Wildfires

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

Wildfires

Fire season has come blazin’ back this year and with that we wanted to jump in and do our part to help ready our online community with some helpful pointers. That way, you can rest assured in knowing that you’re ‘as prepared as possible’ if it ever comes down to it.   

As a Fire & Water Restoration Company who works in people’s homes and offices following fire damage, we hear all the time, “If I had only been prepared…” or “I never would have thought this would happen to me.” We wanted to pass along some practical preventive tips we picked up from The National Interagency Fire Center, a frontrunner in wildfire preparation.

The roof and exterior structure of your dwelling should be constructed of non-combustible or fire resistant materials such as fire resistant roofing materials, tile, slate, sheet iron, aluminum, brick, or stone. Wood siding, cedar shakes, exterior wood paneling, and other highly combustible materials should be treated with fire retardant chemicals.

1. Maintain a Survivable Space - "Things You Can Do Today"

• Clean roof surfaces and gutters of pine needles, leaves, branches, etc., regularly to avoid accumulation of flammable materials.
• Remove portions of any tree extending within 10 feet of the flue opening of any stove or chimney.
• Landscape vegetation should be spaced so that fire cannot be carried to the structure or surrounding vegetation.
• A fuel break should be maintained around all structures.
• Dispose of stove or fireplace ashes and charcoal briquettes only after soaking them in a metal pail of water.
• Propane tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire. Keep area clear of flammable vegetation.
• All combustibles such as firewood, picnic tables, boats, etc. should be kept away from structures.
• Garden hose should be connected to an outlet.
• Addressing should be indicated at all intersections and on structures.
• Each home should have at least two different entrance and exit routes.

To learn more on the topic of Fire Preparedness and Prevention in California, visit the Cal Fire’s website for further resources – http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Hardening-Your-Home/

In case of disaster contact SERVPRO of Burbank at  - (818) 842-1400