Firewise
Home Design /
New and Existing Home Design
·
Site Suitability
The location
of a structure will influence the intensity and duration of the
fire to which it is exposed. The surrounding topography and vegetation
characteristics directly affect how fire will react and burn.
When choosing
a suitable site for a new Firewise home, be sure to consider the
slope of the terrain. Build on the most level portion of the property
because fire spreads rapidly and with more intensity up slopes,
even minor slopes. Be sure to set your new home at least 30 feet
back away from any ridge or cliff to avoid the problem of a fire
moving up the ridge or cliff and into your exposed home. For homes
higher than one story, provide more room to the edge of the cliff.
Site
suitability is also affected by natural vegetation. When beginning
the design process, consider placing your house where the natural
vegetation offers the best fire protection. Place your home near
naturally fire resistive vegetation such as an aspen grove.
·
Construction Materials
When remodeling
or designing your Firewise structure, remember that the primary
goals are fuel and exposure reduction. To accomplish this, use
construction materials that are fire-resistive or non-combustible
whenever possible.
For roof construction,
consider using metal, cement or slate products, or class-A asphalt
shingles. Constructing a fire-resistive sub-roof can add protection
as well. Never use wood shingles because this greatly increases
the risk of a fire ember and igniting the roof.
The exterior
of the house should be constructed of fire resistive materials such
as stucco or masonry. These materials are much more heat-resistive
than vinyl, which can soften and melt when exposed to fire.
Consider both
the size and material in windows. Smaller windows let less radiant
heat into the house than larger windows. Double pane glass and
tempered glass are more effective at reflecting heat than single
pane glass windows are.
To prevent sparks
from entering your home through vents, cover exterior attic vents
with wire mesh no larger than 1/8 of an inch. Fire embers can collect
in wind eddies under the eaves of your house, which can easily set
your house on fire. Be sure to box in eaves, but provide adequate
ventilation to prevent condensation in the attic.
The underside
of decks attached to the house can provide a place for dry grass
or sparks to ignite the house on fire. Be sure to skirt wood decks
with non-flammable siding backed by wire screen. This will not
only prevent a potential fire ignition source, but it will also
keep animals out from under the deck.
·
Utilities Access
Utilities may
need to be turned off in the event of an evacuation. Be sure to
allow clear access to the utilities and that the shut-off valves
are clearly marked.
·
Propane Tanks
Propane Tanks
should be stored at least 30 feet away from the house. If a wildfire
spreads to the tank, it may explode. Be sure to remove all flammable
material such as grass and shrubs within 15 feet of the LPG tank.
·
Firewood
Firewood stacks
can provide an easy path for fire to follow into the house. A stack
of firewood can sustain fire for long periods of time. Firewood
should be stacked at least 30 feet from the house. Try to stack
it on the uphill side of the house or on a contour away from the
house.
·
Outbuildings
Outbuildings
can also provide a heat source for an extended period of time. Be
sure that the outbuilding cannot provide a means of ignition to
the house. Use Firewise construction materials that are fire-resistive
or non-combustible to build outbuildings.
·
Access
Often roads
and driveways in rural areas are steep, narrow, overgrown with flammable
vegetation, and provide no opportunities for vehicles to pass or
turn around. Not only does a well maintained and designed road
provide for quicker and safer fire department access, but it also
allows the homeowner better access to the house; and a quicker means
of egress if an evacuation is ordered.
Be sure the
name of your road is clearly marked and easily identifiable to responding
fire trucks. Also, make sure that your house number is clearly
posted. This will ensure they can find your home in an emergency.
Keep your driveways
as short as possible, but also keep in mind that a large fire truck
must be able to drive up the driveway. Do not make the driveway
so steep as to prevent the fire truck access. Also, make sure to
have plenty of room for a fire truck to turn around at the end of
the road. If your driveway is longer than 150’ then be sure to
provide driveway turnouts to allow traffic to pass each other.
Clear the vegetation
back at least 15 feet from the driveway. Prune large trees at least
15 feet high. Remove all limbs and branches that might inhibit
fire department access.
Provide for
at least two ways in and out of your property. That way if one
road is blocked by fire, there will always be a secondary egress
route available.
Bridges should
be designed with heavy fire trucks in mind. Provide enough structural
support to allow a fire truck to cross the bridge. The load limits
for the bridge should be posted at both entrances of the bridge
as well.
· Water
Supply
Fire department
water supply is an integral part of home fire protection in rural
areas. In remote subdivisions, water for refilling fire trucks
is often unavailable which forces firefighters to return to town
to refill their water supply. If your water comes from a well,
it may be incapable of providing enough water for fire suppression
efforts. Consider installing an emergency water supply that meets
fire department standards. A permanent water source such as a cistern
or underground water storage tank (dry hydrant) will greatly increase
your home’s defensible capabilities against wildland fires.
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