|
Alabama Forestry Commission
Publications |
|
|
|
 |
50 Ways to Protect Your Woodland Home from Wildfire
Wildfires occur regularly in Alabama. Whether started by humans or
by lightning, they are part of a natural cycle that helps to
maintain the health of our forests.
Alabama is experiencing a movement of population from cities and
towns into forestland and remote areas. Woodland homeowners must
address the dangers that exist around them, particularly wildfire.
This guide contains suggestions and recommendations based on
professional judgment, experience, and research. It is intended to
serve as a guide to help you protect your most valuable assets –
your family and your home.
If you live in the Wildland/Urban interface and would like a free consultation,
complete
and submit the attached
questionnaire.
|
|
|
|
 |
Five Ways to Protect Your Forestland from Wildfire
Damages to your timberland from wildfire can be devastating to your
forests and wildlife. A single wildfire during the wrong set of
conditions can wipe out years of investment in your trees. Here are
five ways you can become proactive in wildfire protection. |
|
|
|
 |
Is Your Home Protected From Wildfire?
The
threat from wildfire is very real and there are no guarantees that
there is the capability to protect all homes. However, by taking the
personal responsibility for reducing hazards around your property,
you may substantially reduce the risks from a wildfire. It is
critical to make those changes before a fire becomes a threat to
you, your family, your home and other structures!
|
| |
|
 |
Free Fire Risk
Assessment Consultation
You can reduce risks of
wildfires damaging your home by implementing a few simple prevention
measures. It is important to make those changes before a fire
starts! The Alabama Forestry Commission wants to help you. This is a
free service and there are no requirements that you complete any of
our recommendations.
If you live in the Wildland/Urban interface and would like a free consultation, complete
and submit the attached
questionnaire. |
| |
|
 |
Living with Fire
Our ability to live more safely in this environment depends on
"pre-fire" activities. Research shows by being proactive before a
wildfire occurs, you have a better chance of saving lives and
property from wildfire. This publication is provided to help you
(homeowners, firefighters and the general public)identify numerous
activities that will help you con-exist more safely with
wildfire. Our ability to live more safely in this environment depends
on "pre-fire" activities. Research shows by being proactive before a
wildfire occurs, you have a better chance of saving lives and
property from wildfire. This publication is provided to help you
(homeowners, firefighters and the general public)identify numerous
activities that will help you con-exist more safely with wildfire. |
| |
Additional Publications
|
| |
 |
Are You Prepared for a
Wildfire
|
|
Wildfires often begin
unnoticed. They spread
quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes.
Reduce your risk by
preparing now-before
wildfire strikes. Meet with
your family to decide what
to do and where to go if
wildfires threaten your
area. Follow the steps
listed in this brochure to
protect your family, home
and property. |
|
| |
|
 |
FIREWISE Homeowners Guide to
Protection
Wildfires occur regularly. Whether
started by humans or by lightning,
they are part of a natural cycle
that helps to maintain the health of
our forests. Today, more than ever,
people are
moving into remote areas, with the
desire to "get back to nature,"
without addressing the dangers that
exist around them. A tremendous
wildfire danger exists where homes
blend together with the wildland,
creating the wildland/urban
interface. The addition of homes
there interrupts the natural cycle
of wildfires. Ultimately, this
contributes to a dangerous
build-up of old vegetation, leading
to an uncontrollable wildfire. |
| |
|
 |
FIREWISE Landscape
Considerations
A well-maintained landscape can
not only enhance the beauty and
value of any property— it can also
serve as a fuel break. Under the
right conditions, a “Firewise” home
can even survive a wildfire. The
goal is to keep your landscape lean,
clean and green. If water is scarce,
contact a landscape specialist to
discuss plants that require less
irrigation and are native to your
area. |
| |
|
 |
FIREWISE Landscape Checklist
There
are several things you should
consider when constructing,
renovating, or adding to a firewise
home. This one page brochure is a checklist of items to keep in
mind. |
| |
|
 |
Creating an area of defensible space
is one of the most important
actions. Defensible space is defined
as an area of modified vegetation
between natural areas (e.g.,
woodlands) and homes that breaks up
the continuity of plants and allows
firefighters to protect the home or,
in absence of firefighters, allows
the home to better survive on its
own. Recommendations for defensible
space suggest maintaining an area
extending at least 30 feet outward
from a house with plants
that are low in flammability
(referred to as firewise plants). |
| |
|
 |
Did you know you can select
shrubs based on their flammability? Researchers at the USDA Forest
Service, University of Florida, and the National Institute of
Standards and Technology have developed flammability categories to
indicate how easily and intensely a shrub will burn.
|
| |
|
 |
Living in the wildland-urban
interface (where your home is near or surrounded by natural
vegetation) provides a great opportunity for you to enjoy outdoor
scenery, such as the
natural backdrop of a surrounding forest. Landscaping your yard
allows you to enrich the natural scenery and enjoy your favorite
flowers and foliage with attractive shrubs and groundcovers.
Colorful flowering plants can also attract wildlife, enhancing the
outdoor experience. However, in areas with moderate to high risk of
wildfire, this same vegetation may provide fuel and make your home
vulnerable. Plan your landscape to lower your risk of losing your
home to wildfire and maintain a beautiful, wildlife-friendly yard. This illustrated
guide can help you select shrubs for your landscape, particularly
for homes in the southern United States. |
| |
|
 |
Wildfire Risk Assessment Guide for
Homeowners in the Southern United
States
Published by University of
Florida - Funded by the National
Fire Plan (pdf)
Risk assessment
allows homeowners to evaluate their
particular exposure to fire as well
as the critical factors that
increase their risk. This guide will
help you determine your risk and
how to reduce it. |
| |
|
Additional
Resources: |
|
|
USDA
Forest Service - Southern Region - Wildfire Prevention and Wildland
Urban Interface |
| |
| |