Buying a Forest Home with Defensible Space for Fires

Last winter, we discussed things to consider when buying a home in snow country. With the approach of summer, it is appropriate to consider the threat of forest fires to your property. As emphasized by the recent Angora Fire in South Lake Tahoe, California, homes with defensible space are more likely to survive a fire and to receive protection from firefighters. Homes without defensible space must sometimes be abandoned to the flames in order to give first priority to the lives of emergency workers. What should you look for when buying a forested home?

Defensible space can be broken down into three zones. The first zone is fifteen feet around the structure. This area should be free of highly flammable plants, especially trees. Three to five feet around the foundation and underneath any decking, it is best to place decorative rock or gravel instead of shrubs. Speaking of decks, they are often the culprits when a house burns down. While they are beautiful and add additional space for entertaining, they should not be used for storage of flammables and the risk they present to protecting your home should be evaluated.

Any trees in the first zone should be considered part of the house and the first fifteen feet should extend out and around them. Siding or walls should preferably be non-flammable. Wood siding increases the need to keep vegetation away from the house. Firewood should never be stacked near the house, but should be kept outside of zone one. It should also be placed on a level or uphill from the house.

The second zone extends from fifteen feet to one hundred feet around your home, if the property is that large. Trees here should be pruned so that their canopies are at least ten feet apart. Trees on a slope need to be pruned farther apart. All trees should be pruned regularly to remove dead limbs and to keep the tree healthy. Dead trees should be removed from this area. Grasses should be limited to eight inches in height and dead grasses should be cleared from the property before winter. Propane tanks are in this zone and should always be kept a minimum of thirty feet from the house.

The third zone is the most natural zone and extends from one hundred feet to the property line. Trees should still be maintained for health and some propose that you need leave no more than two dead trees per acre for wildlife. Woody debris should not be allowed to accumulate excessively.

A final item of importance is to note the composition of the roof. In addition to defensible space, the roof is the other greatest factor in determining whether your house will survive a wildfire. While fire resistant wood and shake shingles can be purchased, it is generally recommended to go with other roofing materials. There are many different types of options that are handsome and fire retardant.

Your home in a forest can be a lush, rejuvenating space. Without consideration for wildfire, however, it can all go up in smoke. Looking for defensible space and fire-resistant wall and roofing materials could save you heartache in the event of a forest fire. For more detailed information and further reading, check out this Colorado State website.