rather than bunched or piles. Brushy vegetation should be cleared within 25 of any structure. Landscaping with highly flammable plant material should be discouraged. Low growing juniper ground cover should be at least 6 from wooden components of homes. Pampas grass should not be planted within 15 of any flammable structure; it should be cut back in late February or early March of each year to prevent accumulations of dead material. Planting beds mulched with pine straw or bark should be avoided within 3 lateral distance from flammable structural components. No tree crowns should be allowed to brush against or overhand the roofs of houses. While crown fires are not common in the area, homeowners may consider thinning trees in their yard so that there is separation between the crowns. This will break the continuity of aerial fuels should a crown fire occur. All homeowners should keep their roofs clear of dead leaves and pine needles. 16

17 Risk Mitigation: Despite the relatively low wildfire occurrence within Wynward Pointe Development, the expected losses from a wildfire that may impact Wynward Pointe Development from outside the community make risk mitigation is a primary concern. Risk can be minimized by: 1) Be aware of low-hanging mufflers and trailer safety chains, especially on contractor and service vehicles. 2) Requiring spark arresters on all chimneys and flues. 3) Proper disposal of yard debris would reduce the fuel load around your property and reduce the risk of wildfire spreading to your home. 4) Regulating and strictly enforcing on-site debris burning by contractors. Warming fires for workers should be confined in sturdy metal barrels away from vegetation. 5) Participating in the Forestry Commission s Red Flag Fire Alert program. This is a public awareness tool used when wildfire conditions reach dangerous levels. Upon agreement with the homeowner s association, the SCFC would provide a red flag to be flown at the main gate.. 6) Distribution of a wildfire protection information packet to all residents. The SC Forestry Commission can provide the materials. 7) Incorporating fire safety messages on a community action board or community newsletter when wildfire danger is high can raise awareness of severe fire weather conditions. 17

18 Executive Summary The following recommendations were developed by the Wynward Pointe Community Fire Council. A priority order was determined based on which mitigation projects would best reduce the hazard of wildfire in the assessment area. Proposed Hazard and Structural Ignitability Reduction Priorities Primary Protection for Community and Its Essential Infrastructure Treatment Area Treatment Types Treatment Method(s) 1. All Structures Create minimum of 30-feet of defensible space* 2. Applicable Structures Reduce structural ignitability* Trim shrubs and vines to 30 feet from structures, trim overhanging limbs, replace flammable plants near homes with less flammable varieties, remove vegetation around chimneys. Clean flammable vegetative material from roofs and gutters, store firewood appropriately, install skirting around raised structures, store water hoses for ready access, replace pine needles and mulch around plantings with less flammable landscaping materials. 3. Community Clean-up Day Cutting, mowing, pruning* Cut, prune, and mow vegetation in shared community spaces. 4. Codes and Covenants Amend neighborhood covenants* Amend covenants and restrictions for Wynward Pointe to provide better protection: improve driveway access and widen gates, improve the visibility of house numbers, store firewood appropriately, create defensible space and clear brush, require Class A roofing materials, provide for maintenance of community lots, and restrict debris burning. 5. Interior Perimeter Reduce hazardous fuels Mow common property along interior perimeter. 18

19 *Actions to be taken by homeowners and community stakeholders Proposed Education and Outreach Priorities 1. Conduct How to Have a Firewise Home Workshop for Homeowners Working with the SC Forestry Commission, conduct a second workshop for homeowners that teaches the principles of making homes and properties safe from wildfire. Topics for discussion include defensible space, landscaping, building construction, etc. Workshop will be scheduled for evenings or weekends when most homeowners are available and advertised through conventional media outlets and homeowner association newsletters and s. Homeowners take home a free copy of the How to Have a Firewise Home CD-ROM containing practical video seminars on living in the wildland/urban interface, why homes burn, how to protect your home from wildland fire, and a 3-D home activity in which homeowners turn a home that is a wildfire hazard into a home that is Firewise. 2. Conduct Living on the Edge Workshop for Community Leaders Working with the SC Forestry Commission, conduct a workshop for community leaders that teaches the principles of making communities safe from wildfire. Discussion includes the perspectives of builders/developers, real estate agents, insurance agents, landscape designers, urban planners, homeowners, and more. Participants leave with a free copy of the Living on the Edge CD-ROM, containing practical video seminars on the wildland/urban interface and interactive exercises on how to assess your community s risk in a wildfire event and how to design and develop a community based on Firewise principles. 3. Spring Clean-up Event Conduct clean-up event at least once a year involving the SC Forestry Commission, Keowee Fire Department, and residents. Set up information table with educational materials and refreshments. Initiate the event with a morning briefing by the SCFC mitigation specialist and the neighborhood association president detailing plans for the day and safety precautions. Activities to include the following: Clean flammable vegetative material from roofs and gutters Trim shrubs and vines to 30 feet away from structures Trim overhanging limbs Mow interior, shared community property Celebrate the work with a community cookout, with the participants discussing and commending the work accomplished as well as the Wynward Pointe Community Wildfire Protection Plan. 19

