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Homeowners: Protect Your Homes From Wildfires |
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Friday, 02 November 2007 |
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Serious wildfires often leapfrog through neighborhoods,
leaving some homes untouched alongside others that have been reduced to rubble.
University of California scientists have found that this familiar sight is not
entirely random. "You can
do a lot to protect your house from a wildfire," said Stephen Quarles, the
UC Cooperative Extension advisor.
Beginning in 2008, new construction will be required to have increased fire
safety measures built in, but Quarles said owners of existing homes may also
wish to consider making changes to improve their homes’ resistance to wildfire.
He says the roof is the most vulnerable part of the house in a fire.
Ignition-resistant “Class
A” and non-combustible roofs – such as concrete tile and asphalt composition
shingles – have become the norm in California.
Nevertheless, there are still many older homes that do
not have Class A roofs. Next, keep fire
from entering the home through vents. Quarles also says to make
sure vents are screened and checked frequently to make sure there is no buildup
of combustible dry leaves and pine needles. Landscaping is next on the list. “Any plants near a house should be pruned,
regularly watered and kept free of dead material,” Quarles said. Trees and shrubs farther away from
the home can serve as buffers against radiation and flying embers. Dual-pane
windows with tempered glass are most fire resistant. Tempered glass is much
stronger than regular glass, so it provides more protection from breaking.
Decks also deserve attention for
reducing the fire hazards -- homeowners need to keep decks cleaned of
combustible debris.Detailed information on fire protection
for your home is available from the University of California Cooperative
Extension. Quarles said he expects new fire resistant decking
products to come on the market when the 2008 building code goes into effect.
Quarles acknowledges that replacing deck boards can be expensive, but, he says,
“It may be one of the best investments you can make.” And finally, a wide array
of non-combustible sidings – such as stucco or fiber-cement siding are
available. There are many other areas where measures may be taken to keep the
house safer in a fire, such as fences, garages and gutters.
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