Wildland Fire is a naturally occurring event that will happen at some
point in
time. All property owners should take steps to mitigate for
this event
by
creating “defensible space” zones around your home.
Wildland Fire Mitigation Grand County Division of Natural Resources in conjunction with the Colorado State Forest Service encourages all property owners to practice “FireWise” techniques for home construction and creating defensible space on your property. Wildfire hazards exist on most forested homesites. Many hazards can be reduced to acceptable levels by following these fire safety guidelines:
1. Thin out continuous tree and brush cover within 30 feet of your house and structures. Adequate thinning is reached in the 30 foot defensible space when the outer edge of tree crowns are at least 10 to 12 feet apart. If your home is on a slope, enlarge the defensible space, especially on the downhill side.
2. Dispose of all slash and debris left from the thinning in accordance with the Grand County Burn Plan, lop and scatter (cut debris into small pieces and disperse over area to accelerate decomposition), chip or haul to a disposal site.
3. Remove dead limbs, leaves and other ground litter within the defensible space.
4. Stack firewood uphill and at least 15 feet from your home.
5. Maintain a greenbelt immediately around your home using grass, flower gardens or ornamental shrubbery. An alternative is rock or other non-combustible material. 6. Mow dry grasses/forbs to a height of 2” or less. |