20 4. Neighborhood Association Newsletter Distribute the following with the already established quarterly, neighborhood newsletter: Firewise Status Reports Firewise Tips (including fire-resistant plant lists and defensible space ideas) 5. Informational Packets Develop and distribute informational packets to Wynward Pointe residents. Included in the packets are the following (sources in parentheses): South Carolina Firewise Landscaping Guide (SC Forestry Commission) Good Fire-Bad Fire Brochure (SC Forestry Commission) Wildfire Danger Assessment Guide (SC Forestry Commission) Wildfire Retrofit Guides (Institute of Business and Home Safety) Wildfire Flash Cards (Federal Alliance for Safe Homes) Firewise Landscaping and Construction Checklists (Firewise Communities, USA) 20

21 VII. ACTION PLAN Roles and Responsibilities The following roles and responsibilities have been developed to implement the action plan: Role Responsibility Hazardous Fuels and Structural Ignitability Reduction Wynward Pointe Community FireWise Council FireWise Delegates (2) Resident Liaison SCFC Liaison Funding Specialist Publicity Specialist Codes and Covenants Committee Spring Clean-up Day Event Coordinator Event Treasurer Comprised of residents, SCFC official, Keowee Fire Department official. Meet quarterly to review progress towards mitigation goals, appoint and delegate special activities, work with federal, state, and local officials to assess progress and develop future goals and action plans. Work with neighborhood association and residents to implement projects and provide in-kind services. Attend annual Firewise retreats conducted by the SC Forestry Commission and report findings back to the FireWise Council. Coordinate and advertise FireWise Council meetings to community residents. Report Fire Council initiatives back to the community. Gather resident support of FireWise Council initiatives. Support and coordinate initiatives of the FireWise Council with appropriate SCFC personnel. Identify funding sources and write grants and action plans to obtain funding for projects. Publicize community events and actions that result from Wynward Pointe Community FireWise Council projects. N\A at this time TBA Coordinate day s events and schedule, catering for cookout, guest attendance, and moderate activities the day of the day of the event. Collect funds from residents to cover food, equipment rentals, and supplies. 21

22 Publicity Coordinator Work Supervisor Advertise event through neighborhood newsletter. Publicize events through local paper. Develop volunteer labor force of community residents; develop labor/advisory force from the SC Forestry Commission. Procure needed equipment and supplies. In cooperation with local city and county officials, develop safety protocol. Supervise work and monitor activities for safety the day of the event. Funding Needs The following funding is needed to implement the action plan: Estimated Project Cost Potential Funding Source(s) 1. Create a minimum of 30 feet of defensible space around structures $2,000 Residents will supply labor. Funding needed for tree removal-scfc Hazardous Fuels Reduction Grant 2. Reduce structural ignitability by cleaning flammable vegetation from roofs and gutters, appropriately storing firewood, installing skirting around raised structures, storing water hoses for ready access, replacing pine needles and mulch around plantings with less flammable material. 3. Amend codes and covenants to provide better driveway access, increased visibility of house numbers, properly stored firewood, minimum defensible space brush clearance, required Class A roofing materials and skirting around raised structures, planned maintenance of community lots, and restricted debris burning. No Cost Residents will supply labor and fund required work on their own properties. Firewise committee. 4. Conduct How to Have a Firewise Home workshop for homeowners $5,000 Firewise Committee and the SCFC 5. Conduct Living on the Edge workshop for community leaders $10,000 SCFC and cooperators 22

23 Timetable The following timetable has been developed for the highest priority projects: Estimated Project (in order of priority) Start Duration Finish 1. Create a minimum of 30 feet of defensible space around structures, if feasible 2. Reduce structural ignitability by cleaning flammable vegetation from roofs and gutters, appropriately storing firewood appropriately, installing skirting around raised structures, storing water hoses for ready access, and replacing pine needles and mulch around plantings with less flammable material. 3. Amend codes and covenants to provide better driveway access, increased visibility of house numbers, properly stored firewood, minimum defensible space brush clearance, required Class A roofing materials and skirting around raised structures, planned maintenance of community lots, and restricted debris burning. 6 weeks 2/08 4/16/08 2 weeks 4/08 4/16/08 10 weeks 2/08 4/16/08 Assessment Strategy To accurately assess progress and effectiveness for the action plan, the Wynward Pointe Community FireWise Council will implement the following: Annual wildfire risk assessment will be conducted to re-assess wildfire hazards and prioritize needed actions. Mitigation efforts that are recurring (such as mowing and clearing of defensible space) will be incorporated into an annual renewal of the original action plan. Mitigation efforts that could not be funded in the requested year will be incorporated into the annual renewal of the original action plan. Continuing educational and outreach programs will be conducted and assessed for effectiveness. Workshops will be evaluated based on attendance and post surveys that are distributed by mail 1month and 6 months following workshop date. The Wynward Pointe Community FireWise Council will publish an annual report detailing mitigation projects initiated and completed, progress for ongoing actions, funds received, funds spent, and in-kind services utilized. The report will include a state of the community section that critically evaluates mitigation progress and identifies areas for improvement. Recommendations will be incorporated into the annual renewal of the action plan. An annual survey will be distributed to residents soliciting information on individual mitigation efforts on their own property (e.g., defensible space). 23

