Many homes and buildings are adjacent to woodlands and parks, which provide beautiful views and peaceful settings. But wildfire risk can be especially high in this “wildland-urban interface,” where the built environment blends with natural landscapes.
Viewer Tip: You can protect your home from wildfire by reducing the amount of flammable material between your home and a natural area. An easy way to do this is to think of your property in zones:
- Zone 1 is closest to your home and extends at least 30 feet out. This zone should be well-irrigated and planted with native plants that are well-adjusted to your climate.
Learn more about each zone and find additional tips for protecting your home property from the Firewise Program: www.firewise.org/Information/Who-is-this-for/Homeowners.aspx. And for more weather and environment tips, visit Earth Gauge!
(Source: National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Protection Program. “Fire Hazard Assessment in the Wildland/Urban Interface.”; Firewise. “Is Your Home Protected from Wildfire Disaster?”; Image courtesy of Kentucky’s Division of Forestry.)