Some easy Fall projects to protect your home from wildfire: Clean your roof and gutters of leaves and pine needles. Trim all tree branches that overhang your house. Clear dead wood and dense flammable vegetation from your home's defensible space, an area within thirty feet of your home. Rake the leaves from the defensible space and then compost them. Have a Firewise assessment done. Information on Firewise including free home assessments is available from Cheryl Walimaa, Cook County FireWise at 387-3642.