New fires continue to pop up all over Shasta and surrounding counties here in and near Redding, total currently burning land now approaching 100,000 acres. With the ongoing fire-dangerous weather conditions, now is a good time to review how well your home is protected in case fire starts to head your way. The biggest factor: defensible space.
California law now requires 100 feet of defensible space around your house, and whether or not you have it can make all the difference in whether or not your house survives a nearby fire. Here are some things to consider:
Click here for a short video on defensible space from Cal Fire.
California law now requires 100 feet of defensible space around your house, and whether or not you have it can make all the difference in whether or not your house survives a nearby fire. Here are some things to consider:
- Do you currently have tall, dry grass or weeds anywhere near your house?
- Do you have build-up of dry leaves anywhere near your house?
- Do you have dead bushes, or trees with low-hanging branches (less than 6'), or branches that come close to your roof?
- Do you have any flammable materials (papers, cardboard, gasoline containers, etc.) on your porch or near the outside of your house?
- Do you have any dry leaves or other organic material in your gutters?
If you can answer Yes to any of these questions, it's time to touch up the yard. It is also a good idea to have 50' contractor hoses at each corner of your house, so you can easily wet things down should that become necessary. But defensible space is your first priority. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance.
Click here for a short video on defensible space from Cal Fire.