Building in the Woods? What You Can do to Reduce the Threat of Your Home Being Damaged or Destroyed by Wildfire
Each year 1000's of home are damaged or destroyed by raging wildfires throughout the US - and even in Minnesota. Take a minute to look around your existing home or on the site of your new home, and then answer this question: Would My Home Survive a Wildfire? Most Firewise activities are best accomplished while you are preparing your land for your home BEFORE it is built or remodeled.
1. Access Be sure to provide adequate access to your property for emergency vehicles. You need a driveway with a minimum width of 12 feet and 14 feet overhead clearance. You also need a turn-around near the home so trucks can get in and get out.
2. Landscape Create a Lean, Clean and Green defensible space of at least 30 feet around your home and other important buildings. Mow grass, thin trees (especially evergreen types) and cut back brush. Reduce the fuel between the woods and your home so fire cannot easily spread. Make sure there is a safe "defensible space" for firefighters to protect your home. Prune up the lower branches on evergreens at least 8 feet to reduce the chance of fire climbing from the ground up into the tree. If you heat with wood, store your woodpile at least 30 feet from your home.
3. Building Materials Whether you are building new or remodeling, use building materials that are fire resistant. If you are building in a high hazard wildfire area, use Class A roofing materials, stucco or metal siding, and screen under all decks.
	4. Burning Practices All outdoor burning, except for a recreational campfire, requires a burning permit in Minnesota. Fires escaping these brush piles or burn barrels are the biggest single source of wildfires in Minnesota. Consider an alternative to burning such as composting or hauling the material to a community brush collection site. If you need to burn, plan to burn when everything is green or when the ground is snow covered.
For More Information, Visit the Website: www.dnr.state.mn.us/firewise, Or Call 1-888-MINNDNR to Request your free FireWise Homeowner’s Kit
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