The outbreak of accidental fires has become more probable with increases in population and vehicular traffic in rural areas. Surface fuels such as wood, logs, dry grass and shrubs have made properties more vulnerable to damage.
After the Great Fire in 1910, massive measures were taken across the country to curtail fires. As a result, large quantities of fuel gathered, invasive species spread and even seasonal growing patterns were altered. The regular occurrence of various kinds of fires owing to natural and manmade factors has created in its wake extensive expenditure on various remedial activities.
Direct Costs
- Mitigation Efforts
- Evacuation
- Loss of assets and property
- Insurance
- Recovery and Restoration
Indirect Costs
- Risk to life and property
- Damage to cultural and heritage sites
- Leisure
- Wildlife
- Aesthetics
- Soil erosion
- Air and water quality
Limitations in Rural Areas
Proactive strategies that counter fire incidents are all the more important in rural localities. This is because a number of factors in the countryside pose challenges to implementing effective fire mitigation measures.
- Firefighting departments in the countryside are largely manned by volunteers.
- It can take longer to respond to emergencies as the entire fleet of firefighters is not always available 24/7.
- Supplies and equipment are limited in rural regions.
- The location of the fire accident may not be easily accessible due to narrow dirt and gravel roads and low end bridges with weight limitations.
Fire Mitigation Measures
There are many things that local citizens can do both individually and collectively as a community to complement the fire department’s efforts during emergencies.
Street Signs
Since fire departments from even neighboring jurisdictions assist the impacted location during emergencies, clearly marked and reliable signs and addresses are essential.
- Street signs and addresses should be at least four inches tall with at least a 150 feet radius of visibility.
- Fire resistant materials such as metal should be used to make signs.
- The property should have a unique address that is easy to trace and find.
- Address signs should be posted at every turn leading to the property if its location is off the main street or road.
Roads
Easy access to the property is a crucial factor while responding to a fire incident. This is because even a few minutes gained can make a world of difference.
- Roads and bridges should be strong enough to withstand the weight of a fully loaded fire engine.
- Roads should be well maintained without potholes and washed out areas.
- Roads leading to your property should be broad with at least two ten feet wide traffic lanes.
- Dead ends should have spacious turnaround areas that allow fire engines to back out with ease.
Water Supply
It is crucial to make comprehensive arrangements that ensure a reliable supply of water while combating fire incidents. Many rural areas now have a large and common water system with adequate storage capacities that meet the needs of firefighters.
- Always have a backup storage supply of 2500 gallons of water.
- Build an emergency water storage facility that harnesses water from nearby water bodies such as lakes, ponds, cisterns and tanks.
- Make sure the emergency water supply, especially the outlet valve, is easily visible to and accessible by firefighters.
- Install a gasoline powered generator as a backup during power failures.
Defensible Space
Wildfires can be curbed to a large extent by creating defensible spaces around the property. Also known as firescaping, this technique involves breaking up the continuity of the surrounding vegetation. This staggers the supply of fuel to the approaching fire, reducing its intensity and thereby mitigating the impact of the damage caused.
Defensible space dimensions depend on the physical characteristics of your property’s location and the type of vegetation that typically grows there.
- Remove all flammable vegetation for about 15 feet surrounding the property.
- Remove ladder fuels such as tall grasses, shrubs, and tree branches from the premises.
- Trim vegetation and grass growth on a regular basis.
- Ensure roofs and roof gutters are devoid of leaves, debris and dead branches.
- Firewood should be stored at a safe distance from the property.
- Keep the areas around grills, burn barrels and propane tanks free of all vegetation for at least ten feet.
- Keep LPG tanks isolated and at a safe distance, with at least ten feet of its surrounding area free of all vegetation.
- Flammable material such as chemicals, fuel and lumber should never be kept in the open.
Burning Wastes
- Avoid burning outdoors when the weather is conducive to fire outbreaks. This includes warm temperatures, windy conditions and low humidity.
- Always use metal or steel barrels for burning. Use an area that is free of vegetation.
- Constantly keep vigil while burning debris until the fire has been completely extinguished.
- Check with your local authorities on dos, don’ts and other regulations in the area before burning waste and residual substances outdoors.