24 Responses will be tallied and reviewed at the nearest FireWise Council meeting. Needed actions will be discussed and delegated. Fire Suppression: Quick, effective initial attack is the key to managing wildland fires, fires which are attacked while small can usually be readily contained. If the response is slow or initial attack fails, a wildfire threatening Wynward Pointe Development may quickly develop into a major incident. The fire suppression resources presently available to Wynward Pointe Development are listed below. Response times are estimates and reflect response under ideal conditions. Keowee Fire Department Salem Fire Department Keowee Ebenezer Fire Department Corinth - Shiloh Fire Department Forestry Commission Tractors Oconee Sheriff s Department EMS 6-10 minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes 15 minutes 15 minutes Emergency Action: In every emergency situation, including wildfire suppression, the order of priorities are; life, property, and resources. 1) Reporting the Fire: The first person to detect a wildfire should immediately report the fire to Bluffton ) Keowee Fire Department will most likely be the first response unit to arrive on scene and will notify all other departments or agencies if their services are needed. 3) The Incident Command System will be in effect from the beginning of any wildfire. If it is a significant wildfire event, an Information Officer will be assigned. 4) The 10 Standard Wildland Firefighting orders will be followed at all times on the fire scene. See appendix. 24

25 APPENDIX A Building Materials and Design: A structure s ability to survive a wildfire is directly related to material and design. This is especially significant where fire hazard is high and fire suppression is difficult. Researchers at the US Forest Service Fire Sciences Laboratory in Missoula, MT have studied structure survival on large wildfires around the country. Some of their findings are as follows: 1. Roof materials are the single most important factor in construction. a) Ceramic materials are probably the safest. Some are made to look like wood shakes b) Fiberglass-asphalt shingles were observed melting rather than igniting on a large California fire incident. c) Wood shingles pressure treated with fire retardant may provide some protection for up to five years. Observations indicate that the effective life of the treatment may be as little as eighteen months. Re-treatment by spraying on retardant may be effective for about a year. NOTE: According to researcher Jack Cohen of the US Forest Service Fire Sciences Laboratory in Missoula, MT, in mountain fires that are throwing burning materials:... if you have a wooden roof your house will likely burn regardless of the vegetation around it. 2. Wood siding (T-111) does not ignite readily unless exposed to direct flame. No flammable materials should be allowed within 3 of wood siding. Siding is more likely to ignite when flame is applied to the edges, so no combustibles should be allowed beneath bottom edges of siding. 3. Expanses of glass, especially on down-slop side of homes, can increase vulnerability. a) Use double-paned plate glass. This reduces the amount of heat energy transmitted into the home. If the outside pane breaks from the heat, the second pane still affords some protection. b) Double-paned tempered glass is best; double-paned non-tempered is adequate. c) Pane size is significant. Large windows present greater danger; if a large expanse of glass is used, it is safer to have several smaller panes than one large plate. 4. A clean, simple exterior design is safer in that it minimizes surface exposed to heat and flame. a) Enclose eaves, limit gingerbread trim". b) Avoid designs that include many angles and set-backs in exterior walls. Limit valleys and dormers in roof construction. c) If the house or deck is cantilevered or otherwise overhangs a slope, it is imperative that the underside be sealed or kept immaculately clean of any flammables. Even if support posts are non-flammable they may provide a chimney effect, carrying sparks and flames into the underbelly of the structure. 25

26 Structure density can be significant. For single story homes with 18 roof peaks, there should be a minimum horizontal separation of between homes. Two-story homes should be separated by of horizontal distance. 26

