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 Long before the
first inhabitants arrived in the Smokey Mountain's there was the
threat of wild fire. Originally the causes were natural such
as lightening strikes. These fires would burn freely
cleaning the forest floor of debris promoting new growth; this was
nature's way of regenerating life. Still today there is the
same threat for wild fire, only now there are communities
intermingled with the mountains creating a wild land urban
interface. The threat of wild fire in the interface will
always remain however it is possible to decrease the threat by
being fire wise. Being fire wise applies to both commercial
and residential properties. A few Fire Wise tips include the
following:
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Keep a
defensible space. This is an area clean of all debris,
underbrush and fuels from around the building preferably at
least 30 feet. This makes it difficult for fires to have
a path to your home.
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Keep the
roof clean. A class A rated roof is best such as asphalt
shingles, meta and tile, along with screened in eves and
vents. Also keep guttering clean of debris. The
roof is the most vulnerable part of a structure during a
wildland fire. Most structures catch fire not by the
fire its self-but by embers blown onto the structure.
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Have
resources available such as a garden hose to protect your home
in case of approaching fire and a leaf blower to remove leaf
litter and debris from around the home. It is important
to have an escape route in case evacuation is needed.
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Remove
and store all fuels away from the structure. Anything
that can burn is a FUEL. Examples are fuel cans, propane
tanks, woodpiles, yard furniture, vehicles and landscaping.
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Consider
using fire wise landscaping, such as rock gardens, water
features and fire resistant plants. Resist using mulches
and pine straws as landscaping against the structures or
having vines or trees growing on or over the structure.
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Make
sure 911 numbers are clearly marked on driveways and homes.
Also keep plant life around the drive way cut back for clearance of larger emergency vehicles.
By following
these fire wise tips the survivability of the structure will
increase without losing the curb appeal.
For any
additional information on making your home, business or community
Fire Wise you can contact:
David Puckett
- Wildland Coordinator at (865) 436-5112 or email him at dpuckett@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us
or contact the Tennessee Department of Forestry.
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