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28 APPENDIX B - LANDSCAPING Homeowners should be encouraged to clear forest fuels immediately adjacent to their homes. In the event of a wildfire, this will prevent direct flame contact with wooden components of the structure. Dead logs should be removed from within 25 of structures. Homeowners should be encouraged to use any suitable deadwood as fireplace fuel, stacking it well away from any structure. Logs not used for fuel should be naturally scattered in adjacent woodland rather than bunched or piled. Brushy vegetation should be cleared within 25 of any structure. Landscaping with highly flammable plant material should be discouraged. Low growing flammable ground cover should be at least 6 from wooden components of homes. Planting beds mulched with pine straw or bark should be avoided within 3 lateral distance from flammable structural components. No tree crowns should be allowed to brush against or overhang the roofs of houses. While crown fires are not common in the area, homeowners may consider thinning trees in their yard so that there is separation between the crowns. This will break the continuity of aerial fuels should a crown fire occur. All homeowners should keep their roofs clear of dead leaves and pine needles. 28

29 APPENDIX C FUEL MITIGATION ZONE A fuel mitigation zone is a specified area of wildland where the fuel has been physically reduced by one or more of the following methods: prescribe burning, mowing, herbicides, thinning and/or firebreak construction. Example of Mowing Before After 29

30 The purpose is to provide a zone of reduced fuels which will cause a high intensity fire that moves across the zone to become less intense. This reduction in a fire s intensity will promote more effective fire fighting efforts and cause a significant reduction in radiant heat that buildings bordering the fuel mitigation zone would be exposed to. The idea is NOT to construct a barren piece of ground which would be visually unpleasing, but to construct an area which still has natural beauty but with less fuel hazard. Problems associated with fuel mitigation zones: Cost of construction varies depending on method used to construct the zone from a Low of $90 per acre to a high of $350 per acre. Since understory vegetation grows at high rates in the Southeastern United States, zones would have to be maintained every three to five years to retain its effectiveness. High probability of multiple landowners involved in the construction of large fuel mitigation zones. Difficulty may arise in getting group cooperation. There may be a lack of consensus by the community at large to establish fuel mitigation zones. Some property owners may oppose the construction of fuel mitigation zones due to the inherent requirement to alter the landscape in this process. These property owners would rather accept the high risks and retain the unaltered looks of the wildland bordering their property. 30

31 APPENDIX D. Wildfire Hazard and Risk Assessment Score Sheet 31

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33 APPENDIX E: 10 STANDARD FIREFIGHTING ORDERS 1. Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts. 2. Know what your fire is doing at all times. 3. Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the fire. 4. Identify escape routes and safety zones, and make them known. 5. Post lookouts when there is possible danger. 6. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively. 7. Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor and adjoining forces. 8. Give clear instructions and insure they are understood. 9. Maintain control of your forces at all times. 10. Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first. 33

34 APPENDIX F: COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLANNING System Design Creation of Community Wildfire Risk Assessment Step 1. Conduct a Community Wildfire Risk Assessment for selected area(s). Risk assessment tools can be found through your local or state forestry division or ordered through the National Fire Protection Agency Web site (search the site for document NFPA 1144). When conducting an assessment, make sure efforts fit in with county and/or state efforts. Include maps, hazardous fuels analysis, wildfire occurrence risk, values at risk, level of preparedness, local firefighting capability, and mitigation recommendations. For communities seeking funding through the National Fire Plan, assign the community a total score of low, moderate, or high risk (in conformance with the Healthy Forests Restoration Act). Living on the Edge Community Leader Workshop Step 2. Gather strategic community stakeholders in an educational workshop and open forum on wildfire protection, the community s fire history, and the findings of the Community Wildfire Risk Assessment. Encourage discussion. Recruit representatives for a Wildfire Mitigation Work Force to be convened as a result of this workshop. How to Have a Firewise Home Homeowner Workshops Step 3. Gather homeowners for educational workshops and open forums on wildfire protection, the community s fire history, and the findings of the Community Wildfire Risk Assessment. Encourage and record discussion. Recruit homeowner representation on the Wildfire Mitigation Work Force. Step 4. Establish a Wildfire Mitigation Work Force with representation from strategic community stakeholders, homeowners, and federal, state, and local fire management, including fire marshals and emergency management representatives. The Wildfire Mitigation Work Force will establish mitigation priorities, identify funding sources, write the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and apply for grants. Wildfire Mitigation Work Force Mitigation Priorities Workshop Step 5. Convene Wildfire Mitigation Work Force to review mitigation recommendations in the Community Wildfire Risk Assessment. Develop consensus on priority mitigation projects and methods. Discuss funding requirements, needs, and sources. Address items required by Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) legislation for a successful Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Step 6. Develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), drawing upon the collaborative efforts of key community leaders and state and federal fire management representatives and meeting the criteria established by HFRA legislation for funding through the National Fire Plan. Community Rep(s) including City/County Commissioners, Homeowner Association Members, Urban Planners, Insurance Agents, Developers, Builders, etc. County and State Structural and Forest/Wildland Fire and Emergency Management Rep(s) Federal Forest/Wildland Fire and Emergency Management Rep(s) 34